New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-06-25
BRINGING THE TREATY.
MIR, PHELPS ON HIS WAY TO wAsHNeroN
PEOPLE AND THINGS THAT THE COMMISSIONERS
SAW IN GERMANY-THE CONFERENCE
HEIn TN rNCTTcu

SAW IN GERMANY-THE CoNFERENcn
HELD IN ENGLISH.
William Walter Phelps, bringing Peace With
Honor from the international conference on
Samoan matters held at Berlin, passed through
New-fork last night on his way TO Washington
with the treaty. He landed in Hoboken from the
North German Lloyd steamship Fulda. Glad IN
light suit OF gray, and wearing q brown Derby
hat with little bit of bright color in his nsce-
tie, and decided tan on his cheeks the Com
missioner was picture of health and activity.
lie carefully carried q little bag made Of yellow
leathe.. ~.
That he said to Tribune reporter. after he
had interchanged brief greetings with friends
who met him at the pier and was crossing the
ferry, " that contains the Samosn Treaty. Thanks,
prefer to carry it myself
There is talk here Of the treaty. Mr. Phelps,
as triumph Of American diplomacy. Are there
well founded grounds for the GENERAL satisfaction
with the result OF the conference ?" was asked.
Il cannot say anything about that further
that that the treaty is which is satisfactory to
all concerned in the conference. and that think
it will be found satisfactory to the public gen.
orally. think one Of the most noticeable things
In connection with this conference Is tho fact
that for the first time in the history Of interna-
tional diplomacy the language used was English.
Heretofore it had alwa-s been F-ench'
What did you think of Bismarck's English
accent?7
"oh,' said Mr.. Phelps. laughing, lit was very
good indeed
Do you think that the conference has estab-
hshed a precedent for the use OF English as tho
language Of international diplomacy"
That cannot we'll express an opinion on.
should not think it improbable. II may be q
start In that direction. OF course the majority
of those who took part in the conference were
English speaking, so it was a matter Of proper
that English would be chosen
you?'
went away, using, great dispatch to catch the
steamer. l started so suddenly that l had no
time TO confer with my comrades and they would
naturally close up their business in more leisure
ly manner. ] sailed for Germany on the 18th of
Aprll. The first session Of the conference was
held in Berlin on the Goth Of April, and the last
Z" Did the conference excite much interest in
Berlin ?" "
No, it did not excite very great interest. The
sessions were held in the Foreign Office and every
thing there was carried on in a dignifed and
quiet manner. The secrecy was kept so carefully
that there was not anything for the newspapers
to. get, except the fact that the conference was
held and that the subcommittee werc at work
great deal of the work was done by sub-com.
mittees. who reported to the full conference, who
adopted their work with or without alteration
as it met with their approval or not
THE BISMARCK DYNASTY
Is the personality OF Bismarck in your opinion,
so aggressive and so powerful as it Is generally
said 10 be?'
We'll, had much more to do with the son.
who was the Secretary Of Foreign Affairs, than
with Prince Bismarck, the Chancellor"
Then what do you think of Count Herbert
Bismarck" -. -.
He is man Of very great PROMISE devoted
to work, and seemingly fitting himself and fast
showing himself to be fitted to succeed his fathe,
In the higher position OF tht Chancellorship.'
That Is to say, that the Bismarck dynasty,
OF which much has been written recently In
some British controversial magazines, is likely
TO be an established fact for at least genera
ton more?'
There is certainly capacity and an honorable
ambition on the part Of Count Bismarck sufficient
TO make one think that the dynasty would not
end with the death OF the Prince
-Of course the Emperor did not ostensibly
meddle with Samoan matters?'
There was indication that the Emperor
had any finger in the Samoan pie, but he kept
a good watch on the conference. and everything
was submitted to his approval, everything we
did had to be submitted for the approval of Presi
What OF the standing and influence OF the
young Emperor? That is TO say, is the prestige
Of the throne still sufficient among the mass Of
that may be factitous?'
lie always commands the highest veneration.
In that respect there is great difference between
him and even the mighty Bismarck. III there ia
any criticism leyelled at Government action It is
always directed against Bismarck. never against
the Emperor"
England and things English which some newspaper
correspondents have ascribed TO him27
:, No; don't think there is any reason to be-
iGye & that thai he disses the English. If he does. ID
Had you pleasant reception in Berlin
socially+'
diality everywhere. We did not come In contact
with any Of the celebrated professors or literary
men, and did not meet any persons Of distinction
except those connected with the Government and
court Among others. / met the old warriors,
Moltke and Waldersee."
THE OLD WARRIOR STILL VIGOROUS
" Is not Moltke somewhat in the shade now?"
"Of course he has been thrown in the back
ground OF late. as it has been a time of peace.
Still he is much admired and honord. and wher-
ever b" goes he receives the greatest attention
Physically, is he not on the wnne w
No. lie is not at oil enfeebled BY old age.
lie is slim, erect and active. He maintains his
famous taciturnlty in seven tongues Just as he
used to-"
Did the city of Berlin impress you favorably ?"
Il was much struck by its growth II Is
growing now fully as fast as New-fork.'
+" The great tide Of emigration to America
"Oh, no. Berlin draws population now, you
know, from all parts of its new empire. It Ger
tainly vies with Paris as the leading city Of the
European continent. Real estate is especially
profitable in Berlin. on account Of the system OF
putting many people OF as many different kinds
as they please in one place They are able to
use both cellar and attic, and can put q shoe
makcr in the basement, banker on the first
foor q nobleman on the second and SO forth,
by washerwomen and laborng people. Though
was so busy, enjoyed my visit. You say
look we'll, and l feel we'll The weather was
beautiful though we had short spell so hoe
that it was like American summer weather.
ITO turn to personal matters Mr.. Phelps, what
are your plans for the summer?'
:" haven't got any plans / eXSect to taie
the treaty to Washington and to Tttuin and spend
the summer on my farm in New-Jersey."
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