The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-01-25

matters Of dispute at present, and II would
therefore be premature TO discuss the
grounds Of Gormany's action until we are
IN full possession Of all the facts. The
Administration has been active in assert
ing our rights in Samoa, and Congress has
shown strong determination 10 support
the Administration In any action looking
to the preservation Of the independence oil
the Islands and the protection of American
interests there. think the steps already
taken will prove adequate TO the cmcr-
goncy, aud | am perfectly satisfied that
whatever rights We have will bc faithfully
protected. We have always pursued
conservative course in respect To these
islands, and have always endcayorcd TO
maintain their neutrality am confident
that we shall maintain whatever rights
We may have in that quarter Tho
United States has no colonial policy,
and whilo we are OF course, dcsir-
Gus Of keeping our commerce open with
all the world, We do not like Gcrmunys'
desire to limit our national jurisdiction.
While there may hc some question ~ To
the capacity OF the natives oi Samoa to
maintain good government IL is certain
that none Of the great maritime powers OF
the world has any right to usurp that
power to itself. We have material inter-
Csts in these islands, aud shall tolerate no
act on the part Of another power which
will interfere with our free commerce with
them
Mr.. Morgan said that Secretary Bayard
had been very unjustly criticised for his
course in this matter. As matter oi
fact, says Mr. Morgan, he has done all
that could bo done, aud when all the
facts arc disclosed, 1t will bc found that his
policy throughout has been digniicd, pos
tive and truly American In every respect
Senator Frye at first wis reluctant 10 be
interviewed further In regard tn Samoan
affairs, but finally consented. 81 think,
he said, "our treaty rights are such in
Samoa that We cannot permit the indie
pcndcncc ol Samoa 10 be taken away from
her II Germany can put Governor who
is nothing but tool Of her own into power
in Samoa, they can compel them at once
Ia give notice 10 the United States 10 ter.
inmate oil our treaties, aud after notice
they would be- terminated in year
think the treaties ON the whole taken 10.
grthcr DO guarantee the independence ui
samoa. | think Mr. Bismarck ia all of
his dispatches has indicated that this is his
idea OF Il.
DO YOU regard the situation Us very
threatening
III think the idea Of war IL M absurd as
II possibly can be-.
senator Dolph was likewise at trs, ~.
luclant to be- quoted. lie said 81 think
tho treaty between the United States aud
the samoan Government. which was mti.
fed before the treaties between that Guy.
eminent aud Great Britain or Germany or
any other civilized Governments were ne.
gIliatcd, cunlrrs upon ~ rights aud cree
ntcs as tu us obligations which are inCOn.
sistcnt with the destruction aud autonomy
oi the Samoan Government ! 10 not hr.
licye the United States should or will
quietly permit that to be- done. In the
Interests NJ our present anl great prospect
I've commerce Ia the Pacific. thc indie.
pcndrncr Of thc Sandwich aud Samuan
| Islands should bo preserved. | do not
think there is amy cause ior or probability
/ Of war;
senator Payne. Of OHIO said that he
! thought 10 would bc imprudcnt iur him to
expires any opinion. ~ Il might rmblrri-,
the government lie thought II very pruh-
able that the publication might hr au uu.
thcntic expression oi the German opinion
Di thc matter. The subject, however, hu
said was q difficult one, and was under iu.
vcsligilion by the Committee un Foreign
Affairs, aud us any ultcmuc,aI ol mcmhyr
ui that committee might hc regarded boo
Europe us ul unusual significance, De- pry.
iCrcd not 10 bc quoted.