Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-01-22
THE SAMOAN TROUBLES.
What b Said at the Capitol About the
Situation.

The situation in Samoa, as reported by the
press dispatches, was a theme much talked
about at the capitol to-day. Democratic con-
gressmen were not inclined to say much that
might be construed as criticising the admins
trstion The sentiment generally seemed 10 be
that no action should be taken or even criticism
passed until information comes through official
channels. Republicans are sverse TO discussing
the matter to any extent publicly in view of the
fact that the matter may go over to the new
administration, and they are unwilling to en-
harrass President-elect Harrison in so import
ant matter.
They, however, speak with some warmth of
the inactive and feeble policy which they
say has been pursued by Mr.. Bay
the present situation of affairs in Samoa.
Mr.. Morrow, of California, they say,
frequently urged upon Mr.. Bayard to
take some positive action assert
ing American rights in Samoa. They
say there is no foreign interest in Samoa as
strong as ours.
coNsUL-GENERAL sEwALL's TESTIMONY.
Consul-General Sewall, of Samoa. has re-
turned from New York, and expects to appear
again tomorrow morning before the Senate
committee on foreign relations. IL is probable
that at that meeting some action will be taken
expressing the committees opinions upon the
situation at Samoa.
AWAITING IMPORTATION.
Whatever exaggeration there may have been
In the accounts published as to the action OF
the Germans in Samoa, no doubt is expressed
that American interests are threatened more or
less aggressively. Whatever action is neces-
sary to their protection should be taken
promptly. But there is no disposition TO say
what should be done now or to question the
present action of the State Department for
lG Enn hat fha<
department may be doing in the matter. II
Is held. however, to be an evidence of want OF
hrmness on the part of MIR. Bayard that the
Germans have been allowed to carry the thing
so far. 1t may be that the Germans have not
committed any act of violence against prop
erty of American citizens, yet there seems 70
be no question that they are seeking TO estab-
llsh power of their own there that must OF
necessity jeopardize our interests.
THE THIRD PARTY.
The dispatches from London that relate to a
conference between Minister Phelps and Lord
Salisbury upon this subj ect and states that Eng
land, as third party to the treaty, will Join
with the United States to preserve the integrity
of this treaty, is regarded as an indication tina,
Mr. Bayard has been paying more attention &c
the matter than II has been supposed he was. Oh
course it is claimed an incignity to the American
nag must be resented by the U. S. government
and promptly resented, but if Germany ID
guilty OF no more than an attempt to acquire
more power in Samoa than she has a right 70
under the treaty, of which England, Germany
and the United States are party, then England
is as much bound to defend the integrity of that
treaty as is the United States. Ii England
were disposed to act i'll league with Germany
We would have to look out for our own interests
only and to act independently.
THE TRUTH OF THE STATEMENT
In the London dispatches is not assured, but i,
is not considered at all unlikely that England
would be prompt to join the United States in
checking German aggression. Under the pres
ent German emperor the relations between
England and Germany are more or less
strained. The anti-English feeling in Germany
is pronounced, and England watches the Ger
man movements with a jealous eye. Under
these circumstances it is expected that England
and the United States will make il sufficiently
plain to Germany that the treaty provisions
must be observed
As to the insult to the American flag more in
formation is awaited. The action of the State
department must depend upon the character OF
the information received officially.
AT the Navy department it is understood they
are anxious to take as vigorous action in this
matter as was taken to the seizure of the
Hayden Republic. They are held in restraint
only by the State department