New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-08-01
FOR A SAMOAN SETTLEMENT.

The Samoan Commissioners representing the
United States, Great Britain and Germany have
Joined in recommending form of government
for the islands which they say frankly does
not in all respects correspond TO their views
of what might be most advantageous, but which
Is the result of an earnest eDdeavor within
the limit Of their powers Ito amend existing
arrangements in such manner that they may
prove. if not entirely satisfactory, at least
workable 1t Is safe TO say that more than
this was not. and could not reasonably have
been expected Of the Commissioners, and so
far as 1t Is possible to judge from the early
report of their conclusions they have achieved
q considerable measure of success in a difficult
mission 1t is suitable to recognize. first Of
all their title to credit for the manner in which
they have performed their task. Contrary to
many predictions. they have found it possible
TO preserve friendly and harmonious relations
while discussing the delicate and complex ques
tons submitted to them Indeed, they have
seemingly found II easy TO do so. in spite Of a
good deal of irritating gossip and some appar
ent efforts 10 embroil hem.
The report that the Commissioners would
recommend the perm anent abolition of the
kngshlp is happily confirmed. If royalty In
Samoa had become merely absurd the preser-
walton of an empty title might have been toll
Grated. but the fact that ii had engendered
most of the strife which has afflicted the ISL
aDds in recent years, and was virtually GER
tain 10 be source Of trouble so long as il eX-
listed, seemed TO make its abolition a necessary
condition OF peace and progress. The question
was what should take its place. The Com
missioners answer that question by proposing
the appointment of an Administrator, "who
Twill doubtless be chosen from some disinter-
'ested Power by the United States, Great
Britain and Germany, or if they fail to agree,
by the King of Norway and Sweden. The Ad-
ministrator is to possess large measure Of
authority, and TO be assisted by delegates ap-
pointed by the signatOry Governments, form
ing with him legislative council system
Of native government, including courts for the
settlement of controversies relating to native
customs, Is also created, and consular jurisdc-
ton is abolished. the Chief Justice appointed
as heretofore. taking cognizance of all suits
brought against foreigners. and exercising n
more extensive jurisdiction over the islands
IT is believed that by thus subjecting residents
of all nationalities to the Jurisdiction of one
court serious causes Of friction will be re-
moved Finally, II is recommended that the
islands, with respect to which the provisions OF
the treaty have become a dead letter should
be prevented by stringent enforcement of the
customs regulations.
Such, in brief is the scheme OF admnstra
ton which the Commissioners unite In pro
posing. 1t will not escape notice that, while
hopeful of good results in case Of its adoption
they formally record the opinion that 1.-The only
natural and normal plan Of government FOL
these islands, and the only system which car
assure permanent prosperity and tranquility
"is government by one Power" and express
the fear that the evils arising out Of rivalrie'
over the kingship will be continued In greate
or less degree by rival chiefs in the admins
trative districts which 1t is proposed TO create
To what extent these and other ills are In
separabe from a tripartite government ant
how long such government can endure are
questions which apparently must be left for de
cision TO the future. The proposed arrange