The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1889-06-02
rha Rsr1in Conference.

The result Of the Berlin conference is
quite satisfactory TO this country. The
synopsis Of the Samoan treaty, which has
| been received by cable, shows that about
everything demanded by our government
has been granted The republican organs
pretend that the treaty is q triumph for
Secretary Blaine and the Harrison admins
tration, but if they were disposed to be fair
they would admit that Mr. Blaine only fol-
lowed the line marked out by Mr.. Bayard
when the latter was at the head of the state
department.
Mr.. Bayard favored the conference. and
he outlined the position of this country
with respect to Samoa. 1t is doubtful if
Mr. Blaine added an important suggestion.
The American commissioners are, of course,
appointees of the Harrison administration,
but their Instructions were virtually pre-
pared during Mr.. CleveIands administra-
tion.
According to the synopsis of the treaty
MaIietoa is to be brought back from the
island where the Germans sent him pris-
oner, aud is to be reinstated as king The
natives are to elect vice king, and these
two officials, together with the chiefs of the
different tribes, are to form a superior leg
islative body. The natives are to elect one
representative for each 1000 inhabitants
and the representatives so elected are to
form an inferior legislative body. These two
bodies, together with the king, are to be
the government of Samoa.
Apia, the chief seaport, is to be wholly
under the government of the Samoans, but
it is provided that there shall be an advisory
council, composed of a representative of
each Of the powers concerned in the treaty,
which shall assist the native government,
when assistance is needed, and shall look
aaer the interests of foreigners. The
English representative, it is expected, will
hold the balance of power in this council,
and see that neither the Americans nor the
Germans secure an advantage to which
they are not entitled. The English interests
in Samoa are much less important than
those Of either the Germans or Americans.
Under the treaty the autonomy of Samoa
is preserved, Malietoa is rein stated and the
natives are permitted to regulate their own
affairs in their own way This condition of
affairs is about all this country ever desired,
and the fact that it has been secured is
pretty conclusive evidence that the power
of this country is fully recognized in
Europe.
1t was understood when the conference
met that Germany would make claim for
indemnity for losses which Mataafa in
flicted upon the Germans in the skirmish
which took place between the Samoans and
German soldiers last December. Germany
concluded to waive this claim, however, for
the reason, mainly, that the Samoans are
not financially able to pay an indemnity of
any considerable amount. Besides, there is
doubt whether the Germans did not begin
the skirmish by firing upon Mataafa's men,
The question Of land titles is to be settled
by commission to be appointed for that
purpose
The Samoaus ought to be, and doubtless
will be, grateful to us for securing to them
their rights. When the loss Of our fleet,
with many brave soldiers, at Apia is taken
into account, it is apparent that our cham
pionship of their cause has cost US pretty
dearly. We have made it clear, however,
to European governments, that we propose
to lend assistance to other peoples with
whom our interests are involved, and this
will be OF incalculable benefit to us in the
future.