Los Angeles daily herald., 1889-01-25
THE SITUATION SIZED.
What Our Statesmen Think
of German Methods.
'SAMOA'S AUTONOMY ASSURED.
The Idea of Impending War Regarded
as Absurd" We are Not Likely
to be Eaten Up"
Associated Press Dispatches to the HERALD

Associated Press Dispatches to the HERALD.
WASHINGTON, January 24.-Dispatches
from Berlin and London in regard to the
attitude of Germany on the Samoan
question were the subject OF general dis
cussion in this city this evening. A
representative of the Associated Press
was accorded a brief interview with
Secretary Bayard this evening. He said
he had read the dispatches in question,
but said it would not be proper for him
to discuss the subject at this time. He
said that although Germany may have
larger interests in Samoa than the
United States has, it had no better or
later information from that country than
the United States had. In regard to the
statement that Germany would violate
no treaty in acquiring the ascendency in
Samoa, Bayard called attention to the
declaration concerning the boundaries of
the German and English dominions in
the West Pacific Ocean, signed at Berlin,
April 9th, 1886, by Count Bismarck on
the part of Germany and Sir Edward
Mallet on the part of Great Britain.
Bayard said he thought this agreement
precluded German acquisitionsin Samoa,
and that she was bound to respect the
rights of that island.
Such members of the House Commit
tee ON Foreign Affairs as could be seen
tonight were averse to discussing freely
the present state of our relations with
Samoa, in view of the fact that the sub
iect is now before the committee, and
they are expected to communicate their
views formally to the House in the
shape of report.
Representative Russell, of Massachu.
setts, when told of the position taken by
North German Gazette, remarked: ''If
matters should reach an extreme point,
don't believe we are going to be eaten up
by any European power"
Mr.. Hit, leading Republican men,
ber of the committee, was inclined to
take peaceful view of the situation. 1t
was evident that, while cautiously writ
ten, the article breathed a hostile spirit,
melted, no doubt, by the exaggerated
accounts which had reached Berlin
of the feeling in America. The
fact is" said Hit, 1--WE are
suffering for lack of information. !"
The President. to use his term, "re-
lated" the entire subject to Congress, but
unfortunately failed to transmit copy
of the agreement between the represent
tatives of the United States, England
and Germany. Just what that agree
ment is, or how it binds the United
States, nobody knows. Wise men
Of both political parties in the Senate
have been fully advised and taken into
the Presidents confidence ard people
rest in ease; but they are not disposed
to trust too much to the ability of one
man, particularly one man who has been
so lamentably unlucky in the exercise of
his Judgment. Touching the possibility
of serious trouble resulting from Samoan
affairs, he was disposed to make light
of it. He had confidence in the strong
common sense of the leadsrs
on both sides of the sea. After
all, matter of such slight
Importance could not reasonably be ex-
pected to bring about war between the
United States and nation which had
for us the warmest and kindest feeling.
But it was possible, said Hit in conclus-
ion, that if Prince Bismarck had an idea
that he was dealing with weak and
moribupd administration, he might
readily fall back upon bis old well-kno wn
policy, in order to crafty the passion of
the German people for colonial pos
sessions.
Senator Morgan, of Alabama, said the
Administration had been active in as
serting our rights in Samoa, and Con-
gress had shown strong determination
to support the Administration in any
action looking to the preservation of the
independence OF the islands and the pro-
lection of American interests there.
think the steps already taken will prove
adequate to the emergency, and I am
perfectly satisfied that whatever rights
we have will be faithfully protected. We
have material interests in these islands,
and shall tolerate no act on the part of
any other power which shall interfere
with our free commerce wi them.
Senator Frye was seen. II think"
said he, "that our treaty rights are such
in Samoa that we cannot permit Samoa's
independence to be taken away from her.
If the Germans can put Governor who
is nothing but tool of her own into
power in Samoa we can compel them at
once to give notice to the United States
to terminate all our treaties, and, after
notice, that they would be terminated in
year. think the treaties, on the
whole, taken together, do guarantee the
independence of Samoa"
''Do you think the situation is threat
ening?"
81 think the idea of war is as absurd
as it possibly can be?"
Senator Dolph said: "I think the
treaty between the United States and the
Samoan Government, which were rati-
fed before the treaties between that gov
ernment and any other civilized govern.
ment, confers upon us rights, and
creater, as to us, obligations which are
inconsistent with the destruction of the
independence and autonomy of the So
moan Government. l do not believe the
United States should or will quietly per-
nit that to be done. In the interest of
our present great prospective commerce
in the Pacific, the independence of the
Sandwich and Samoan Islands should be
preserved. l do not think there is anv
cause for or probability of war;"
BERLIN, January 24.-The Cologne
Gazette declares that there is no occasion
to fear that the excellent relations be.
tween Germany and America are in
danger of under going any radical change.
paratively little import
ance Is to be attached to the last acts of
an American Government about to
quit Office. Under the Presidency
Of Harrison complete clearance OF
Cleveland's official staff bcomes un.
avoidahle. Mr.. C1eveland,s nost rooont