The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-04-15


may render a peaceful settlement of the
difficulties question: BILE. Regarding the
history of the complications in Samoa, 1
have made statement to the budget COM
mittee and have particularly pointed out
how. since the coming into force of the act.
the disturbances and frictions between the
representatives of the powers have been
taking place. Our attitude regard
ing the complications may be summed
up in n simple sentence-adherence
10 the legal status created by the
act. so long as the act is not
modified by the unanimous decision OF the
powers. That is to say, respect for the
rights appertaining to others by virtue of
the act, but at the same time full and un-
conditional maintenance of German rights
IN THE INTEREST OF PEACE.
'In the interest of tranquility of Samoa
and in the interest of calmer relations be-
tween the powers, should they find ii adj
vantageous. if the act has become made
quate. il could be replaced by fresh
rangement, corresponding better with the
present situation. With this idea, / said in
the budget committee that we were dis
posed to consent to a clean separation. As,
however, the disadvantages of the situation
were felt by the other powers equally with
ourselves, we have accession and no need
TO make special proposals of our own initia-
tive. But so long the Samoa act exists,
1t must be Loyalty observed by all con-
cerned. The letter and spirit of the act re-
quire that final decision be only effected by
the unanimous resolution of the three gov
ernments. We, therefore, have allowed no
doubt TO remain i'm London and Washing
ton that We must regard as not legally bind
ing any changes to which We have not given
our assent. We corld not permit deci-
sion regarding Samoa. TO be taken contrary
TO the treaty rights and without or even
against This principle of necessary
unanimity, which is set up and defended by
us. was accomplished by America and then
also by Great Britain.
Another leading point of view for us
was TO hold aloof from the disputes of the
native chiefs We were confronted by sew
eral candidates for the throne of Samoa,
but We have not taken sides. But the pro-
visional government of Mataafa having been
recognized by the three consuls, IL must
have appeared TO our consul as the legal
status quo until new government was in
stalled by the unanimous resolution of the
three governments. For the very reason
that we have taken up a neutral attitude in
regard 10 the internal affairs of Samoa we
have neither participated in nor approved
the Intervention of British and American
war ships in these disputes
Respecting the recent conflicts we have
| only mutiated and defective kilograms from
| our consul and more or less trustworthy
| reports from foreign telegraphc agencies, so
| that 1t is not yet possible for us to pass
| firal Judgment on the affairs. Nothing,
| however, is known TO us concerning the re-
| ported conflict between the American ad-
miral and the commander Of the Fake. i
agree with the secretary of the navy that
| the report OF such a conflict is entirely
| unfounded, and l am convinced that the
conduct, sense, honor, tact and self-control
| of our naval officers were beyond praise, as
was the discipline of the men,
| Regarding the German subject arrested
| in Samoa, he was evidently the director of
the plantation of Vailele near Huffnagel
| We Immediately called the serious atten-
| tion Of the British government 10 the mat
| ter and expressed our confident expectation
| that no harm would come to our country
| man IL. we certainly believed, he is in
| nocent.
| CARRIED HIS POINT.
''The final settlement cannot be prejudiced
by the events in Samoa. This settlement
| will not take place on the spot. 1t can only
be the result OF agreement between the
| three Cabinets. In order TO bring about
such a readjustment We have proposed tc
| dispatch a special commission, have de-
manded unanimity in lis decisions and have
carried this point after overcoming great
difficulties. (Cheers)
II am happy TO state that the British
4 haa
| me, through its ambassador that it accepts
| the proposals of Germany regarding the
mode of operation and functions of the com
| mission, whose functions and powers may
be summed up as follows: The commits
sion appointed by the three signatory pow.
ers to the Samoa act will take over the
| provisional government of the islands Tt
| this end the commission will exercise tn,
| highest powers All other official person
| ages will have to obey the orders of the
| commissioners, and the three powers will in
| struct their consular and naval representa-
tives to tender them their support. NJ
| measure taken by the commissioners in con
| formity with the foregoing official power:
| will be legal unless all three commissioner:
assent thereto. One of the tasks of th'
commission will be to consider what pro
visions il regards as necessary for th'
future government of the country or the
modification of the Berlin act and TO repor
10 the government the views 10 which i
finally arrives
I'VE hope the commission will succeed il
effecting settlement just. fair and accept
able TO all parties. We will only assent 4
such decisions as do not prejudice cur plair
rights and the important interests of Ger
mans in Samoa.
"A portion of the foreign press has called
attention TO the fact that the value o
Samoa Is not in proportion TO the i'm
portance gained in international politics anc
relations. We, too believe that ii would b
in the highest degree reprehensible If wa
were kindled by the three great ciyiize,
Christian nations on account of a group o
islands in the m)te south sea inhabite,
by 3o000 savages, among whom live scarcel,
five hundred Europeans. with a total trad
of hardly 100000 marks.
Il am convinced of and advised that
should not be forgotten that in foreign pol
ones right judgment to be prejudiced bu
to appraise every question according 10 1t
real Importance. Two things. however. mus
not be forgotten, firstly. our duty to pro
tect the trade, business and property Of ou
| countrymen in Samoa; secondly, we posses
OF which are regarded by the German ma
ton as a point OF honor" CHEERS an
cries of That's right.')