Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1889-01-30
MIR. BAYARD SPEAKS.
An lfical Statement on the Sa-
moan Dispute.
NO EXCUSE FOR FIGHTING.
lie Says That Our Interests Have Not
necn Injured or Our flag Insulted
10y the ocrmans-IsIsmarciS Talks
Peace-The senate's Resolution.

Samoan question. Mr. Bayard described the
course Of tho department Of state in relation
TO Samoan efgairs and the latest phases of the
question. To the statement that the admins
tratiou has been twitted with having no def
mite policy on the question he referred to the
presidents message TO congress aud accompa-
nying documents, which, he says, show that
the administration long ago defined its policy
with reference to the Samoan Islands and has
constantly adhered to it. That policy was
one Of friendly interest in Samoa, with neu-
trality.
So far as the other powers having interests
on the islanl-Great Britain and Germany
were concerned he had exhausted the arts Of
diplomacy 10 secure tho Samoan people the
right to govern themselves, and protection
from foreign control Germany and Great
Britain both asseatcd TO this policy, and tho
acts OF Gerniaey, inconsistent with her pro-
fessions, have grown out Of petty political in
pigues among native chiefs, and the rivalry
Of foreigners for influence and commercial
supremacy.
With regard 70 the failure Of this govern
nent to protest vigorously against GerTany's
treatment Of the Samoan king, Mr. Bayard
states tia. he had no authority for such a
course. Maliotoa was not citizen OF the
United States, and American rights had in no
way been invaded
Germany claimed that he had violated his
treaty obligations, and that he was an enemy
whom She had the right 10 seize. Mr. Bayard
said he did what tho treaty with Samoa obi
gated this country to do. He used tho good
offices Of this country again and again in
Matfpt0afs iahalf INIT without raSilff
Mr. Bayard states that from the beginning
Of tho Samoan troubles Germany hasprotested
the utmost frendiness TO tho United States
and regard for American interests on tho
islands "Only today" said he, 81 received
communication from the German minister,
expressing a sincere desire 10 reach a settle
ment satisfactory 10 this country"
The whole trouble, in Mr.. Bayard's opinion,
is due te the course of the German trading
companies, which have largo interests in the
island. They have striven to commit their
government CO Endorsement of action to pro-
mote their interests and, practically, TO secure
them control OF affairs.
The whole question for Americans to con-
slider, Afr. Bayard says, is whether we shall
continue 70 maintain neutrality as between
Mataafa and The Germans or assume the role of
belligercnts toward Germany in behalf Of one
OF the two claimants TO the throne. So far Ger
many has given the United States absolutely
no cause for war. It Is not true that Ameri-
can property has been wantonly destroyed by
the Germans or the American flag fired upon.
The tattered remnants Of the flag said to have
been fired upon by the Germans was received
at the state department ON Monday 1t
was not the flag at the American consulate,
but was in a little village which was being
sheled by the Germans. The village took fire
and the flag was partially burned
1t was not hoisted in assertion of American
rights and was not fred upon or insulted
Besides, the German government has cspe-
cially disciaimed any intention Of giving this
country cause OF o.fense.
In reply 10 those who contrast the vigorous
course of Secretary Bayard toward the puny
republic of Hayti with his alleged timidity in
dealing with the big empire of Germany, the
secretary said the relations in Hayti aud
Samoa were widely different. Hayu had dis
tinctly violated the treaty obligations to this
country and had seizel an American vessel
The United States in this instance had the
right to act alone, FOR it alone was concerned
in the proceedings complained or In the
Samoan islands, on the other hand, American
interests arc only indirectly threatened The
coaling station at Page Paeo, secured to ths
United States by treaty, is not involved
Pago-Pago is on another island, and Ger
many does not seek 10 interfere with our au-
thority there. The Germans are confronted
with pretty much the same situation in Samoa
as that III which the United States were in
vulvel with Hayti. They claim that the
Sanoans, rs did the Haytians. broke their
treaty engagements and that they have the
right to punish them.
IN this connection Secretary Bayard states
an interesting fact During the trouble
growing cut of the seizure OF the liaytian
Republic tic French representative in Hayti
IS said 10 have isterfercd for the purpose of
bringing about the conilscation of tho vessel
Secretary Bayard communicated this fact to
tho French government, which promptly dis
avowed its agents conduct. Mr.. Bayard
does not appear to think Germany will be
likely to do anything calculated to offend this
country seriously, If she can help it.
Speaking oi the commission which met in
Washington il 1851 to consider the Samoan
question. Ar. Bayard Said
Tho protocol or minutes Of TIE conference
were considered as confidential at the request
OF the British Representatives Lord Sackville
In reply to a suggestion from Mr.. Bayard
that the protocols be made pab.ic, Lord Sack
vile said that her majesty's government are
of the opinion that, pending the reaSsemblng
considered confidential
The German representative, when asked
the same question, said the protocols, in view
Of she interrupted and heretofore fruitless
course Of the conferences, which have yielded
no Catlnite result, are not suited Tor publica-
tfcn. The protocol will show that the first
conEereace was held june y, 1881, and that
six or seven subsequent conferences were
held. Tho last conference was held ON July
c6, on which there wSs deadlock, the Ger
man minister submitting one proposition and
AIR. Bayasl another, to the manner in
which Sa.asa should be governed. This con-
ference ID fassrraed 20 meet in August follow
ing.
Mr. Rassgd says he was therefore, taken
wholly ~ surprise when the German minis
ter cailesi at the state department one morn