The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-04-14
MR. WHITES STATEMENT.
Germany Has Expressed Sympathy
Comment OF the Newspapers.

BERLIN April 13.-The United States
embassy to-day gave out the following
statement: I'VE have received from the
Foreign Office an account of the latest con-
flict in Samoa. The German government
expressed sympathy and took occasion 10
urge the adoption of the unanimity rule in
the findings of the Samoan commission, i'm
order that the German commissioner, Baron
Speck Won Sternberg. might sail for Samoa
at the earliest moment possible. The Ger
man government urges that only the early
arrival of the commission will prevent
further serious blCodshed. This morning
Baron Won Buelow informed the American
ambassador that Great Britain had at last
agreed 10 the unanimity rule. the United
States also agreeing. and that the commits
sion can probably proceed TO the island
without delay
The Rechstag Interpolation on the sub
ject OF Samoa is signed by a majority of the
Center, Reichs party, Conservatives and
National liberals, and asks the government
for information regarding the events in
Samoa which have injured German inter-
ests so seriously" and also requests in
formation regarding the measures taken or
intended to be taken by the government
under the circumstances. The Interpolation
tO WHICH the minister OF foreign dHdlTS,
Baron Won Buelow. has consented to re-
ply will be the first subject taken up at
Fridays session OF the Reichstag.
Prolonged negotiations between DR.. Iieber
the Centrist leader, and Baron Won Buelow
have finally resulted in expungng from the
Interpolation the words, (which have in
jured German interests so seriously" DIR.
Lieber declined to sign the question orig
inally drafted. All parties in the Reichstag
except the Socialists have now signed 1t.
This change is fresh proof of desire to
avoid irritating Great Britain and the
United States.
The German press this morning gives yes
terday's news calmly and mostly without
comment. The Cologne Gazette remarks:
I'VE need not say that II the guilt of the
manager of the German plantation is proven
Germany will approve of his arrest and
demand for his punishment. We will not
defend the behavior of a German abroad
merely because he is a German
The Cologne Gazette also admits that Dr.
Rafel Che German president Of the muni-
cipal council of Apia) acted Illegally in
closing the chief Justices office and says:
''The other two powers we hope will admit
| the illegal acts of their representatives
The Tageblatt calls the arrest Cf the Ger
man manager or the plantation, In which
| the ambuscade took place Illegal" saying:
| Our consul is the only competent Judge"
The Lokal Anzeiger expresses Ihe opinion
| that the affair shows the need of prompt
| action by the commission.
The Vossische Zeitung says: Whatever
| action the German government takes it will
| find itself backed up by the Reichstag"
A number of leading papers. like the
| Deutsche Zeitung. Schlesische Zeitung and
| Hanover Courier, point out the necessity of
a larger navy and urge the Fastening of
| the present increase in its strength and the
| adoption of additional bill for the con-
| struction of other vessels
The afternoon papers continue their bit
| ter comments on Great Britain. The semi
| official Post strongly urges The Rechstag
| to place at the governments disposal the
amount of appropriation passed in annual
| installments for the naval increase last year
| and to hasten the work of construction,
| arguing that with a respectable navy Ger
| many need not fear a repetition of the
| humiliating occurrences at Samoa"