Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1889-02-14
( CONSUL sEWALL.

CONSUL SEWALL.
and Gives HIS Views ON Samoan Affairs.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 6.-Yesterday NORM
ing Harold M. Sewall, Consui- General to
the Samoan islands. received notihca-
ton from the State Department that his
resignation would be acceptable on the
ground that his views were not In har-
monv with those of the Administration.
: Sewall being asked for a statement of
the reasons given by the State Depart
ment in its request that he should tender
his resignation as Consul General at Sa-
moa, said: 1.-THE reason given in the let
ter asking my resignation is the disagree
ment of my expressed views with the
views entertained by the State Depart
ment in regard to Samoan affairs. This
refers, suppose, to the testimony have
given before the Senate Committee on
Foreign Relations. and which has not yet
been published. No disapproval of my
conduct In Samoa as Consul-General has
ever been expressed by the State Depart
ment SO far as I know, aud indeed it will ;
appear from the communication sent to
Congress in regard to the situation OF at
fairs in Samoa that the department wrote
me commencing my course In the trying
and delicate position, as it was styled. in
which / was placed during the disposition
of Malietoa at the time OF the conference
of the powers. Only two months ago.
when requested that my leave of alb
sence be extended, the request was denied
for the reason. as stated, that the
situation of affairs in Samoa rendered
nv presence there advisable, suggesting
no doubt even then Iof my fitness for the
place. AS is we'll known, I was on my
way to my post when summoned to WASH
ington to testify before the Foreign Rela-
tions Committee. Thursday week I was
discharged by the committee, and, affairs
in Samoa being in most critical condi-
ton, Immediately made arrangements to
return to Samoa. No intimation was given
to me that 1 would not be allowed to do SO
until within few hours Of my intended
departure. when was notified to remain
here. The purpose was obvious. Another
steamer would not sail until March, and
it was the evident intention to detain me
until the incoming of the next Admins
tration, upon which, as is known, have
not the slightest claim to political recog-
niton."
'.No," continued Mr.. Sewall, II did not
thereupon tender my resignation. had
done nothing wrong. / had too much
respect for MI. Bayard to assume that
had offended him by my testimony before
the committee. Besides, was under oath
to tell ali l knew of Samoan affairs and
to withhold nothing. The views that
expressed on the situation and the remedy
necessary were given at the request of the
committee. It was not for me to consider
whether those views agreed with Mr..
Bayard's or not. I do know, however,
that my views coincide with those of all
Americans who have given the matter
any thought, the State Department. ex-
cepted, for which can not speak"
what are those views, Mr.. Sewall?"
~ believe" said Mr.. Sewall with de-
ihov-o ion, hat ho Ton Toll toto
was determined upon before the confer
ence of the three powers began, and that
it was the German intention to carry out
the policy it had decided upon regardless
of that conference. The purpose of Ger
many is to secure control of Samoa in de-
fiance OF the solemn and repeated assur-
ances it has given to our Government
Furthermore, I believe, that Lord Sails
bury is party to this scheme. and that
the movement against Samoa is only the
precursor of an Anglo German attempt to
secure supremacy in the Hawaiian
islands,"
''What, in your opin :on, Mr.. Sewall, will
be the effect of the dispatch of American
ships of war to protect our interests in
Samoan
II concur with Mr.. Bates, our late COM
missioner to Samoa, in his published
opinion that Admiral Kimberley can ac-
complish nothing under his instructions
from the State Department Mr.. BaSard
expects Admiral Kimberley to succeed in
doing by q protest what he has been try
ing without success to do for year. A pro-
test? Does Mr.. Bayard suppose that
protest will turn Germany from the course
she has been steadily pursuing? Com
manders Leary and Mullen have pro-
tested, and their protests have been re-
ceived with contempt, and does any one
expect that Admiral Kimberley will be
treated better?"
What do you believe should be done"
81 believe with Secretary Whitney, tn
a definite policy should be adopted in
Samoa. To send our ships there with only
their present instructions is simply to-
subject their officers and men to humilia-
ton, or as Secretary Whitney (using a
polite term out of respect 1 suppose to
Mr.. Bayard) terms Irritating conditions
from which their self-respect makes them
revolt. But Secretary Bayard can not
punish Secretary Whitney or Mr.. Bates.
/ am the weakest and am therefore,
singled out for sacrifice"
Mr.. Sewall said that whatever his per-
sonal opinion of the attitude of Mr. Bayard
in Samoan affairs might be, he had. during
his entire term of service. loyalty and inn
plicitly followed the Secretary's instruc-
tions, Notwithstanding they placed him in
q false and humiliating position. Said he:
'As the representative of the Government
to which our citizens looked for protection,
was forced to see indignities inflicted
upon them. their property seized and their
trade destroyed. 1 had no power what
ever to give them redress"
Canadian Opposition Policy.
OTTAWA, Ont, Feb. S-The opposition
policy for the session is definitely out.
lined by the resolution of which Sir Rich
ard Cartwright has given notice. The fol-