New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-03-11
BLOUNTs NAVAL AUTHORITY.
REASONS AND PREcEDEYTs GIVEN BY sEcRE-
TARY HERBERT

REASONS AND PltENLDENIS ID Oi'E' % "'@
TARY HERBERT.
Washington March 1O-When the House met this
morning the Speaker laid before 1t the reply OF
Secretary Herbert 10 the resolution OF Representa-
tive Boutelle Qsep., Me) calling for Information
as 20 the authority Cor pacing the United states
naval forces in Honolulu under the contro. OF Com
missioner Blount The communication was referred
to the Committee on Naval Affairs without fuI-
ther action.
The answer is of considerable length and gives
seven precedents where the forces OF the United
States were similarly placed under the control or
special agents Of the President. Tne Secretary
says the flag Of the United States was over the
public buildings OF a country with which We were
at peace. and the naval forces had been landed
Under the circumstances in view Of the renotcness
of the Hawaiian Islands, 1t essential that no
conflict of authority should arise, and that the
forces should be employed In harmony win ana
in support Of the policy OF the diplomatic branch
of this Government. Therefore Admiral Skerrett
was directed 10 consult freely with Mr.. Biount anu
to carry out his instructions. He continues:
deem IL TO be at all times the duty OF the naval
forces OF the United States. In matters anectn6 y.
and In the fullest cooperation WITH the poncy % %
the civil branch Of the Government ana ana no' no oc ~
cordance with the letter and spirit OF such genera
or special orders as may De Sueu e TO reort 70 do
SO In cases Of special exgency by circumstances Oh
such gravity ana urgence as to admit Of no delay
II the observance Of this general principle Is IN,
cumbent upon the naval forces Of the United
states in their relations with our diplomatic repre-
sentatlyes In foreign countries under ordinary CIR
cumstances II becomes particularly important upon
occasions when direct representative OF tie
President. charged with duties OF a COMPROMISING
delicate and confidential character, Is sent abroad
Believing that action taken by the Depart
ynent In its order Of March ii, 1893, was not only
y.roper and necessary in order 20 preclude the
nossbjll.y OF any understanding or conflict OF au-
sbcrifv Which might have resulted In serious en-
ha rrasxsment TO American interests. and furtnei,
ina. such action WAS in harmony with established
,,recedent have state in response 10 the direct
as to INV authority for Issuing the order In ques,
zion that said order was issued by authority on
The pregiden who. by constitutional PROVISION, u
,nsde Commando r-in-Chief OF the Army ana Navy
OF se nrecedents mentioned by Secretary Her
hert are orders issued by his predecessors lne
TTrst dated April s. 1923, was to John Gallagher
corn,nanding the United states brig Enterprise.
dSrncr1ng him to proceed to Porto RICO TO pr0tec,
3rerscsn vessels and citizens from Illegal seizure
Nv Spanish mariners under whatever nag, and 70
reee1,iate his operations by the advice OF Tnomas
Jandaii agent Of the Government. wno was 10 ps
taken on board the Enterprise at New-fork ana
handed at Porto Rico -. ...o.
Anotber letter dated sixteen days later instructed
the commander, under the advice and appreciation
Dressed" by John Quincy Adams. then secretary
The third Is to Commander Perry advising him
tbsa The President had directed Nicholas r. Trtst
ESQ OF the state Department, to proceed 70 tne
Ssadouarters Of the army or 20 the eQuanront as
~ ahould deem most convenient" that MI rr1st
"a "ciothed with such diplomatic power as 70
cathurixs him to enter into srranasmsnts WAN <ne