The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-02-11
He Continues His Criticism of Sec
retary Of State Bayard.
What Ho Has to Say About the
Proposed Conference.
Berlin Not the Place to Hold Such
a Convention.
He Intimates That the MonarchiaI In
huences of the German Capital
VIII Work Us Woe-The Con-
gressional Outlook.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 10.--Mr. Sewell,
late Consul-General at Samoa, talked
freely today in regard to tho proposed
Samoan conference at Berlin, and among
other things, he said; "Consider the
genesis OF the conference it is proposed to
renew. 1t was summoned by our Secre-
tary OF State; il assembled at our Capitol
on the acknowledged basis of an equal
ity Of rights OF these three treaty powers,
OF which we were the first. Its object was
the preservation of Samoan autonomy,
upon which all our National and CONNER
cial interests in Samoa depends While
tine conference was yet unconcluded, with
no notice TO this Government, the German
ships came TO samoa, and took possession
Of the islands in violation OF the under.
standing on which the pending negotia.
tions were proceeding. II the conference
is 10 be renewed at all, il should be re-
newed under conditions as favorable TO us
Ms those which attended its initiation.
The status an,e.confercncc should be first
restored and Malictoa, for whose deposi.
ton We are morally responsible.
should be returned from exile, and
II should meet here, where il was
interrupted, and where our representatives
would be free from the peculiar influences
now at work at Berlin. But were the sug-
gesiions OF Mr.. Bayard in his letter to the
German Minister made conditions pre-
cedent TO the reassembling Of the confer
cncc, We might even then enter upon the
conference with some OF our national
dignity saved Mr.. Bayard suggests a
truce in Samoa-ho does not insist upon
II. The position maintained In the con-
conference by Mr.. Bayard has not, | be.
leve, been criticised. That the indie
pendence OF the islands should be- main
iained and equality OF rights OF commerce
aud navigation secured for the subjects OF
the three treaty powers WIS agreed upon.
Our rights are not enlarged by this, but
only confirmed. But having secured this
recognition OF our rights, Mr.. Bayard
rested. And II is because oi tlls-bc-
cause pendingl he conference he submit
ted 10 tie violation OF these
rights-that he has been criticised
even by Mr.. Bates, upon whoso
recommendations Mr.. Baynfd's entire
contention in the conference was based.
MIR Bayard did not resent this action Of
Germany, accompanied as Il was by the
ruin OF our trade and outragps upon our
citizens and flag as bad a. those which
have recently stirred the country. IL is
because he has suffered the violation Of
those rights which he was the first clearly
10 assert and because thus our prestige
has Jcen irrilabiy weakened in the Pacific
that Mr.. Bayard is criticised. Had MIR.
Bayard, through the President, called the
attention oi Congress and the country 10
this German action. the same sentiment
which is now aroused would have long
since avcrled the distressing condition OF
affairs that nov confronts us In Samoa aud
renders difficult, but nj the same time
necessary, further negotiations. Nobody
proposes annexation"
Mr.. Scwall was asked u he knew any
thing of Mr.. Coleman, our Charge d,
Afiaircs at Berlin, who is. Il Is stated, "a
conduct our negotiations. lie replied 81
think that Prince Bismarck speaks highl!
oi him."