Arizona silver belt., 1889-04-27
The Samoan Conference.

that m the state DepartmentS in- structions to the Commissioners to the Samoan ccufsrence, tbs ideas and general policy of ex-Secretary Bayard were closely adhered to by Sscrstary Blaine. The missioners are in- structed to insist upon the absolute autonomy of the native government in the Samoan Islanss. This IS the most important point to be considered and it's observance IS made sine qua non of any agreement to be arrived at. In arguing fer the absolute autonomy of tho islands, the Commissioners are directed to emphasize the fact that nc prsponderance of commercial inter- ests should weigh to, the extent of warranting any assignment of author lty CT influence with the native Gev- ernment to any representative of 8 treaty Power. The Commissioners are further instructed net to admit, under any circumstances, tha assumption 50 arrogsntly made by Prince Bismarck that the representatives of the United States in Samoa have been in any way responsible for the deplorabia csndi- ton of affairs there.
 It is believed at the State Depart ment that the German Government will endeayor 10 hsld the United States responsible for the conduct with
 which Mr. John C. Klein has been charged in connection wlth the battle of Fagall. December IS, in which
 twonty.thres German sailors wers
 killed by the natives. It ig thought
 that the charges against Mr Kleln will
 be urgsntly pressed hy tie German
 Commissioners, the responsibility of
 the United States beng based upon
 the general principle of international
 law that country may be held to ac-
 couHt for the act5. of its citizens when
 directed against another nation with
 which if IS at peace. This charge IS
 one which the Commissioners have
 been especially directed te resist. They
 will held strenuoasiy that Mr. Klein
 was present in Samea solely In prI-
 vnte capacity, and, further, that he dld not take any such part in the bat
 tie of Fagal as is alleged, in support
 of which tie afidgyils of Mr Klein
 and three of Aaiaafa' $ soldiers. togeth- CT with Ay. Klein's testimony recently taken at tho State Department, will
 bs introduced. No claim for redress or indemnity upon this score will be
 entertained.
 Probably the most delicate question
 the member of the commission will be
 called upon te consider will arise IT connection with the damages whlct Prince Bismarck has declared the German Government will exact of the Samoans fer losses alleged to have been sustained by German subjects al 1 the hands of the natives. The pelicy s of tue United States, however, will b, made clearly apparent. While th' e Commissioners will not be prepared !. to resist in toto the demands tha 0 Germany may make upon the Samoans : yet an emphatic protest will be en
 tered against any attempt upen tn D part of Germany te levy such an in delnnity upon the impovished native # as shall in effect give the lmperia s Government practical mortgage up n on the islands, ihns enabling the Ger y mans to accomplish by tbis means tba r. which they have thus far failed to dc n The question of the restoration e e the status quo ante IS quite fully lc '- cated in the instruction. The Com t missioners will use every effort { V bring about an agreement smbracin T this restoration.
 g No one can predict the length of tn 'e conference. Sessions will be hel B. fron time to time and it is net expec e ed that the Commissioners, if success It ful in their mission, will return to tn g country fer several months. Tn d Commission is amply provided wit
 funds, the entire appropriation { 't $50O,000 made by Congess to settle tf IS Samoan troubles being available fo 1i their expenses.