The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1889-01-25
that the Germans intended to COMPEL peace
OF the islands by disarming the natives.
SECRETARY BAYARD SEEN.


Oh the islands by disarming the natives.
SECRETARY BAYARD SEEN.
The dispatches from Berlin and London,
in regard to the attitude of Germany on
the Samoan question, were the subject OF
general discussion in this city this evening.
An effort was made to obtain the views OF
Secretary Bavard on the subject this after
noon, but without success. representa-
tive of the Associated Press was, however.
accorded brief interview with the secre-
tarv this evening Just as he was leaving his
residence to attend the state dinner at the
white house. He said that he had read the
dispatches in question, but said 1T would
not be proper for him to discuss their sub
lect matter at this time. He did not know
wrote the article in the North German
Gazette nor what authority be had tor his
statements, consequently he could not as
sumo them 10 be official, aud they might
afterwards prove to be mere newspaper
gossip. He said further, that although
Germany may have larger interests IN
Samoa than the United States, she had no
better or later Information from that coun-
try than the United States.
TREATY RIGHTS.
In regard to the statement that Germany
would violate no treaty in acquiring an
ascendancy in Samoa, Secretary Bayard
called attention to the declaration concern
ing Jne DOuuuHTleS Ol Tue o6I Ludu dho
English dominions in the West Pacific
ocean. signed at Berlin, April G., 1886, by
Count Bismarck, on the part of Germany,
| and Sir Edward B. Mallett, on the part of
Great Brit7in. Secretary Bavard said he
| thought this agreement precluded German
| acquisitions in Samoa, and that she was
| bound to respect the rights of that island
This declaration, after defining the bound
| aries of the respective possessions of the two
| countries in the West Pacific, provides that
| neither of them will make any acquisitions
of other territory, nor establish any pro-
tectorates over any other territory in the
| West Pacific ocean.
NEUTRAL TERRITORY.
The last section of the declaration ex-
| pressly provides that the NavigatOrs (Sa-
moa) Islands with which Germany, Great
| Britain and the United States have con-
cluded treaties, the Friendly CTonga) Is
lands, and the Nine (Savage) Islands, shall
in the future, as heretofore, form neutral
! territory"
| Assistant Secretary Rives read the dis
patches carefully this afternoon and re-
| marx ked with q smile "rhey seem to be
| hurling defiance in our teeth, don't they"
| When asked if he had not some further
comment to make on the subject, he said
| he had not He subsequently
| intimated, however, that there were i'm
! by the North German Gazette and the
| Presidents message to congress on Jan. l6,
| in regard to the treaty rights of Germany,
| Great Britain and the United States in the
| Samoan matter. He declined to point out
the discrepancies, but repeated that the 20
sition of our government on this question
| as stated by the Gazette is somewhat differ
| ent from our position as defined by tho
President in his message.
WHAT he ALLUDED TO.
Assistant Secretary Rives would say no
more, but it IS understood that he
referred particularly TO the passage in the
message where the President says: Act
! ing within the restraits which our consti-
| tutions and laws have placed upon eXecu-
| tive power, have insisted that the autOno-
my and independence of Samoa should be
| scrupulously preserved according to the
| treaties made with Samoa by the powers
named, Germany, Great Britain and the
| United States, and their agree uents and
| understanding with each other. | have
| protested against every act apparently
| tending in an opposite direction, and during
| the existence of internal disturbance, QUE
or more vessels of war have been kept in
Samoan waters to protect American citi-
| zens and property"
| SECRETARY WHITNEY WOULDN'T TALK.
| Secretary Whitney declined to be inter
viewed in regard to the publication in the
| North German Gazette. The policy of
| the government was fixed, he said, and
anything that might be said in regard to it
| must come from the state department.
| The navy department had no jurisdiction
over the matter except of an executive
character. No new orders, the secretary
said, has been issued by the navy depart
ment, in regard to the Samoan affairs.
BLUsTER WON'T WORK.
Senator Edmunds, when made acquainted
with the tenor of the utterances of the
Gazette, said: II suppose if Prince Bis
| marck wants to express his opinion upon
any subject, he feels at perfect liberty to do
so, but | also suppose that the expression Of
such opinion will not serve to deter the
American people from carrying out any
policy they may adopt as desir-
able or necessary. The Samoan islands,
are on the high way OF commerce across the
Pacific ocean, and are of great Importance
with relation to the development of trade
by the construction of the projected canals
across the Isthmus of Panama and across
| Nicaragua. 70 the power whose ships are
sent on long cruises, the es establishment OF
coaling stations Is a necessity, and the loca-
| ton of one on the central island Of the Sa-
moan group, as provided for III the pro-
| posed amendment to the diplomatic and
| consular appropriation bill, reported by the
committee on foreign relations, is looked
| upon as Of great Importance TO us.
Committeeman RETICENT.
Such members of the House committee
on foreign affairs as could be seen tonight
we're averse to discussing freely the present
state Of our relations with Samoa, in view
of tho fact that the subject is now before
the committee, and they are expected 70
communicate their views formally TO the
House in the shape Of n report Mr.. Russell
| of Masslchu etts, who was to-day designated
as a member Of the subcommittee having
charge of the matter, said that he really
| knew very little of Samoan affairs. When
told Of the position taken by the North Ger
man Gazette, Mr. Russell remarked that
"if matters should reach an extreme point,
l don't believe that we are going TO be eaten
up by any power"
Representative Rockwell also pleaded
ignorance. He remarked, in a jocular man.
ner, that the matter had been reforrod TO
the subcommittee, and he had no doubt
that it would declare war.
HIT A MAN OF PEACE.
Mr.. Hit, tue leading republican member
Of the committee, was inclined TO take a
peaceful view Of the situation. He listened
carefully to tho reading OF ths Gazette
article, and then remarked that he did not
notice that it contacted anything that was
untrue. There was a kiltul play upon
words, as would be observed upon reflection.