The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1895-02-09
JOHN /. srEvxss DEAD.
The Patriot who Hoisted the American
Flag Over Hawaii
Augusta, Me. Feb. s.--John L. Stevens.
ex-ministcr TO Hawaii. is dead.

John L. Stevens name viii never be
forgotten, because ne acted the part of
true American during the troubles that
led TO the overthrow OF the Hawaiian
monarchy. On January II, 1893, the Ha-
waiian legislature was prorcgued and
Queen Liliuokaiani at once signed the lot
terry bin. passed for the benefit OF the in
famous Louisiana Lottery Company. Min
lister Stevens denounced the act as d.
rect attack on the United States govern
ment. The queen having threatened TO
set aside the constitution. her ministers
prevailed on her not TO do SO, but they
could NOT trust her. and the committee OF
safety was formed That committee re-
qucs;ed that troops be landed from the
warship Boston. In the iarbor. for the
protection OF American citizens. Minister
stevens gave the necessary orders, and a
detachment of 100 marines were landed
After The troops had been landed the COM
mittee of safety, the queens minister of
foreign affairs and the governor OF the
island requested that the troops be sent
back 10 the ship. Stevens refused and
gave all persons TO understand that the
troops We're landed to protect the lives OF
Americans. rot 70 build up or tear down
the government. Meanwhile the royalists
were plotting revolution. On January
II the committee OF safety met and de-
ciared the monarchy ahrogated and a
provisional government formed to exist
until the United States annexed the ISL
ands. The committee OF safety took pos
session OF the government buildings. and
the dc facto government was promptly
recognized by Minister Stevens. the
French. Portuguese. British and Japanese
ministers doing the same thing soon after.
On February Minister Stevens and Capt.
wiltse established prctectora.e over the
Hawaiian islands. hosting the American
nag. The Harrison administration made
haste TO dissvow Minister Stevens action
in regard 70 the proteetorate, but che
American nag vas kept flying and troops
stationed on shore until the Cleveland
administration took charge OF the Ameri-
can government. President Cleveland. on
assuming office. al once set about 10 re-
store the queen. ard 20 this object he has
coEseeratea his life unto this aay. The
haulfng down az the American flag by the
ex-Canfeferats Hiaunt; the shameful
abuse OF ex-Ainsster Stevens by President
Cleveland AMI ether Democrats leaders.
and the cunning S-saets OF the American
president and secretary OF state 70 over
throw the struggling republic 81 Hawaii.
are well remembered BY she American
people. and constitute a disgrarefui chap
ter in our history. Minister Stevens was
removed In May. 1854 and returned home
10 confront ard confuse big aefamers AZ
the first opportunity. on November g. 1874.
the people OF this country expressed their
approval u Minister Stevens uatrsotlc ac-
ton. Capt. wIltse. OF The Boston. disi
soon after hrs return 20 America. bn; Mr.
Stevens lived 20 see the Hawaiian rspub-
lie ti-n7lY established. and sure az annexa-
tion 30 the Tinted States on the resurn
81 the Republican party 20 rower In 1901.