Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1889-01-24
A Decisiye Policy Is Needed.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 21.-The state depart
ment officials say they have no views rela-
tive to further fighting in Samoa on Decem-
ber 1s. All news received by them has been
given to the press The Third Assistant Sec
retary of State Moore says it is probable
fight occurred, but he has received no such
news
In an interview as to the navy's attitude in
the Samoan affair, Secretary Whitney said
that he thought the time had arrived for our
government to establish and maintain a
definite line of policy with regard to the
islands of the Pacific ocean.
He commended Capt. Mullens conduct at
Latonga, and said the United States steamer
Nipsic has been instructed to remain at Sa-
moa, where she will be joined by the Trenton
and Vandalia. The former vessel is now one
week out from Panama, bound for Samoa.
Secretary Whitney has very emphatic
ideas on this subject, but in the circumstances
he cannot go beyond the instructions he has
received from the president. He says the
three vessels ordered to Samoa, will probably
be sufficient to protect the American inter-
ests there in case of an emergency, In the
meantime he looks for an early settlement OF
the controversy by congress
The opinion is expressed here that the
Americans who came under the fire of the
German guns were operating with the forces
of the king against the rebels, and that the
American flag has been improperly used to
shield the operations of the German naval
officers. The rebellion against the existing
government Of Samoa, the Americans have
taken the side of the government, while the
Germans are supporting the rebels The
facts, as far as known here, show that the
German interference and the shelling of Sa-
moan towns was without justification.
The matter will be thoroughly Investigated
by this government, but nothing can be done
until the entire facts are known. Such naval
vessels as are on the Pacific coast will be
ordered to Samoa to care for American
rights The German navy consists of about
one hundred and forty vessels, many of
which are modern, and supplied with Krupp
guns of large caliber and long range The
| strength of the navy is put down at Is, ,0OC
men, In addition to this active force there
| is large reserve of ships and men cores
ponding to the landwehr, and at the prin-
cipal home stations there are assembled nu-
merous batteries of heavy guns of modern
fabrication.
The impression prevails in cabinet circles
that Germany has exceeded the bounds Of
propriety, and, in the language of member
of the cabinet tan issue should be made with
her at once"
The Republican members Of the senat'
committee on foreign relations say that a!
the senate is considering the Samoan situa
ton in secret session it would be indiscreet
for them to discuss it,
Senator Frye, Of the committee, however
saw fit to say: THE whole tenor Of the in
structions sent to our consuls has been sucl
as to encourage the Germans to further out
RACES and insMlts."
Senator Morgan, Democratic member o
the committee said Assuming that tn
dispatches are true, think that German.
has reached a climax in the direction she ha
been drifting, the capture of the Samoan
islands, II Germany should take possession
of the islands and should maintain
the treaty with the United States W
would have nothing to fight about; bu
/ should Germany take control of the island
and undertake to deprive US of any treat
advantage we have there, the question for u
would be a new onen