The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1899-07-04
The Work of the Joint
Commissions.
fHE MONARCHY ABOLISHED
Recognized as Kin. and Then
surrender the Kingship-Mataafa
Agrees TO Accept Any Form Of Govern.
ment Proposed by the PoweY.-L-ad.
ing Features Of the Government Pro q.
posed by the Commission-Many ..ria
surrendered.


Apia, Samoa, June 16. via San Fran
cisco, June 30.-Peace and quiet now
reign in Samoa, in marked contrast to
the warlike scenes of two months ago.
The arrival of the auxiliary cruiser
Badger OIL May 18th with the interna-
tional commission on board caused a
distinct change in affairs here. The
commission lost no time, but went to
chairman and Mr.. Morgan secretary.
The commissioners held interviews,
first with King Tanu and then with
Mataafa. anu was not at first rec
ogniZed as king by the commission.
Tanu M his chiefs readily agreed to
give up their arms and stated that
they were prepared to accept any for
NAL government the commission might
recommend, even if the kingship were
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 lower the
flag, which they did. The commission
ers explained to the chief tina the
had come to make peace. Mataafa said
he and his chiefs were tired of fight
ing. He aid his party would recognize
any government fixed by the commits
sion, but ne hoped to a v a king of
Samoa, as it was an old established
institution. He said he was ready to
give up the guns held by his party, but
insisted that as the weapons were the
private property Of the natives, they
should receive compensation for them.
The commissioners issued a procla-
nation stating that the guns would
either be returned or proper payment
made for them after all the troubles
had been settled. This, of course, means
that payment will be made, as it would
be folly to return the weapons.
Mataafa's party also asked to be rep
resented by attorneys before h COM
mission, but the request was denied.
After Mataafa'S 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
ers, resigned his kingship to them.
The commission is 10Y engaged in
formulating it's report. The abolition
of the kingship will be a feature Of
the report, also the abolition of the
office of president of Apia- This munic-
ipality is to be governed by a council
and mayor. This will do away with an
official drawing 5000 a year, and
whose office in the past has been a
source of much friction here.
The judicial and diplomatic func-
tons of the consul will be greatly re-
stricted and the commissioners recog-
nize the fact that the supreme court
and one law are sufficient for the needs
Of Samoa. Revenue will be raised by
(, indirect taxation and by means Of in
| creased customs duties. 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 administrator or governor will be
| appointed 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 three
| treaty powers. This council will legis-
late for the Samoans and will be aided
, by a small body of representative Sa-
| means. The governor will have the
power of veto over all proposed laws.
Chief Justice Chambers wishes to re-
sign his position and return to the
United States, but, on the request OF
the commissioners, has decided to re-
main.
Many claims have been lodged at the
different consulates for damages ito
property during the past few months.
While not empowered to take m &C
ton on these claims, the commission
ers agreed that real hardship had been
suffered and it is understood the COM
mission will recommend that the three
powers each pay the losses caused to
it's own subjects.
Some Of the rebels dissatisfied with
the proclamation providing for a pro-
visional government, have declined to
give up their rifles. Mataafa dlscialms
anv responsibility for their action.
The Beers Coming to England's Terms
London. June 30.-The Digger News.
: the Roer organ in London, prints a dis