Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-01-25
SOUNDING MIR. BAYARD.
An Agent of Bismarck Informed Long
Ago OF this Country's Samoan Policy.

The New York Ecening Post of yesterday says
editorially, referring to the Samoan CORE
spondence: There is one point in the negotia-
tions that can now be made public on this side
of the water without injuring any one. Shortly
after the Cleveland administration was seated
a Germln citizen of Berlin, who held no official
position. called on Secretary Bayard and asked
him bluntly. as from Prince Bismarck, whether
the United States would object to Germany as
suuling prOtectorate over Samoa. Mr.. Bay
ard replied that the United States could not
consent to any such separate control of the
islands on the part of Germany. Thereupon
the interview ended in the same friendly spirit
In which it began. MIR. Bayard's interlocutor
returning Immediately to Berlin. and the i'm
preston was left that no steps would be taken
by Germany inconsistent with the amicable re-
latioas which had previously existed with this
country.
1t is evident now that Bismarck had formed
the design OF getting possession of the islands,
and that he wanted if possible. to get an I'M
official assurance from our government that
his movement would not be iInpeded. Failing
In this. he did not desist from his purpose. but
Set about it in another way. As there is no
written record of what transpired at the inter
view above mentioned. ii is comparatively easy
for so skillful practitioner of diplomacy as
Bismarck to interpret it in any way he pleases
or to ignore it altogether"
THINKS 1T WILL BE ALL RIGHT LATER ON.
The Cologne GGzette declares. in commenting
on the Samoan question, that there is no occa-
sion to fear that the excellent relations be-
tween Germany and America are in danger of
undergoing any radical change. 1t SAYS
Comparatively little Importance is to be at
tached to the last acts of an American govern
ment about to quit Office. Under the presi-
dency of Mr.. Harrison a complete clearance
of Mr.. Cleveland's official staff becomes
unavoidable. Mr.. Cleveland's most recent
steps. therefore. have lost their importance
and his actions are in no way binding upon
Mr.. Harrison. From the intelligence received
here it is evident that the American govern
ment treats the Samoan question in a spirit
hostile to Germany and on a basis of incorrect
suggestions Ii is incorrect to speak of
violation by Germany of actual agreements
between the treaty powers. no treaty was
ever concluded between Germany, Great
Britain and America in regard to Samoa, while
on the other hand such a treaty does exist be-
tween Germany and England The excitement
in America Is, therefore. incomprehensible.
Mir. Bayard has declared that he does not know
whether Klein is an American subject, but
nevertheless he Is responsible for Klein's mis-
deeds"
Commenting on the Samoan affair. the Lon
don Ne1rs says: 1T is extremely important that
England should act cordially with America. 1t
Is. therefore, the more to be regretted that we
have no minister at Washington. If Lord Sails
bury would be little less humble to Germany
and little more civil to America it would be
better for all the parties concerned"
The Standards Berlin correspondent saws:
''The statement of Mr.. Sewall, the American
consul-general in Samoa, has caused surprise
here. but no objection would be raised to a
convention of that nature. as it would end once
for all the long international conflicts about
these islands,
The North German Gazette last night declared
that the English cabinet also disclaims CO.
operation with the Washington government
regarding Samoa.