New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-05-11


In 1850 were very loud in their admiration.
As mn tier of historic fact Secretary Bayard
was actively interested in the early stages OF
tbe Samoan controversy, but was passive
spectator OF an affront to the dignity Of the Ma
ton which rendered the Berlin settlement
necessary Germany had taken possession OF
tho trade of the islands, with England as com
nctitor. The main interest Of the United States
law In the coang station Of PagoPago, when
had been acquired by purchase. German ag-
ercssiyencss was resented by Secretary Bayard
and diplomatic conference was held at WASH
inoton This conference, which was attended
nv the Secretary and the British and German
minister's discussed an amicable settlement,
and took n recess without accomplishing any
fling During that recess German warships
visited the islands, expelled the rightful King
and established n proectorate. ms was
wanton affront to both England and the United
States. which had been represented at the con-
ference. England had ambitious projects OF her
own respecting Hawaii. and did not resent It,
Secretary Bayard was also sluggish. and re-
ourcd constant proddng from the Senate IN
defending the honor of the United States. and
he left the Samoan question in diplomatic
tanglc when he retired from the State Depart
settlement at Berlin which greatly Increased
the prestige Of American diplomacy.
Under this settlement the islands have been
governed by n native King under trlpartl'e
protcctoratc. The arrangement has not worked
perfectly. and may require modification In some
details. but there Is no justification Whatever
for Secretary Grcsham's Interior policy OF
Withdrawing from it altogether and or leaV-
ing Germany and Great Britain ut liberty 10
make a bargain between themselves FOR the
possesson Of the islands. This solution, when
he evidently fayorS. would place the united
States In the contemplate attitude OF ignomlni-
ously backing ont Of an international compact
which was entered into with deliberation hVe
years ago brcaLsc American rights had been
challenged and the National dignity affroned
bv Germany 1t would be- an unerring indication
Of lack OF continuity in American diplomatic
policy II would be- as shocking an exhibition
of rcsontful and spitcful partisanship as Presl-
dont Clcyclands infatuated championship Of
bloodthlrsty and barbarouS Hawaiian Queen
Secretary Gresham contcmptuously dsmlsses
thc contention that there are any American IN
tcrcsts in Samoa. Nothing could be easier than
the creation of large commerce In the SCUM
Seas The Administration Is bent upon having
a free wool tariff Australia and NewIcaand
would enter at any time into negotiations Tor
reciprocity treaties on the basis OF free wool
hv which the Californian export trade would be
greatly benefited. The same colonies would
Join the United States in substituting lines of
steamers for the development ~ trade. and
Samoa and Hawaii would be the regular call
ing norris The AdmniSira ton lacks the inelli
scncc required for broad policy like this. 1t
never looks forward to take advantage Of
National opportunity. but always squnts back
varl with Jealous resentment. at the triumphs
II Republican diplomacy. which IT persstently
seeks 10 bellttlr and degrade