The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1899-07-01
Natives Have Submitted TO the
Three Powers.
GET PAY FOR THEIR GUNS
REVENUE TO BE RAISED BY IN
DIRECT TAXATION.
Administrator Or Governor Will Be
Appointed-Will Be Assisted By
Council, Consisting of Represent
alive of Each Power-This Will
Be Aided By Body of Samoans.

Apia, Samoa, June 16 (via San Fran
:iseo, June 3O.-Peace and quiet now
reign in Samoa, in marked contrast to
the warliile scenes Of two months ago.
The arrival of the auxiliary cruiser
Badger on May Is with the internation-
al commission on board caused a dis
tinct change in affairs here. The COM
mission lost no time. but went to work
Immediately, electing Mr.. Trip chair
man and Mr.. Morgan secretary.
The commissioners held interviews,
first With King Tanu and then with
Mataafa- Tanu was not at first recog-
nized as king by the commission. Tanu
and his chiefs readily agreed to give
up their arms. and stated that they
We're prepared to accept any formal
government the commission might
recommend, even if the kingShip was
abolished.
The following day Mataafa and his
party came alongside the Badger sing
ing songs and flying the Samoan flag.
The rebels were ordered to take down
the flag, which they did. The commits
siOners explained to the chief that they
had come TO make peace, and Mataafa
said he was tired of fighting, as were
his chiefs. He said his party would
recognize any government fixed by the
commission, but he preferred to have
king of Samoa, as it was an old es-
tablished institution.
Turn In Their Gums.
Mataafa readily agreed to give up
the guns held by his party, but in
sisted that as the weapons were the
private property of the natives, they
should receive compensation for them.
The commissioners issued a proclama-
ton. stating that the guns would
either be returned or proper payment
made for them after all troubles had
been settled. This, Of course, means
that payment will be made, as it would
be folly to return the weapons. Ma
taafa's party asked if they could be
represented by attorneys before the
commission, but their request was de-
clined.
After the Mataafa men had turned in
1900 rifles and the Tanu supporters
1000 more, Tanu was invited on board
the Badger. There he was informed
that the commissioners supported the
decision of Chief Justice Chambers and
that Tanu had been king of Samoa
ever since the decision had been rem
dered. Tanu said that he was willing
to do anything for the good of Samoa.
and, at the request of the commission
e;s, resigned his kingship TO them
The commission is now engaged in
writing its report. The abolition of
the kingship viii be a feature Of the
report; also the abolition of the Office
of president. Apia, a municipality. is
to be governed by it's council and a
mayor. This viii relieve the munich
pality of an official drawing a salary
Of $4,000 a year and who in the past
has only been source of friction in
Apia. The judicial and diplomatic
functions of the consuls viii be greatly
restricted. and the commissioners rec
ognize the fact that the supreme court |
and one law is sufficient for the needs |
Of Samoa
Abolish the Poll Tax.
Revenue wiz be raised by indirect |
taxation by means of increased Gus
toms duties. and the poll tax will be |
abolished. The licenses and tax rates
of Apia Will remain as formerly under
the treaty. The supreme court will |
remain as under the treaty. An ad-
ministrator or governor Will be ap-
pointed who will not be a subject OF
any Of the treaty powers. He is to be
assisted by a legislative council of
three, one appointed by each of the
three powers. This council viii legis-
late for the Samoans and Will be aided
by small body of representative Sa-
means. The governor viii have the
power Of veto over all proposed laws.
Chief Justice Chambers wished to re-
sign his position and return TO the
United States, but, at the request of
the commissioners, he has decided to
Many claims have been lodged al the
different consulates for damage TO
property during the past few months.
While not empowered 10 take any ac-
ton on these claims. the commission
ers agreed that real hardship has been
and 1t is understood the COM
mission will recommend that the three ]
powers each pay the losses caused TO
ts own subjects.
Would Not Recognize Mataafa.
On the evening of the queens birth ;
lay, British Representatives announced
-haI never under any circumstances I
Aogid Great Britain recognize Mataa- Z
as claim to the kingship. II is stated :
hat Baron Sternberg. the German ,
is fully convinced that :
Consul Rose acted wrongfully and is !
'eSpousible for the late outbreak. Con- 7
sails Rose and MaXse are passengers
IN the steamer Mariposa for San Fran T
;iscc. 9
Some Of the rebels. dissatisfied with :
he proclamation providing for a pro- :
'isiOnal government have declined TO /
sise up their rifles. Mataafa disclaims +
iny responsibility for this action and
avs il is without his consent.
Third Ward Benefit.