Hoke Is Glad The Flag Was Lowered

Yesterday was the one hundred an-1 ixteenth birthdayof the American flag. 'erhapa it was the approach of tbis anivcrsary tliat inspirad Becretary Hoke mith's newspaper, the Allanta Jcfurnal, ) manifest it exnltation over the liaulig down of the stars and Btripea in Honolulú. The Journal remarked jubiantly on June 12: The prompt and sensible action of the )resent administration in the Hawaiian natter has effectually killed the annextion eraze which was encouraged l y 'resident Harrison and his representaive in Ilawaii. One of the first tliings Ir. Blouut did after reacliing Honolulú s the special envoy of our government van to order down the United States flag, which Minister Stevens had made ïaste to hoist. That was the end of our jrief protectorate, and there is little prospect that it will be re-established. The lowering of the American flag in iawaii, where it stood for civilization nd freedom, was a blunder and a crimr. t brought a feeling of personal humilltion to every American who loved and ïonored the einblem of the Republic. t indicated a cowardlv abandonment of utyon.the part of the United States overnment. It was a direct invitation o massacre and destruction. Fortuately the Provisional Hawaiian Govrnment, which the Cleveland adminisration bas tried to discredit in every vay poseible, proved strong enough to epress disorder and revolt. But that oes not lessen the responsibility of he administration that pulled the flag own. Hoke Smith is a prominent member of that administration. The Atlanta ournal refiects his sciitiments. So far is tbc public knowB, Hoke Smith's satsluction over Blount's insult to tb American flag and the American people s sbart'il by Mr. Cleveland and the rest of bis cabinet. The Cleveland adminstration is an administration from whicfi the element of patriotism is spicuously missing.-