The Saint Paul globe., 1899-03-24
GERMANS ARR GROWING RESTIVE
DISPUTE THE RIGHT OF THE
AMERICAN AND BRITISH CON-
sULS TO DICTATE POLICY
SITUATION NOW COMPLICATED
Possibility of Revocation of the
Treaty of Berlin Grows Stronger
With the Progress of Events In
the Islands-German Ambassa-
dor at Washington COmfers With
the State Department.

WASHINGTON, March 23.-The Ger
| man ambassador. DR.. Won Holleben,
called at the state department today to
further confer with the officials concern
ing the Samoan situation. The Berlin
authorities have communicated very free
ly upon the subject within the last few
days, and as a result Of the extended
dispatches from the foreign office the am
bassador has presented long note, COW
ering the latest phases of the case.
1t Is understood that the German ad-
vices confirm the arrival of Admiral
Kautz and the convoking by him of a
meeting Of all the officials on the 11th
But they do not know what resulted from
the meeting. AL their reports are silent
thus far on this point, but the German
view is evidently one Of apprehension,
lest serious results may grow out Of the
meeting, in which event the German view
is that the responsibilities should be
borne by those bringing about the meet
ing. Further than this, questions are
arising as to the extent Of authority OF
the British and American consuls, acting
together, to do anything without the con-
currence of Consul Rose, of Germany.
The German view evidently holds that
the Berlin treaty requires the three con-
suls to act unanimously and not through
a majority. Another question is as to
the right of a naval commander to take
any special action. The Berlin treaty, in
their view, would limit the rights Of ma
val commanders within very narrow linz
its, leaving them simply to execute what
the three consuls by unanimous agree
ment determine upon.
These are the main points engaging at
tention. and in view Of the question in
volved news Of Admiral Kaautz's action
following the meeting on the 11th inst.
Is awaited with much interest and not a
little concern.
SITUATION COMPLICATED
The German government as is gathered
from the Berlin advices, Is disposed to
stand firmly in support Of its it's repre-
sentative. although it has been intimated
to 1t that the retirement Of Rose would
facilitate a satisfactory and speedy ad-
justment Of the complications in Samoa.
1t is manifestly impossible for the United
States to discredit it's representative, the
cn1eI justice, or Tor the British govern
ment to repudiate Mr.. Maxse, in view of
the weight of the testimony In their favor,
so that a practical deadlock has been
reached SO far as this matter of chang
ing the present representation of the
three powers at Apia is concerned.
Our government knows nothing as yet
| of the reported combined protest of the
| German citizens of Samoa against Mr.
| Chambers. If the German government
| cares to proceed to that length, 1t can
| under the treaty Of Berlin, request the
| United States government to withdraw
him. But, In accordance with the provi-
| sions Of the treaty, If the United States
| does not care to accede to this request
Mr.. Chambers would continue in office
until the German government manages tc
secure the approval Of the British gov
| ernment, and In view of the facts above
stated this is not likely to be had
| These conditions lead to the belief thai
! there is some danger of the Reputation
of the treaty Of Berlin, and, in the pres
ent temper of the parties, 1t would not
be surprising If this happened without ar
attempt on their part to replace it, al.
| though 1t Is of course believed that ever
In that event some modus vi
vendi will be provided to prevent an.
other such clash between the conf1ictine
interests as happened ten years ago, re-
sulting in the treaty Of Berlin.