Evening star., 1899-04-14
NEW FACTS LEARNED
Official Story of the Trouble in
Sams..
is DISCUSSED BY THE CABINET
ConsuIs at Apia Were at One Time
Agreed on Mataafa.
EVENTS AT THE WHITE HOUSE

structions to Bartlett Trip, the special Sa-
moan commissioner of the United States,
and the position to be taken by the dele
gates of this country to the disarmament
congress.
Admiral Kautz's story of the Samoan
trouble was read in the cabinet. 1t agrees
with the published accounts of the trouble,
with one important exception. This eXcep-
ton, it is stated, is that the British and
American consuls agreed at one time with
the German consul in refusing to recognize
the decision of Chief Justice Chambers and
in seating Mataafa as King. When Ad-
niral Kautz appeared on the scene with the
Philadelphia this state of affairs was then
in existence. He proclaimed that the Ber-
lin treaty had been violated, and after a
conference with all concerned the resist
ance to Mataafa was decided upon. Then
followed the lighting with the natives.
The strongest point against the United
States and England in the controversy is
this agreement of their consuls, placing
Germany in a stronger position than here
tofOre After the arrival of Admiral hautZ
the British and American consuls, it is
said repudiated their agreement, saying
that it had been made under duress, and in
the face of riot and anarchy, which they
desired to prevent.
Instructions to Commissioner Trip.
The instructions to Commissioner Tripp
are not definite, it is said in foreshadowing
any policy on the part of this country. The
commissioners of the three countries are to
leave for Apia on the 18th, and the general
instructions are tfat they shall endeavor to
come to some agreement for the future
government of the islands. The power of
the commissioners IS pienary, and whatever
they agree upon will be binding upon the
three countries. The belief. however, is
not be continued. and that some other
form which will eliminate the natives from
further claims upon the head of the gov
ernment will take the place Of the old one
If the commissioners cannot agree, they
will simply report to their respective gov
ernments, and an effort will be made to
reach a unanimous agreement by means of
diplomatic negotiations.
The full instructions to Commissioner
Tripp have been made out by Secretary
Hay, with the approval of the President.
Nothing will be done now about repu-
dating or sustaining the actions of Admiral
KautZ. Whether he was right or wrong
will be determined by future Investigations.
The Samoan commission will probably draw
up a report which will detail the facts of
the revolution from beginning to end. If
the commission cannot agree in the mat
ter of details each commissioner will sepa-
rately report to his government.
Instructions to Peace Conference
Delegates.
The instructions to the delegates to the
European peace conference were read fully,
but it was stated that Secretary Hay
would have to make these public, if they
are made public at all.
The cabinet did not discuss the subject of
mastering out the volunteers in the Philip
pines and of calling the additional 1000
men provided by Congress. 1t is said that
the demand is growing for the muster out
of the volunteers.
Gen. Summers New Post.
Gen. Samuel s. Sumner, colonel 9th Cav
airy, was today appointed by the President
military attache at the United States en-
bassy at London, to succeed Col. A. E.
Bates of the pay department, who has been
summoned to this city, presumably to as
sumo the duties of paymaster general of
the army on the retirement of General Ca
rey in June next
General Sumner is a distinguished officer
of the army. and is especially well known
to the peOopie of this city through his SER
vice in command of the 9th Cavalry at Fort
Myer, Va lie is Il native OF Pennsylvania
but was appointed to the army from New
York. He served actively throughout the
civil war, first in the cavalry and then in
the adjutant generals department, and was
brevetted four times, first as first lieuten-
ant for gallant and meritoriouS services in
the battle of Fair Oaks, second as captain
for similar services in the battle of Antie-
campaign against Vicksburg, fourth as
lieutenant colonel for gallant services
against the Indians at Summit Springs,
Col. July II. 1863 He became colonel of
the 9th Cavalry May %, 1896, and was ap-
pointed a brigadier general of volunteers
at the outbreak of the Spanish war, and
was subsequently promoted to the grade of
major general of volunteers for distinguish
ed services and gallantry in action in the
Santiago campaign. He is now living at
Fort Myer
Grand Army Eneampment.
Commander-n-Chief w. C. Johnson of
the G. A. r. extended an invitation to
President Mckinley today to attend the
national encampment of the organization
to begin at Philadelphia on September 4.
Commander Johnson was accompanied by
Capt E. r. Monfort of Cincinnati Capt.
w. Fl. Armstrong of indianapolis and Capt.
Geo. H. Patrick of Montgomery, Ala. The
President said that if he is in Washington
at the time he will attend the encampment
at Philadelphia. 1t is possible that the
President will be in the west at this time
His intention now is to make his western
trip in July or August. If he goes in Au-
gust he may not return until some time in
September, as the trip will be an extensive
one.
In Behalf of Mr.. Fischer.
Representatives Payne and Sherman Of
New York saw the President today and
again urged the appointment of ex-Repre-
sentative Irael T. Fischer of Brooklyn to
membership on the board of general ap-
praisers. a position which Mr.. Sherman
himself was rendered, but refused. Mr..
Fischer has the Endorsement of the entire
New York delegation and some strong bust
ness backing There have been some pro-
tests against his appointment. however
They come from New York business men
and are based on Mr.. Fischer's lack of
familiarity with customs matters. The
President has as yet given indication of
his intentions, but Mr.. Fischers friends are
still hopeful They say that no strong can
didate has appeared against Mr.. Fischer.
The Atlantic City Conference.
Representative Payne Is on his way to At
lantic City, where the caucus committee
selected by the republicans of the last
House will meet on Monday to exchange
views preparatory to the framing of cur
rency reform measure to be submitted to
the next House in December. 1t is the
purpose of the caucus to frame bill def
mite in terms, If possible; If not, to agree
so far as possible upon the general princi-
pies to be embodied in the measure. Mr..
Payne desires to correct the erroneous i'm.