New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-05-22
SHALL MALLETOA BE RESTOREDi
THE QUESTION OF HIS RETURN DISTURBS
THE SAMOAN COMMISSIONERS.
GERMANY SAID TO HAVE CONSENTED TO THIS
sTEP-THE INDEMNITY MATTER DISCUSSED.

GERMANY SAID TO HAVE CONSENTED TO THIS
BTEP-THE INDEMNITY MATTER DISCUSSED.
Copyright 1889 BY tie NsO York AsSOetaed PresE
Berlin, May 21.-From certain indications at the
rooms Of the American Delegates as we'll as at the
quarters Of the English Commissioners and at the
German Foreign Once IL is evident that there Is
serious hitch in the negotiations OF the Samoan Com
mission. Mr. Phelps, who is known as tho "Peace
maker" both in the Conference and In the Working
Committee, is in evident trouble. First he is inter
viewing an English Commissioner in MS rooms,
then he Is hurying Of 10 the Foreign once, whore no
remains for some time coseted with the German rep
resentatives, and then repeating the process.
When asked 10 the situation, Commissioners
Phelps, Kasson and Bates say that there is grrat
change, and that every thing Is progressing satsac
torily. Both the German and English Commissioners
fuso to talk on the subject but 1t is learned from
other that the United States Government has
instructed the Commissioners to insist upon the return
of Manetoa as King. message Is said to have been
received from Secretary Blaine within the last thirty
six hours directing the Commissioners to insist upon
the restoration OF tho status quo, and
saying that Germany dsposed Malietoa as
King and must return him as King
They may haggle about indemnity single or
dual or triparhte government II they please, but
Maetoa must be King.
While the Germans have como TO agroe with all tho
other views Of the American Commissioner they arc
fact that Maletoa was pardoncd by the German En-
pcror at the beginning OF the conference This, they
claim, should satisfy America.
The American Commissioners last night wcre quiet
and conciliaory In their uterances concerning the
situation, but expressed q determination 10 remain
hrm.
Tho special correspondent OF the Associated Press
here was informed this evening that Germany has
finally consented 10 restore King Maetoa. This action
was taken finally after prolonged and persistent efforts
on tho part Of tho American commissioners.
But now comes another hitch in the negotiations.
This fresh difficulty grows out OF the claim for In
demnlty made BY Germany. The American section
Of the Conference holds that IL any Indemnity paid
IL must be a merely nominal sum. Germany, the
contrary, maintains that IN the conflicts between
the German forces and SamOans, the latter were
invariably the aggresSors Besides, the navo partl
sans of King Mslictoa guilty Of the barbarous
practices OF behoading German sailors as we'll rs In
hc ting upon the wounded particular Crucltles These
acts, Germany insists should entail upon samoa the
payment OF special indemnity. Earnest efforts aro
matter IS likely 10 require reference to the penary con-
ference.
TIE STATE DEPARTMENT RETICENT
Washington, May 21.-As far as can be learned,
the Department of State has not yet bccn officially
advised of the reported hitch in the Samoan Con
ference. Prominent officials OF the Department when
approached to-day, fatty declined 10 say anything
about the matter, in their view the discussion OF
subject under negotiation would violate diplomatic
propTtetes. Doubtless the United states ropreSenta-
ves have brached the subject OF the restoration Of
Maetoa, their instructions were presumably coorcd
BY the debates In the last Congress taking this stend,
but Just how far they instructed % persist In their
contention cannot be learned.
The Secretary OF State Mas received q note from
April l6, covering letter. from Ills Majesty ID"
| King. expressing the deep-folt sympathy Of the
HaWsHn 9venTent s aud P0PS with those ,d 81 he M
voted Officers and seamen at samoa