Los Angeles daily herald., 1889-02-09

vailing in Samoa, which is not favorable
TO accuracy or moderation of statement,
especially of those concerned as actors"
The protocol of the first conference
shows that the German representative
set forth that Malietoa, having notori-
ously violated his treaty rights with
Germany, and having but small min
ority OF followers among the natives
Tamasese having the support of the
great msjority-the election of a new
King must take place. Then in order to
secure peace and order in the islands, a
foreign representative should be ap-
pointed as adviser to the King and to act
as mandatory Of the three treaty powers.
He also suggested the renewal of the
principle OF the absolute equality of the
| three powers on the islands. Secretary
Bayard suggested scheme of constitu.
| tional government for Samoa with q ma
tive legislature, securing its indepen-
dence and autonomy, including the &C,
| knoNledgment of Malietca as King and
| Government. through Sir Lionel west,
| suggested the agreement among the
treaty power that one of them should
as mandatory OF the other two, act as ad-
visor of the Samoan Government, and in
view Of the preponderance of the Ger
man interests there, was willing to let
| Germany have the first term of five
years.
At second meeting there was long
discussion OF the details of the govern
ment to be created. Secretary Bayard
consented to a new election, but insisted
that it should be native election, free
and unawed. Sir Lionel West assented.
Won Alvensleben inquired whether a
certain time should not be fixed within
which the election should take place. II
it should not take place within that time,
then the three powers should agree upon
King. Bayard thereupon proposed to
continue Malietoa in office, but West and
Won Alvensleben opposed. The latter
also inquired whether the newly.elected
King should not be approved by the
powers, to which Bayard replied in the
negative, insisting that there must be a
free election. Won Alvensleben then
read formal statement of the position
of his Government, in which he says
there is only one course left, namely,
to place one foreign officer at the
head of the administration and invest
him with sufficient power to take
the measures required for the mainte.
nance of peace and order. as well as for
the prosperous development of commerce
and intercourse. Germany having the
largest interests, should nominate that
official. West assented to this. Baysrd
said the native Government was to pre-
serve its own existence.
i At the fourth meeting, Bayard said he
had not the slightest desire to exercise
any preponderance over Germany and
Great Britain, hut he did desire to see
native influence upheld by the three
Powers, equally and for common pur.
pose. He desired also to advert to the
importance of the practical neutraliza-
ton Of the islands.
At the fitch meeting Bayard declared
the German plan would result in sn in
equality which would grow larger, but
West would not concede this point.
At the last meeting Of July 26lh Bay.
ard, in reviewing the German propCsi'
ton, said: "The plan, as proposed and
explained by Won Alvensleben, is sub.
stantially foreign autocratic govern
ment, based on mercantile interests, and
all experience has shown what must
necessarily result from such an attempt
and that, under it, the defeat of the
object we have all distinctly pro-
posed is certain. / do not see
why we should not recognize
at the outset and encourage in
Samoa, spirit Of self-governing freedom
and self-respect. Germany and the
United States have heretofore given
strong indications of their desire for this
by their prompt disavowal of the arbi.
trary and unauthorized acts of their res
pective eonsuls( Steubel and Greene baum J
and it 10 noticeable that the conduct OF
foreigners has been tine cause of more
disorder and discontentin SamoaIth q any
spontaneous action of the natives. Would
it not therefore be well for us to adjourn
the conference until the autumn, and
thus give time 10 the Ministers of Ger
many and Great Britain to submit proto-
coils to their respective governments in
order that instructions may be received
by them Of 4 more definite character by
the aid of which We may be enabled to
come to an agreement" Bayard's pro-
aosition was agreed to.
| LONDON, February 8. - The Samoan
conference will open in few days. Lord
Charles Beresford's visit to Berlin is in
connection with this matter.
BALTIMORE, February S.-Secrstary
Bayard said to a representative of the
Baltimore San to-day that the date for
the meeting of the Berlin conference had
not been determined yet, but doubtless
would be very soon, as the administra-
ton was very near it's close. The points
to be contended for by this country will
be the pacifcation of Samoa, the restora-
ton of lis autonomy and protection to
American interests. There is reasonable
ground for hoping that these will be Sc
cured and it would be very unfortunate if
personal spite or partisan jealousy should
succeed in throwing any obstacle in the
way, now that Bismarck has shown dis
position to settle the matter amicably.
He and his son have gone out of their
way to make the friendliest profess
sions, and Mr.. Bayard, of course, can
only take them at their word and meet
them in similar spirit. The San con-
tinues: The administration might well
say, "Save me from my friends" in
view of the extraordinary conduct of
Consul General Sewall and Commits
sioner Bates. Mr.. Bayard refused to
make any comment upon Mr.. Sew
ALPS interview, but it may be stated
that the department, in asking
for his resignation, was not actuated by
resentment because of his adverse testi-
moDy, but by the conclusion that to send
Sewall back to Samoa, in view OF his no.
torious hostility to Mr.. Bayard's views as
to what ought to be done, would be for
the Secretary Of State to stul,ify himself.