New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-05-15
wURK OF THE CONFERENCE.

The secrets Of the Berlin Conference are 30
well kept that direct comments upon the pro.
ceedngs must be reserved until the close Of
the session. II is apparent, however, from the
guarded remarks Of the official press in Ger
many that Prince Bismarck does not underrate
the Importance Of this diplomatic consultation.
but is deliberately emphasizing the necessity
for an exhaustive discussion of all details OF
the Samoan controversy. The Conference IL
already regarded in Europe as one of the chief
events of the Chancen's diplomatic year, and
surprise is expressed in several capitals that he
should attach so much consequences to what
seems at superficial glance a trivial affair
Doubtless he has been Informed by his repre-
sentatives in the United States that the action
Of Congress at the close Of the recent session
indicated that Americans were very much In
earnest in resenting any invasion Of treaty
rights obtained in the South Seas. Both Aus
tralia and England have also shown signs Of
revolt against secret compacts between Lord
Salisbury and the German Government Tho
Chancellor, with his marvellous power Of dis
corning the tendencies Of foreign opinion has
perceived the expehency of making conces-
sions BY which the controversy can be settled
on a permanent basis.
What this basis viii be Is at present an In
teresing subject for conjecture The release
| OF Malietoa on the eve Of the assembling of the
Conference pointed unerringly to the election
| of q new King by the native councils Of chiefs.
When this election has been determined upon,
the formation Of Government which will
have power to deal with all questions Of for
eigners' rights and to maintain order in the
| islands becomes necessary. The impractical
bility of absolute native autonomy has been
| urged by Prince Bismarck in his correspond
| ence with the State Department, and Commits
sioner Bates himself, in his report to Secretary
Bayard, recommended scheme OF partial self
government with foreign advisers and interna-
tional guarantees. IL is reported that com
nittee of the Conference has suggested the
establishment OF q National Council Of native
chiefs. and Ministry in which the three for
| ejgn Powers shall each have a representative.
| To this scheme Count Herbert Bismarck has
offered an amendment proposing that each
Power shall furnish Prime Minister in turn,
Germany taking the first term. This is a re-
yiyal in q modified form of tho German demand
at the Washington Conference for supreme con-
| troll. The cable dispatches indicate that a com
promise is IlkcIy 10 DO eHccNu Ou uno ihSS VI
| Commissioner ThurstonS original proposals to
| the British Government. A joint Ministry OF
three foreign advisers on an equal footing would
not give any single Power advantages Of posi-
| ton and authority over another. and on that
account is preferable to the German plan Of q
| Premiership for limited term. Joint COM
missions, however. are at best fruitful source
of intrigue, and are 10 be recommended for
| Samoa solely on the ground of necessity, the
natives being unable to govern the islands satis-
| factorily when so many foreign interests are
involved
| ANY basis Of settlement that may finally DO
agreed upon should have the binding force Of
q treaty signed by the three Powers. Such o
l convention viii furnish common ground Of