The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-05-19
THE SAMOAN CONFERENCE
THE COMMISSIONERS ABOUT FIN
IshINa THEIR WORK.
Tho Americans and Germans Are Ag-
gressive, But tho Former Win Nearly
, Every Point, While the Brltishors
Arc Neutral.

Copyright by the New YORK Associated Pres.
BERLIN, May ls.-Thc fourth session OF
the Samoan conference, which was held
yesterday, took place in the small room
Of tho Department Of Foreign Affairs, In
which the other three have been hold. The
apartment Is furnished with extreme sim
plciiy. There is space for little besides
long table, at which the commissioners
cit. The meeting was called TO order
shortly after O. clock p. IN. by Count Her.
bert Bismarck, who prcsides at all the
meetings, in accordance with the cstab-
lished custom that the highest representa-
tive Of the Government OF the country In
which a conference is held shall preside.
Count Herbert sat at the upper end Of the
table. Just back Of plain little desk, which
the late Emperor Frederick used during
his brief reign. lie was hanked by two
colleagues. Next to Baron yon-llorsiein,
who sat on Count IIerbcrt's right, came
Mr.. Kasson, then Mr.. Phelps, and then
Mr.. Bates. the American commissioners.
At the other end Of the table the two sec
rctaricsof the commission, Mr.. Bcauclcchc,
secretary Of the British Foreign Office,
and Herr Stomlcch, Of the German For
cign Office. were busily engaged recording
the proceedings
AL Count Ilcrbcrt's left was DR.. Knanel,
the third German commissioner. Then
followed Sir Edward Maut, Mr.. Scott and
Mr.. Grove, the English representatives,, In
tho order named. None OF tho Commits.
L. Il
MI wore black frock coats. Tho proceed
ings were almost formal. They consisted
chiefly in listening 10 the reports OF the
various commissions which had been hold
ing daily sessions ever since the conference
met. At ,hcsc meetings the real work Of
tho conference has been transacted. aud,
as nearly as can be learned. the American
Commissioners have succeeded In carrying
every point they SGT out 10 obtain. While
the greatest secrecy In regard 10 tho pro-
ccedings IL maintained, aud heretofore
nothing much boyohd the fact that the
meetings have been held was known, 10
can now DO stated that, excepting the
question Of indemnity for tho German
sailors killed and behoaded by the Same.
ans, and one or two other minor points,
the work Of the Commission is about over
IL Is thought the restoration OF Malieloa TO
power IL assured, and that the plan
Tor triparlito government for Samoa,
for which tho American Commissioners
contested against the German plan for ono
representative selected by the three pow
ers will surely DO put into effect. II is
also more than likely that the Commission
has decided In favor OF the absolute indc-
pcndcnco OF Samoa ~ soon on the people
there demonstrate their ability 10 20 alone.
Tho indemnity question u yet 10 come up.
II may prolong the meetings Of the con.
fcrcncos, but this Is believed 10 DO tho
only point on which there Is likely 10 be
serious contest. The question Of klein's
connection with the affair In which tho
German sailors were killed, has not como
up nor Is there any likelihood Of lis doing
no. Neither will the Commission hear
the testimony Of any kind. During tho
past meetings Of the Conference aud the
committees the only point Of difference
has been between tho German aud Amor.