The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1899-04-05
FORMING An AGREEMENT.
IN. s0Lr CONFERs WITH DIPLO-
MATS IN WASHINGTON.
All Parties Attempting 20 smooth
Over DsfAealtfes IN eamoa-Ma-
jority Decision and Questions Of

WASHINGTON. April 4-The German
ANITA ssa9or DR. Vor Hoiienen. accoEpan-
ed by DR. Wilhelm Self the newly ap-
Pointed president Of the municipal coun-
ell Of Samoa, called az the British en-
bassy today and had an agreeable meet
Ing with the British ambassador. Sir Ja-
Ian Paancefote, and Mr.. Elliott. Of the
embassy staff.
Later In the day SIR Julian called at the
state department, and had a talk with
Secretary Hay. II was az once conjec-
iare3 that the arrsa Ssader came To signi-
~ the formal acceptance by Grea; Brit
ain Of the plan OF appointing a commits
sion. This was correct only in part
While the British government has ap-
proved the general principle OF a COM
mission. yet the details as TO the author
ity and power OF the commission remain
10 he settled before the British accept
ance II given.
On the other hand. the report coming
from an authoritative Berlin quarter that
Berlin had decided not 20 accept the COM
mission plan is equally misleading The
status of the negotiations. as given in
the highest official quarters. Is that the
principle OF the commission Is accept
ed by all three countries. including Great
Britain. but that the British government
withholds formal approval Of the com
mission Itself until all the details of its
authority are determined.
This. IL IS explained. is in sense a
delay Of acceptance. for no one govern
ment has offered something which the
Others must accept or reject Instead of
that, all three are moving forward in the
most agreeable spirit toward Il common
understanding. each making its sugges-
tons for the betterment of the plan and
no one laying down certain limitations
which the others must accept at once.
Baron Won Buelow, the German minister
OF foreign affairs, returned to Berlin yes
terday for the express purpose OF meet
ing the British ambassador there and
clearing up such details as Lord Sails
bury wishes TO have settled I'm advance
Those In Washington who are in the best
position to Judge OF the progress OF the
negotiations say there Is every indca-
ton they will be satisfactorily closed be-
fore the present week ends, and that the
high commission Will be an accomplished
fact by that time.
The questions Of detail are still open.
and also those relating to a majority de-
cision OF the commission as to the COM
missions power 10 alter or modify the
Berlin treaty and the constitutional sys-
tern under which Samoa Is being admin
istered at present The latter power. Il
- said might determine the entire poiti-
cal future Of Samoa, and before confer
ring II on a commission the British au-
thoritiss desire To have II well understood
as to how far the future OF the islands
can be made a finality binding on all
three powers by the commission.
The German government has Informally
sfgnsfsed whom IL Will appoint as the Ger
man member OF the commission. He Is
TO have the rank Of consul general and
Is To be an official familiar with Samoan
affairs: not. however. Consul Rose. of
Samoa. or Or. Rosenthal. the German
consul at San Francisco.
Dr. Solf had busy day Accompanied
by Secretary Hay, he was received by the
president. the latter expressing the earn
eat hope that Or Solf might be success
full In his new field Of action. Assistant
Secretary OF State Cridier also had a
meeting with DIR Solf.
pr. ssoif i a typical German tall. robust.
ford He epeaks perfect English II
am glad To observe the most satisfactory
feeling prevailing in Washington said
he. 'and | am confident that the German
and American authorities Will have lit
tie or difficulty in arriving at a most
harmonious understanding on Samoa As
far as ] am concerned. my duties are no:
of a political character. and my inarTlc-
tions. received before leaving Berlin are
In effect, to use every endeavor to pro-
mote good feeling between the three row
ers and 10 avoid In every way possible
cause for disagreement Naturally am
desirutIs of realizing that high aim and
Of assisting In the quiet and orderly adj
nlnisiralon OF Samoa"
Dr. Solf was asked as 10 his visit 10
London en- route here and the general
feeling entertained In British Official cir
eies. lie said he had met Joseph Cham
beriain. secretary Of state for colonial az
fairs, and Mr.. Nilliers under secretary
~ state, whose special province iS Samoa
Their expressions were rlayt friendly. and
general sentiment was evinced to end
the differences over Samoa The doctor
expressed the hope that the press reports
on questions raised by the British authori-
ties regarding the details OF the hsgh
commission would not prove true as she
German ana American authorities seemed
near 10 a conclusion that il was greatly
"a be hoped that those details OF "A really
formal nature would not too long defer
a full and satisfactory settlement
Referring 20 his observations since land
ing la this country Dr. Sntf expressed
himself "a delighted, He liked the demo-
cratic spirit everywhere prevailing. the
general atmosphere or liberty ana the
many evidences OF substantial American
progress
lie leayes here tomorrow. going 70 New
York and Buffalo and thence West. sal
ing April - froqn San Francisco for
Samoa.