, 1889-01-25

The navy department had no Jurisdiction
over the matter except of an executive
character.
SENATOR EDMUNDs,
when made acquainted with the tenor of
the u~lterances OF the Gazette, said:
| suppose if Bismarck was to express
his opinion on any subject he feels at per
feet liberty to do so, but | also suppose
that the expression of such opinion does
not serve to deter the American people
from carrying out any policy they may
adopt as desirable or necessary. The
Samoa islands as n highway OF commerce
across the Pacific are OF great Importance
with relation to the development OF trade
via the projected canals across the 18th
mas of Panama Ships are sent on long
cruises, the establishment of coaling sta
tions is necessary and the location of one
on the central island OF the Samoan group
as provided Tor in the proposed amend
ment to the diplomatic and consular APP
preparation bill reported by the commit
tee on foreign relations is looked on as
one of great Importance to us.
Such members as the house committee
on foreign affairs as could be seen to night
were averse to discussing freely the pres
Illh "a W Jul lNldNlOhG Il ptAlhOd III
view of the lact that the subject is now
before the committee. They are ex-
pected to communicate their views for
mally to the house i'll the shape of a report
Representative Russell of Massachusetts
wien told OF the position taken by the
Gazette remarked:
If matters should reach an extreme
point | don't believe we are going to be
eaten up by any European power.
Mr.. Hit, a leading Republican mem
Der OF the committee, was inclined to take
a peaceful view Of the situation. lie had
confidence in the strong common sense of
the leaders on both sides of the sea.
After all, the matter was of such slight
Importance that 1t could not reasonably
be expected to bring about war between
the United States and a nation which has
for us the kindest and warmest feelings.
But 1t was possible, said Hit, in conclu-
sion, that il Prince Bismarck had an idea
that he was dealing with a weak and NOR
ibund administration he might readily fall
back upon his old and well known policy
in order to crafty the passion of his poo
pie for colonial possession.
SENATOR MORGAN
of Alabama said: The administration had
Deen active III asserting our right IN
Samoa and congress has shown a strong
determination to support the administra-
ton in any action looking to the preserva-
ton Of the independence of the islands
and the protection of American interests
there. | think the steps already taken
will prove adequate to the emergency and
| am perfectly satisfied that whatever
rights we have will be faithfully protected.
We have material interests in these islands
and shall not tolerate any act on the part
of another power which will interfere with
our free with them.
SENATOR FRYE
was also seen: think, said he, that our
treaty rights are such in Samoa that we
cannot permit the independence of
SAMOA to be taken away from her. If
Germany can put a governor who is
nothing but a tool of her own into power
in Samoa they can compel them at once
to give notice to the United States that
all our treaties, after such notice, would
be terminated in a year. | think the
facts on the whole, taken together, do
guarantee the independence of Samoa.
DO you regard the situation as threat
cninp?'
II think the idea of war is as absurd as
it is possible hat it can be-