New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-01-30
AMERICAN RIGHTS IN SAMOA.
THE SAMOAN DIFFICULTY DISCUSSED IN
THE SENATE.
SENATOR SHERMAN EXPLAINS HIS VIEWS AMI
POINTS OUT THE NATIONS DUTY-THE
CONTROVERSY TO BE DISCUSSED

CONTROVERSY TO BE DAoOOoShS
WITH OPEN DOORS.
washington, JAN % (speciaD. -contrary % general
expectation the Senate began discussion 'o-oas VI
the samoan difficulty with open doors. 1t was not
how.ver without a protest that this decision was
reached As soon the amendment proposed oy tne
Foreign Relations Committee TO appropriate SoOO,ooV
10 enable the President 10 protect American interests
in these islands was taken up, Senator Hale movea
thai tho doors be closed In the secret session which
followed arguments for and against the sdvissolis
of q public discussion made by Senators rro
spectiye of party The merits Of the amendment wero
not discussed by all. The vete by which the doors
were opened was 26 to "a AS soon rs the doors
were opened Senator Sherman delivered long sPoeoh
in the course Of which he explained his views on tne
Samoan question, and expressed the hope that the
Senate would unanimously adopt the samoan amend
ments.
treaty YVES made between the United States and
samoa IN 1873. he said which sSFS signed by Mr..
Eysrts and the King. Its second article gave the
United states the privilege of entering ana using
the harbor Of Page Page and establishing there coai
ing and naval supply station and It's hfn secoh pro-
yided that in case of differences with other nauohs
the Government Of the United States would employ
,,s good Offices in adjusting such differences This,
Mr. sherman said was the basis Of the right OF the
United states 10 occupy and to establish at PagoPago
a station for coal and other naval supplies "iulin
year OF two afterwsrd somewhat similar treaties
had been made with Germany and Great bri'alh' w
which those governments obtained hse privileges IN
other portions Of the islands.
BY another agreement Apia was maoe INTO hiu-
ncpal,.y and declared neutral territory the Govern
ment Of Samoa being practically excluded Ihen
tracing the history Of the civil sfrifes IN eamoa'
Mr. Sherman said that by agreement Manetoa was
declared King and Tennessee Vice-king. he sNu
there was not the slightest doubt in regard 10 the
right of the United States the harbor Of Page Page
ffocf
Tamasese had been organized by the German Consul
and nv a German named Weber. Subsequently me
English, German and American Consuis Joined In
declaration that Tamasese never had been Tcognneo
by either of them as King and that Maaetoa was
King. 1t was while special agents o. MI bayaiu
and the English aud German Ministers were Ell sagco
in obtaining information that Germany deposed
N.i.etoa and set mn Tamasese. There indica'
tjops. he thought. that the English Government was
coincidng with the German policy he could 10y say
that be found IN hs papers sso sh The equal lights
Of eacof the three Governments, but Insisted Una
would be better to place the CUSTODY Of 'e n ~
Germany had the largest property interests there,
that would be best e place II ua tS noInf n
Mr. sherman in closing SAID thst the first th =
70 assert its power on The ocsupancy ana possession e ,S
he mace until every effort Is exhausted 10 bring
about peaceful and quiet settlement Of the con con,
troyersy First hs concluded We want 10 assert
ira maintain our right so station at Pago Peso
Eexf we ught to employ our good Offices 10 settl,
he dificstes OF this people. Therefore am Wiling
L, Of 10 enable the President
% conduct negotiations, 10 make surveys OF the har
bors and TO get better information In relation to those
Stands e,,. -, =,
In The House to-day Mr. Morrow, OF California; In
PRODUCED a Joint resolution requesting the President
to insist the restoration OF affairs on the samoan
Islands as they existed the time OF the convention
between representatives OF Germany Great Britain and
the United States and 20 take necessary steps 70 pro
tect American rights there.