The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1898-08-23
HAWA[rS ADOPTION.
Impressive Ceremonies at the For
NAL Transfer Of the Islands.
HAWAIIAN FLAG HAULED DOWN,
And the Stars ana Stripes Hoisted
Over the Government Buildings,
Greeted by the Enthusiastic Plau-
dts of Our New Citizens.

<Ahu SHo othTs auO SITlpeS h1OiStou
Over the Government Buildings,
Greeted by the Enthusiastic Plau-
dts of Our New Citizens.
San Francisco. Aug. 23.-The steamer
BeIgic last evening brought the fol-
lowing:
Honolulu, Aug. 23.-Precisely at 8
minutes to IL o'clock today the Ha-
wailan flag descended from the flag
staffs on all the government buildings,
and exactly at five minutes to the same
hour the Stars and Stripes noated on
the tropical breezes from every official
Flagstaff.
The ceremony was most impressive
one. To hear the strains of Hawaii
Ponoi" for the last time as a national
anthem: to hear the bugle blow tops
as the Hawaiian ensign sank from its
position. end to notice the emotion Of
many who had been born under 1t and
had lived their lives under 1t was SOL
emn. But then came the bugle call
for the raising of "Oh Glory" and the
strains Of The Star spang!cd Banper"
broke forth as that banner was unfurl-
ed 10 the breeze. Then the cheers
broke forth. and eyes that had been
dim for a few minutes became bright
when the Stars and Stripes blew out.
The picture presented In and around
the executive building was most strik-
ing. In the grounds and around all
the approaches were crowds Of onlook-
ers of varied nationality. Notably re-
markable was the number of Hawaii
ans. Within the grounds the military
and naval display was fine. Hawaii
an troops. United States marines, the
mounted patrol, the police and the
citizens guard presented splendid
appearance. while the platform for the
exercises and the verandas Of the exec
utive building were gay with brilliant
summer dresses, dancing feathers and
ribbons. The uniforms of staff and
naval officers added brilliancy to 'he
scene.
The ceremonies began with the de-
parture Of the First regiment of the
national guard of Hawaii from their
drill shed. The parade was headed
by a detachment of 26 police. Then
came the Hawaiian band and the drum
corps. The regiment marched to the
boat landing to escort the troops from
the Philadelphia and Mohican, which
were already drawn up on shore. The
United States forces were commanded
by Lieutenant Commander Stevens
and consisted of one company of ma
rines and two of blue jackets from the
Philadelphia, a company of blue jack
cts from the Mohcan and an artillery
detachment of two guns and AZ men.
AS they marched to the executive
building the United States troops
were stretched across the avenue in
double files. the marines being in front.
The detail of men in charge of rails
ing the American flag was in command
of ]. Ward. coxswain of the admirar5
barge. The flag itself was in charge
of G. H. Platt, gunner's mate of the
Philadelphia. and r. Winters, boat
swain's mate of the Mohlcan. These
are the men who actually raised the
Stars and Stripes over Hawaii
There was short pause, and then
the admiral nodded to Lieutenant
Winterhalter. who gave the order:
"Colors, roll off," the flag ships band
struck up "The Star Spangled Banner"
and as the Stars and Stripes slowly as
cended there was breathless suspense.
But as 1t reached the top cheers broke
forth from the crowds below, and sa-
lutes of 21 guns were again fired by the
Hawaiian battery and the Philadelphia.
A few minutes after the hoisting of
the official flag, others were raised from
the two side towers and the military
headquarters.
Minister Sewall then read a procla-
nation stating that President Mckinley
directs that the civil. judicial and mill
tary powers of the government shall
continue to be exercised by the office
OF the republic of Hawaii. The powers
of the minister of foreign affairs will
cease, so far as they relate to diplo-
matte intercourse between Hawaii and
foreign nations. The municipal legis-
lation of Hawaii and the existing Gus
toms regulation will practically remain
in force until the congress of the United
States shall otherwise determine. Fol-
lowing the reading of the proclamation
Minister Sewall made an address.