The morning news., 1889-03-15
OUR NIPSIC IS NOT SUNK.
TIE UNTRUTHFULNESS OF THE
REPORT CONFIRMED.

p-esident Harrison Nominates the
United States Commissioners to the
Berlin Conference Immediately Upon
Receipt of the News-John a. Kas-
son. William Walter Phelps and
George H. Bates the Men Named.
AUKLAND, March 14.-Advices just re-
ceived from Samoa show that there was no
basis for the Sensational rumor OF the sink
ing of the United States man-of-war Nipsic
nv the German corvette Olga. Far from this
the German officials on the island have en-
tirely given up their aggressive policy. The
proclamation of martial law has been pub
liclv withdrawn, and the Germans have
abandoned all claim to the right of search
ing incoming vessels for contraband of war.
HEARTY APPROVAL.
Both these steps have met with the hearty
approval of ali the foreign residents at
ANA. and have had a quieting effect.
Unusual tranquility prevails through
ont the island. Mataafa, however, has
a force of troops estimated to be 5000
strong. Tamas eSes army consists OF about
zoo men. Men-of-war, both German and
American, still remain at Apia ready for
any emergency that may arise.
THE COMMISSION NOMINATED.
WASHINGTON, March 14.-As soon as
Secretary Blaine had received the latest in
formation from Samoa by way of AUX
land to-day, exploding the Nipsic story and
showing that Prince Bismark is keeping his
word with Secretary Bayard, he went to
the President and asked him to send to the
Senate the nominations of John A. Kasson
of Iowa, ex-minister to Austria: Repre-
sentative William Walter Phelps of New
Jersey, and George Fl. Bates of Della ware,
Secretary Bayard's commissioner to in
vestigate Samoan affairs in 1856, to be COM
missioners to represent the United States at
the coming Samoan conference to be held
at Berlin in continuation of Secretary Bay
ards conference here.
THE MENTION OF BUTLER.
Mr.. Bates, the democratic member, was
suggested by Senator Higgins Benjamin
F. Butler was suggested as the democratic
member by Senator Frye, but was not seri-
ously considered. These nominations will
be promptly confirmed so that the COM
missioners can leave for Berlin to attend
the conference which is to u eet early next
month. Either or both ex-Consul Generals
Sewall and Gourard may be appointed to
accompany them, but this will hardly be
necessary, because Mr.. Bates knows as
much about Samoan affairs as they do.
Senator Frye is still bent upon sending ex-
Consul Sewall back to Samoa as consul
general.
A SOP TO PHELPS AND KAssoN.
1t is believed that Messrs. Phelps and
Kasson will have to content themselves with
the appointments given them to-day as their
share of the honors. Both are devoted
Blaine men, whose political services have
been rendered chiefly to their personal
leader. President Harrison and his friends
have never been especially friendly with
either of them. Ex-senator Sewell of New
Jersey, who was one of President Harri-
sons closest friends in the Senate and is one
of his personal advisers now, has stated
several times during the past mouth that he
would see that Mr.. Phelps got no distin-
guished recognition from this administra-
ton, and intimated that he would be put off
with an appointment to the Berlin Samoan
conference.
IOWANS AGAINST KASSON.
The Iowa delegation in congress is almost
equally determined that Mr.. Kasson, who
has not been a representative man of the
Republican party in their state for years,
should not get any considerable share of
honors on Iowa's account. They are said
to have advised President Harrison to give
Mr. Kasson this sop by way Of paying him
for his services in the last campaign. Sec
retary Blaine seems to be unable to reward
any of his friends as he desires 1t seems
almost certain that President Harrison will
not send Whitelaw Reid to England
but will offer him Germany or France,
sending Chauncey NJ. Depew to England
Murat halstead seems to expect European
mission. Two of his daughters are study
ing abroad and he would like to be near
them; but whether he will go to France,
Germany or Russia he does not know. John
G. New is still considered as booked for the
Austrian mission
SKETCH OF BATES.
Mr.. Bates is about 40 years Of age, dem
ocrat and warm friend of ex-Secretary
Bayard's He is a son of the ex-chancelIor
OF Delaware, and alawyer of high standing
In that state, being member of the firm
OF Bates & Harrington Of Wilmington.
Mr. Bates was appointed by Secretary
bayard special commissioner to investigate
our Samoan relations, ana made long and
@ exhaustive report to the department Dec.
10, 1886.
PHELPS AND KASsON.
Messrs. Phelps and Kasson have had long
and distinguished congressional careers, and
taVe acquired an intimate knowledge of
diplomacy through service as United
states minister in Europe, Mr.. Phelps hav-
ing been minister to Austria in 1881, and
hr: hasson minister to Austria in 1877 and
70 Germany in 1884