The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1892-08-18

looking to the establishment Of an inter
national bank in China, and as result Of in
formation sent from this country to the Chinese
officials. calling their attention to publications
in the papers reciting these facts. the Emperor
has ordered an investigation into the matter.
This investigation has been going on for
some time in China, and as result the Min
lister will probably be recalled before his term
expires in October next, when in the course of
ordinary procedure he would have been re-
lieved from duty as Minister to this country as
we'll as Minister to Poru. which country is in
cluded in his mission.
The Civil Service Commission has published
circular, or rather proclamation, calling at
tention of the public to the provisions Of the
civil service law in relation to political assess
ments or contributions telling the Govern
ment employees their rights in the promises
and warning those not in the Government SER
vice, of whatever political party, not to in
fringe upon these rights. Political assessments,
the Commissioners say, under any guse. are
prohibited by law. No Government employe
SHALL either directly indirectly, solicit or re-
ceive contribution for political purposes from
any other Government officer or employe; and
no Government employe shall make a contri-
button for political purposes to any other Gov
eminent officer or employee. No person shall
solicit contributions for political purposes In
any rooms or buildings occupied by Govern
ment employees in the discharge of official du-
ties; and no superior officer shall discriminate
against or in favor of any Government officer
or employee on account of his action in reference
to contributions for political purposes; that
Government employees must be left absolutely
free to contribute or not, as they may see ft,
and to either party, according to their prefer
ences. and an employe refusing TO contribute
must not be Disseminated against because Of
such refusal. The Commissioners will use
every effort to secure the enforcement Of the
above law, and secure the punishment of who
soever may violate it.
ALLEGED SEIZURE OF PAGO PAGO.
A rumor has been in circulation for some
days, which is to the effect that Great Britain
had seized point in Pago Page Harbor. Samoa,
and had made preparations to occupy and other
wise perfect its title to q concession from Samoa
for a coaling station there. Secretary OF State
Foster being asked if there was any truth in
the rumor said that while this Information
was meager and unveri6ed, it was sufficient to
induce the officials Of the State Department to
look most carefully into the general subject of
this country's and England's treaty right in
Samoan harbors, and the Department will be
fully prepared to meet even such remote con-
tingency as q difference of opinion on treaty
construction between the two Governments.
The Secretary manifested considerable ear
nestness in both his manner and words. and
indicated very clearly that though the present
agitation has no official foundation, if any real
question OF infringement of American rights is
raised wise and firm policy consistent with
the honor and dignity of the country, will
be vigorously adhered to. This country's
treaty with Samoa STIMULATES that naval vessels
of the United States shall have the privilege of
entering aud using the harbor of Pago Pago,
aud establishing therein on shore coaling
station, or station for other supplies for naval
or maritime purposes; and Samoa agrees in the
treaty that she will hereafter neither exercise
norauthorize any jurisdiction within the port of
Pago Page adverse to the rights of the United
States, or restrictive thereof.
Much injustice is done the State Department
in rejecting upon its lack of haste or decision
in connection with the reported seizure by
England of coaling station at Pago Page.
The State Department will see that American
rights are insisted upon, if any official notice
of unfair or unwarranted action on the part Of
Great Britain is received.
POINTS GEN, WANAMAKER WILL MAKE