New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-06-16
TIE SAMOAN SETTLEMENT.

Tho Samoan protocol has been signed ana
the Conference has adjourned with conscious
,ness OF having committed the three Govern
nents to an equitable and pacific settlement OF
all matters connected with the future OF the
islands The result is eminently satisfactory 10
the American people, whose honor was COM
promised by the last Administration and Is now
indicated. The core Of the settlement Is the
restoration Of the status which was unnecesSaTl-
ly and wantonly violated and disturbed by the
German heet in 1887. Malietca is to be rein
stated on the throne with the voluntary scqm-
escsDce of the Samoan chiefs, and native an-
tonomy is to be established under international
guarantees. Both Tamasese, who has been the
German puppet King, aud Alataafa, who has
successfully headed O native uprising against
him are to retire in favor Of the rjghtful sover-
eign, who appealed unsuccessfuiy two years
ago to the American Government for protec-
lion. Malietoa's restoration to the Throne Is
great concession on the part OF Germany, ana
American prestige abroad will be increased by
the resolute action of the United States Com
missioners in accomplishing this result. lilS
deposition was an affront 10 the dignity OF tho
American Government, consummated as 1t was
a few weeks after the refusal Of Mr.. Bayard TO
grant the German demands for the control OF
the islands presented at the Washington Ooi-
ference. Prince Bismarck has made amends
for that indignity offered to America
The remaining features Of the basis Of Settle
nent cannot be intelligently discussed III the
absence of the complete text OF the protocol.
Secretary Blaine is reported to have waived
some minor objections which he brought Tor
ward ut the last moment, and he could well
aft ord to do so, for the protocol as whole en-
bodies substantial concessions TO the United
States, and provides permanent basis lor inc
satisfactory adjustment of the land, indemnity,
municipalities and other questions, and the
immediate pacifcation Of the islands. The
American Government, in making its treaty
with Samoa several years ago, agreed to EN-
piOy its good offices whenever foreign comph-
cations should arise This pledge has been full
filed The State Department has made the
cause Of the Samoaus It's oVr, and has secured
international recognition and sanction OF the
principle of native autonomy. 1T has not only
yindicated National honor, but has also be-
friended helpless people, and maintained the
right of permanently occupying the cOaHnH-
station obtained by treaty.
One feature Of the settlement deserves special
commentator. The ratification OF the proto-
col By the Senate is one Of the conditions IN
sisted upon BY the state department. Inc
American Commissioners wore nominated by
the President and confirmed by the Senate, aud
they thus were invested with full treaty mixing
powers, and they have signed what IS technical
ly known as a protocol Or agreement, which
differs essentially from treaty. But the state
Department has had no desire 20 anticipate the
action Of the Senate nor TO deprive th1' BODY
of it's constitutional right to assume It's share OF
responsibility for confirming the settlement
The last Administration appointed Commission
ers for the negotiation Of the Fisheries Treaty
without aif ording the Senate IN opportunity tor
sanctioning that diplomatic procedure. u m'"d
directly in violation Of the advice which II had
received from the Senate, and sought to com
pei that body to rstify the treaty which had
been irregularly agreed upon. The Republican
Administration respects the constitutional ngh'T
Of the Senate and is determined to act rpon It's
advice even if protocol, and not a treaty, DO
the outcome Of the Conference.