The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1892-10-06

WASHINGTON, Oct. 5-Although Samos
is one of the most Insignificant states in
the galaxy of nations, yet its affairs occu
py considerable part of the time and at.
tention of the governments of three o
the most powerful countries OH earth
those of the United States. Great Britain
and Germany. just now the financial
condition of the islands is under consider
alton.
A recent telegram from Apia said: "Gov.
ernmental affairs are moving along,
though the treasury is nearly empty.
Some time ago King Malieto ordered Il
small boat from San Francisco, and when
the bill therefor, $500, was presented the
king and the secretary of state certified
that the amount was correct. The treas
urer, however. Baron Senft Won Pilsach,
declared that he could not honor the ac-
count, as he did not have the sum in
American or English gold, and the build
ers refused to take the German money, So
tine account has not been paid. and the
kings credit is damaged considerably.
This does not accurately describe the
situation. Baron Senft Won Pilsach is a
sort of Pooh Bah in Samoa, being presi-
dent of the municipal council, treasurer of
the crown, and council receiver of GUS
toms, and treaty adviser to the king. I'm
der the terms of the Berlin treaty, the cur
rency of the United States was made tine
standard of value for the currency in cir
cuiation. But the baron in his zeal to ap-
preciate the standing of the money of his
own native land, recently promul gated the
announcement that he would in his official
capacity, receive the German 90 mark
piece (worth s.. 76), and the s. gold piece
of the United States at the same valua-
tion. The result YVES what might be ex-
pected.
All debts were paid in the German coin,
and while the kings credit may be some
what dispaired, as the dispatch says, the
treasury is far from empty The taron
finds il much easier To induce people to
pay s. debt with s. 76 piece than TO in
duce them to take the aforesaid 81 IS in
discharge of a SIS obligation due them.
Hence the complication of tine boat build
er's bill This action of the baron Is now
one of the several Samoan subjects of
diplomatic correspondence among the gov
erning nations.
The baron must he credited with LOYALTY
TO the Interests OF the whole people of
Samoa, AS against those of the municipal
ity of Apia, the capital city, and officials
who know something of the severe strain
to which an officer with double alleg
ance is subjected, are discussing, with
some Curiosity, the method of reasoning
by which the baron reached the decision in
the matter referred to. In former years
the customs receipts at Apia. by some
inexpiicable practice We're held to be the
property OF tie municipality.
Baron Seuft vou Flisach, after wrest-
ling with the anomoly for some months,
came to the conclusion that they belonged
to the national treasury and not TO the
municipal, the result being that the re-
venues of the king, out OF which the ex-
penses OF the officials created by the treaty
of Berlin are paid, are in very satisfac-
tory condition How the municipality is
progressing is a question for further in-
qulry.
Another matter at present occupying
the attention of the foreign offices of the
governments interested is the question OF
land titles. One of the institutions in
Samoa created by the treaty of Berlin is
the court, which is said to be really the
most satisfactory Of all the creations of
that conference.
Ex-Governor Ormsbee of Vermont is the
representative Of the United States at the
court. TO this court was referred the set
tleneut OF ali titles arising out of trausac-
tioIls prior 30 the execution OF the treaty
their ftndtngs 10 be reviewed by the chief
justice. Recently, il is said, the German
officials have been eudeavoring to Unite
the signatory powers IL support OF n GER
tain priucipie to be applied TO he settle
ulent oi the controversies over titles. The
result would be, We're this principle en-
1orcsd, IL Is said, 10 confirm a number of
claims by German residents, and at the
same time dispo,sess the chief justice OF
the power We sted in him bv the treaty
So far Known the United States and
Great Britain have not yet acceded to the
request OF the German government. There
are about 5000 htisated land Claims on
the docket OF court. A scheme has been
advanced to authorize the chief justice to
collect d fee of s. from every certificate or
decree issued in these cases, but this has
not been approved by the powers that be.