The News-Herald. [volume] (Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio) 1886-1973, 1899-04-06
JOINT HIGH COMMISSION.


Troubles In Samoa.
WASHINGTON, April LA joint high
commission to settle the entire Samoan
trouble has been practically agreed
upon by the United States, British and
German governmental Lord Salisbury's
absence from London alone delays
formal acceptance by Great Britain,
though in his absence Sir Thomas Sam
derson and Mr.. villierA who
are understood to be spe-
cially familiar with the Sa-
moan question, have approved the
plan for . commission. The United
States has informally expressed It's ap-
proval, and the formal acceptance. Il 10
learned from the highest quarter, will
follow speedily. Az the proposition
emanates with Germany her approval
Of course, IL assured. This high com.
mission, It is felt, affords . pacific So
luton to the whole trouble at the mo-
msnt when Samoan Affairs began to
look the most threatening.
The new plan has been fully gone
over by Secretary Hay and the British
and German ambassadors here and its
essential details worked out Each
nation is to be represented by one
member on the commission. It Is to
have practically unlimited authority
without the necessity of referring its
decisions back to the several govern
ments for approval. 1t is felt that by
comforting such complete and final
authority on the high commission the
danger will be obviated of any further
deadlocks and delays. Still another
important provision under considera-
tion is that King Oscar, of Norway
and Sweden, shall be tn 9 umpire in
case the three high com missioners
should fail to reach determination.
The plan of inviting King Oscar to
referee disagreement meets
the approval of the British
and German authorities and will
doubtless be approved by the United
States as a means of insuring Anality
of decision, though it is not known
just how far this has been considered
by the Warrington authorities.
King Oscar was agreed upon between
the United States and Great Britain as
a final arbitrator in connection with
the proposed Anglo-American arbitra-
tion, treaty, as we'll as in the Vene-
zuela matter. He is also mentioned
in the treaty of Berlin as the
one to name chief justice Of Samoa
in case the three signatory powers fail
to agree on a chief justice. It was this
that led to the suggestion of his name
at the present time to act as final arbi-
traitor. The expectation is that the
sittings of the commission will
be in Samoa where, for the time
being, they will have complete au-
thority over the whole range OF
Samoan affairs, SO far as the high COM
mission may think fit to act in order to
fully restore order, and establish af-
fairs on stable basis. 1t will require
no treaty to bring the commission into
existence. as the acceptances of the
United States and Great Britain will
complete the agreement.
1t is understood that the men select.
ed for the mission will be of high
standing so as to give added weight
and dignity to their findings, such for
instance, as the consul general of Ger
many, whose jurisdiction covers the
whole range of Pacific affairs. He is .
man of complete information on Sa-
moan and other Pacific island subjects,
as we'll as man of political
influence. The United States
and British commissioners, it ID
understood, would be drawn from the
same high rank with view, however,
to their information on international
matters of this character rather than
their political standing.
As showing that the acute phase Of
the Samoan question 10 past, Baron
speck Won Sternberg, first secretary
OF Germany, left here Friday night for
New York, whence he sails on the 9Th
for London and Berlin. He has been
q most active factor throughout
the Samoan controversy, having made
that question . special study and
thus being able to render the ambassa,
dor material assistance. His inhuencs
at all times has been toward maintain.
ing the friendly relations between the
two countries and overcoming the
causes of irritation. His trip to Lon-
don and Berlin has no Significance
whatever in connection with Samoan
affairs, but is entirely personal after
the gravity Of the affair had passed.