THE TROUBLE IN SAMOA

Lyttelton Times, Volume CI, Issue 11887, 10 May 1899, Page 6

THE TROUBLE IN SAMOA

THE, INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION. (Per R.M.S. Mariposa, at Auckland.) AUCKLAND, May 9. The Mariposa, which arrived at eleven o’clock to-night, reports that all was quiet at Samoa when she called, at Apia. SAN FRANCISCO, April 5. Lord Salisbury has accepted Germany’s plan of settling the Samoan difference by the appointment of a Tripartite Commission. The United States had previously agreed to the same plan. Details are not yet agreed upon. Dr Solf, the newly-appointed President of the Municipal Council of Samoa, is having a busy time at 'Washington, where he has been in conference with the British and American representatives, as well as with the German authorities.

The State Department at Washington will file a claim at Berlin for an indemnity for the death of the American marine killed whilst guarding the American Consulate at Samoa. Great Britain is expected to pursue the same course. Germany’s reply to the demands for indemnity will precipitate a decision as to the merits of the controversy regarding Samoan affairs. The disavowal of Consul Rose’s acts will also he demanded. It is believed that Germany will do all in her power to smooth away the difficulty, though it is felt that there is sufficient evidence o.f her duplicity. It is reported from Washington that Great Britain and the United States have informed Germany that she must join with them in giving notice to the native factions that there must bo no further revolt, also that Consul Rose must be withdrawn or instructed to issue a proclamation disavowing one issued by him recognising as constitutional the government of Mataafa, and, denouncing the correctness of a statement made by Admiral Kantz. It must be made plain to the natives that Germany will not countenance any insurrection or disregard of the authority or mandates of the signatory Powers. Three several propositions made by Germany for the adjustment of affairs have been rejected by Great Britain and the United States. The distressing news from Samoa had the .effect of hurrying the Commissioners who will attempt to adjust matters there. Mr Eliott is the English member of , the Commission, Baron von Sternberg will represent Germany, and Mr Tripp will tie the American member. Mr Tripp has received his last instructions at Washington, and is on h s way to ,San Francisco, as are the other members of the Commission, who expect to sail on April 25 on the naval transport Badger, which has been carefudy prepared for the voyage. .It is given < out at Berlin that if other plans tail, consent must be given to the proposal of dividing the islands among the , three Powers interested. Baro" von Bulow made a formal statement in the Reichstag as to Germany’s position with regard to Samoa. He announced the agreement of Great Britain to the proposition that all decisions of the Commission must be unanimous. 'He declared that Germany would insist positively upon unanimity in action in all things pertaining to the is'ands. The German Press has been calm in tone, and made remarkably little comment on the situation. English editors also take a conservative view of matters, urging caution in the negotiations. The “ Daily News ” said- editorially, “ Ambush and mutilations of the dead are ordinary incidents of savage warfare, and ought not to provoke special acts of reprisal. The case would, however, bo seriously complicated if it could be shown that Germans actively aided or counselled the enemy. Apart from that there is nothing to do but keep quiet and hurry the joint commission. The American Government is bound to regard the matter with equanimity. The American pc -pic are yet to be heard from;' We can derive melancholy satisfaction from the knowledge that for the first time since the War of Independence British and American soldiers have fallen side by side in battle.”