Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-04-01
A COMMISSION
With Unlimited Power to Set
tie Samoan Question.
One Delegate Each from United States,
England and Germany.
Plan Proposed by Germany-AIl Complications
Now Fade Away.

Washington, March 3l--A joint high
commission to settle the entire Samoan
question has been practically agreed
upon by the United States. British and
German governments. Lord Sails
hury'S absence from London alone de-
lays the formal acceptance by Great
Britain, though in his absence Sir
Thomas Sanderson ana Mr. Niliicrs,
VINO are understood to D" specially IA
milar with the Samoan question. have
approved the plan for a commission.
The United States has informally "X-
pressed its approval ana the formal ac-
ccptance. ii is learned from the highest
quarter. Win speedily follow. As the
proposition rmanates from Germany.
her approval If course is assured. This
high joint cummissi p, il is felt. af-
fords pacific solution to tn" whole
trouble al the moment when Samoan
affairs began TO Look the most threat
ening.
The new plans has been fully gone
over by Secretary Hay ana the German
and British ambassadors here and it's
essential details worked out. Eacn ma
her on the commission. Il is to have
practically unlimited authority without
this necessity Of referring its decisions
back tJ the several governments fur
approval 1t is felt that by comforting
such complete ana final authority IN
the high commission, the danger will
" obviated Of any further deadlorks
and delays.
Still another important provision un-
der consideration is that King Oscar
of Norway and sweden. snail be the
Umpire, in ease the three high COM
missiouers should fail to reach a deter
animation. The plan of inviting King
oscar L. referee 4 disagreement meets
the approval Of thc British ana German
authorities ana doubtless will be APP
proved also by the United States as a
means Of nsurng iiuality of decision,
though it is not known just how far
this has been considered by the Wash
ington authorities. King Oscar was
agreed upon between the United States
and Great Britain as a final arhitra-
tor in Connection with the proposed An
Clio American arbitration treaty as well
as iu the Venezuela matter. lie is also
mentioned in the treaty Of Berlin as
the one W name 4 chief justice OF Sa-
muu. IN the case the three Signatpry
powers fail Ia agree On a chief justice.
II was this that lead to the suggestion
If his name at the present time to act
As i final arbitrator.
Til" expectation is that the sittings
ur tie commission viii DO in Samoa
where for the time being they will have
complete authority over the whole
range of Samoan affairs SO far Is the
high commission may think fit 10 act
in order to fully restore order and CS-
tubliSh affairs on 4 stable basis. 1t will
require no treaty to bring the commits
sion into existence. as the acceptance
Of the United States and Great Britain
viii complete the agreement.
II is understood that the men select
ID for the mission viii be OF high
standing 80 as to give added weight
and dignity 70 their findings. such, for
instance. ~ the consul general Of Ger
many whose jurisdiction covers the
whole range Of Pacific affairs. He il a
man Of complete information on
Samoan ana other Pacific islands sub
jccts as Wei as a man uf political in
nuencr. The United States and British
commissioners. it is understood, would
he drawn from the same high rank
With q view. however. to their informa-
ton on international matters Of this
character rather than their political
standing.
.Ns showing that the acute phase Of
The Samoan question is past, Baron
Speck Won Stcrnbrrg. first secretary
pf Germany, left here. tonight. for New
York whence he will sail, on the 9Th.
for London and Berlin. He has been
most active factor throughout the
samoan controversy, having made
that question 4 special study and thus
being abla tn render the ambassador
material assistance. His influence ut
all times has been toward maintaining
the friendly relations between the two
Countries ana overcoming the causes Of
irritation Ills trip to London and
Berlin has no significance whatever in
connection with Samoan affairs, but is
entirely personal.