The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-04-28
THE SAMOAN CONFERENCE
MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION CALL
ON PRINCE BISMARCK.
Ho Expresses His Confidence That the
Deliberations VIII be Harmoni-
ous-what is Expected to bo
Accomplished.

copyright. 1857 by the New York Associated Pres
Berlin. April 27.-rhc members OF the
commission 10 consider the questions con-
ccrning Samoa have seen Prince Bis.
marck aud Count Herbert Bismarck. The
former briefly expressed his confidence
that the conference would be harmonious.
The Foreign O.licc seems TO be assured OF
an early termination Of negotiations. The
commission, however. expect that the sit.
tings will be proinctcd for several months,
especially II the charges against Klein, IN
volyng claims against the Washington
Government, are brought mp. Prince
Bismarck certainly intends to place the
evidence Of Her Brandcis and Knappc and
others before the conference, but he has
abandoned the claims for indemnity aris-
ing from klcin's action. This concession
ought TO shorten proceedings. The claim
against the Samoans for plundcrng Ger.
man traders aud planters will be- main
tanned. There Is reason 10 believe that
England supports tho principle OF
the German demands. and Il Is
trusted that the American delegates
I are empowered To admit t. The amount
OF the indemnity is not likely 10 give rise
90 any disagreement, being merely u ques.
ton as 10 the accuracy Of the claims pre-
ecnicd. Tho foreign. office method OF levy
presents difficulties. From the nature Of
the communications between Count Her
bert Bismarck and Hamburg firms inter.
esied la Samoa, II II surmiscd that tho In
demnily will taloc the form Of extended
land concessions, supervised by land
court composed Of representatives from
Samoa aud Germany. England and the
United States. Mr. Bayard's scheme Of
government, which includes a royal coun-
ell and a legislature composed Of two
Houses. IN which the thrcc powers will b.
represented. will not be entertained,
Prince Bismarck adhcring TO the principle
OF non.intcrycntion with the local govern
mcnt The official papers rather affect
Indifference toward the conference.
Tho Cologne Caste briefly concludes
that favorable result Is already assured.
strongly phrascd article in the Mag
deburg Gaidic, n National Liberal paper,
Is In marked contrast with the reserved
tone Of the general press. This paper
declares that German honor requires tho
punishment OF the nssailants Of December
X, ami Il demands protection for the
planters by permanent settlement OF the
whole Samoan group on the lines followed
by England in Egypt. In its expansive
Chauyinism tho article misreprcsonts both
official aud public feeling. Count Her
bert, after an informal greeting 10 the
American delegates, held an Official rcccp-
ton 90 all the commissioners. A program
has been arranged for tho opening OF the
conference on Monday. Mcssrs. Hasson
and Phelps have already made favorable
Impression on The German and English
officials. Tho idea prevails In the foreign
Office that Mr.. Phelps will become chief
Of the American legation. The family OF
Mr. Murat llalsicad have been here dur.
ing the winter.
Prince Bismarck will remain In Berlin
until tho conference decisions assume def
mite form. lie will meet signor Crispi.
the Italian Premier, during the visit Of
King Humberi. Tho Emperor will re-