The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1894-01-12

Today he talked freely, The
u criticism which has been current,
to the effect that the attack upon the
diplomatic policy OF the Harrison ad-
ministration by this is unprecedented,
was answered by Mr.. Blount in char
acteristic fashion
1T is all nonsense, said he, ito say
that one administration is bound by
the wrong acts of its predecessor in in
ternational affairs. tis plainly not 50.
An administration is perfectly free to
criticise any act of its predecessor,
whether diplomatic or otherwise, We
constantly see the conduct of foreign
affairs by European countries criticised
by the opposing party in all except des.
potism.
Il believe that the foreign affairs Of
country should not only DO discussed
freely that all the facts may be brought
out, but should be the subject of parti-
san action. We had party lines drawn
in this country on the annexation Of
Texas, and there is no sound reason to
expect anything but partisan action in
regard to Hawaii. But | do not con-
slider that the action of this admins
tration in discrsditing Mr.. Stevens
acts is an attack on President Harri-
sons administration. 1t is not shown
that President Harrison would havs
indorsed his minister's action had he
known the facts. Even President Clova.
land did not know all the facts until
my report was submitted.
STATUS OF PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT.
In speaking of the status of the pro-
Visional government. Colonel Blount
said: THE members Of the provisional
government must recognize the desper-
ate character Of their case. They know
perfectly well that it was intended as
a bridge to carry them over into the
United States. But annexation did not
come. They know perfectly we'll that
their government could not possibly
last if submitted to popular decision.
They have taken the leap and realize
perfectly well that they have got to
land somewhere, and the question is
where do they propose TO land?
II have been living quietly on my
Georgia plantations, concluded Colo
mel Blount, land while have seen the
papers have not paid special at.
tention to the progress Of Hawaiian
matters, have not even seen printed
copy of my report. None was sent me,
though | suppose that one will reach
me in the course of time feel some
interest in it so far as to see whether
ali of my statements have been cor
rectly printed. had no prejudices in
the matter, and went over there merely
to get at the truth.
BLoUNT BEFORE THE PRoBERs.
Later in the day, before the senate
probing committee, Blount told anew
the story Of his mission to Hawaii. The
trip to the islands on the Rush. the
landing in Honolulu on March 20 and
Mr.. Blount's reception by the people on
on both sides of the question were
passed over almost without mention, as
was the fact that both the Annexation.
ists and the Royalists we're apparently
exceedingly anxious to make his stay
as pleasant as possible. The decision
to have the American ensign taken
down and the American soldiers re-
turned to the man.of-war was
next revived. Mr. Blount said
that he had found the islands
and the government entirely under the
control or protection of the United
States troops The American flag
foated over the government building
in which the officers of the provisional
government conducted their business
Everywhere was noticed the influence
of this country upon the people of the
islands. 1t was evident, Mr.. Blount
said, that it would be difficult to Sc
cure an impartial account, or opinions
uninfuenced by the surroundings, as
long as this state of affairs continued.
Consequently he decided on March
81, two days after his arrival, that, in
accordance with the spirit OF his in
structions, and in the interest of fair
play, the flag should be taken down
and the American troops removed. OF
this decision he informed President
Dole, and on the following day April
/, ended the temporary protectorate
and had the flag lowered. This pro-
ceeding he defended as within the
scope Of his mission and as an entirely
proper proceeding under the circum-
stances. The subsequent events, he
said. proved that the presence of the
American troops was not necessary to
preserve order or protect the life and
property of either Americans or ma
tives.