470	HAWAIIAN   ISLANDS.
the honorable James H. Blount, lately chairman of the Committee on 
Foreign Affairs.
Mr. Blount bears credential letters in that capacity, addressed to 
the President of the executive and advisory councils of the Provisional 
Government, and you are requested to facilitate his presentation.
In all matters pertaining to the existing or other Government of the 
Islands the authority of Mr. Blount is paramount. As regards the 
conduct of the usual business of the legation, you are requested to con- 
tinue until further notice in the performance of your official functions, 
so far as they may not bo inconsistent with the special powers confided 
to Mr. Blount. Yon are also requested to aid him in the fulfillment of 
his important mission by furnishing any desired assistance and informa- 
tion, and the archives of the legation should be freely accessible to him.
Mr. Blount is fully instructed touching his relations to the command- 
ing officer of the United States naval force in Hawaiian waters. 
I am, &c.,
W. Q. GRESHAM.
No. 3. 
Mr. Gresham to Mr. Severance.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE,
Washington, March 11, 1893.
SIR: With a view to obtaining the fullest possible information in 
regard to the condition of affairs in the Hawaiian Islands, the President 
sends to Honolulu, as his Special Commissioner, the honorable James 
H. Blount, lately chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
You are requested to aid Mr. Blount in the fulfillment of his impor- 
tant mission by furnishing any desired assistance and information; 
and the archives of the consulate-general should be freely accessible 
to him.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
W. Q. GRESHAM.
No. 4.
Mr. Blount to Mr. Gresham. 
No. 1.]
HONOLULU, HAWAIIAN ISLANDS, April 6, 1893.
SIR: I have the honor to inform you that about noon on the 29th 
ultimo the Rush anchored at Honolulu. I was immediately met by the 
American minister, Mr. Stevens. He informed me that the annexation 
committee, which came on board with him, had rented one of the most 
eligible residences in the city for my use; had provided servants, among 
others an American steward, and a carriage and horses, etc., for my 
use. I could pay whatever I wanted to for it, from nothing up.  He 
urged me very strongly to accept the proposed arrangement.
I replied to him that I could accept no favors at the hands of any 
parties in the islands, and that I should immediately go to a hotel.
The annexation committee then came up and insisted that I should 
take the accommodations which they had seen fit to provide on the 
terms already indicated by the American minister. I again declined, 
stating that I should resort to a hotel and make my arrangements there.

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