The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-02-09

&c tainly be a long step toward harmony.
Except as the conditions may be changed
by Il lair election OF King by the natives
IT is deemed essential that affairs in Samoa
shall remain in statu quo pending the con-
ference. II we may indulge the hope
which the adoption Of this suggestion
promises, for successful issue Of the con.
ference, the Government OF the United
States will at once take steps to be prop.
erly represented at the meeting OF such
CONFERENCE ~ BERLIN,
"The statements you read 10 me as ema.
mating from the German Consul at Samoa,
in which he finds fault with the conduct
of Capt. Leary, OF the Nipsic, and Mr..
Blackjack, the United States Consul as
violative OF the instructions Of this govern.
ment TO maintain an impartial attitude in
the conflicts in Samoa, do moi appear to be
substuntialed by an averlnent OF any per
sonal knowledge OF the facts, must have
been based on information and belief only,
or are repeated at second hand, and must
be classed as merely heasly evidence.
These conflicting statements OF the Ger
man Consul will be brought TO the atten-
ton OF Capt. Leary aud Mr.. Blacklock. and
their replies will be communicated. Much
allowance must be made Tor the excite
ment prevailing in Samoa. which is not
favorable to accuracy or moderation of
statement, especially ol those concerned rs
actors"
Then follow the protocols Of the confer.
ence between Secretary Bayard, Mr. Al.
Vensleben and Sir Lionel West, several
meetings being held; various plans Of
government were proposed. Mr.. Alven-
sleben read formal statement Of the posi-
ton OF his Government, In which he saws
there is only one cOursc-lO place one
foreign officer at the head OF tho admins.
traiiun, and TO invest him with sufficient
powers TO take meas urcs required Tor the
maintenance OF peace and order, rs well
rs for the prosperous development vi COM
merce and intercourse.
Atthe fifth meeting Mr. Bayard declared
that
TnE GERMAN PLAN
would result in an inequality which would
grow larger, but Mr.. West would not con-
cede this point. At the last session. on
July 70, Mr.. Bayard, in reviewing the
German proposition, said: THE plan ~
proposed and explained Ivy Mr. Won Al.
vensleben is substantially foreign auto.
cratic Government based on mercantile
interests; and all experience has shown
what must necessarily result from such an
attempt, and that under ,ihe defeat Of the
objects we have all distinctly proposed is
certain. ] do not see why We should not
recognize nj the outset and encourage IN
Samoa u spirit Of self governing freedom
and selirespect Germany and HE United
States have gtheretoiOl given strong indi.
'cation of their desire Tor this by their
prompt disavowal OF the arbitrary and
unauthorized acts OF their respective
Consuis (Steubel and Grecnbauml. And
Il Is noticeable that the conduct OF foreign.
ers has been the cause OF more disorder
aud discomfort IN Samoa than any spOn-
taneous action Of the natives who, when
ever they have acted Improperly and inn
morally, would appear to have done 20
upon the insligation Of some foreign
agent. We cannot, therefore, condemn
native seli-gOyernmcnt Ia advance, for il
has not been tried aud plan containing
such an element. is entitled 10 favorable
consideration aud TO be fairly tested.
Would IL not, therefore, be well for us 10
adjourn this conference until the autumn
and thus give time TO the ministers OF Ger
many and Great Britain TO submit their
protocols to their respective governments
IA order that instructions may he received
10y them OF a more definite character, 10y
aid Of which We may he enabled TO come
20 an agreement
Mr.. Bayard's proposition TO adjourn
until autumn was then agreed 10.