Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-03-30
THE SITUATION IS GRAVE.
Attitude Of Germany Is Watched With Interest
ard Even Anxiety.

Washington, March 29-The news
from Samoa that the United States
cruiser Philadelphia and the British
cruisers Porpoise and Royalist had
bombarded the towns held by Mataafa.
who has thus far had the official sup
port of the German government, came
with startling suddenness to officials
| here and displaced for the time being
the attention given to the fighting
around Manila.
The Smelling of Mataafa was looked
upon as of secondary Importance. but
the deepest interest attached to the
attitude of the German government
At first apprehension was felt that
grave international complications
might ensue, but those most familiar
with latest official exchanges between
Washington. London and Berlin did
not take such a gloomy view of the
outlook.
While recognizing that the bloodshed
at Samoa created a very serious and
delicate situation, yet it was said to be
a situation which had been clearly APP
pretended and had been discussed in
advance by the representatives of the
three governments.
The real crisis from an international
standpoint occurred last week when the
apprehended outbreak was discussed.
Although relations We're greatly re-
strained it was possible to secure an
understanding which is said to make
sure that the outbreak now reported
will not cause a rupture in the rela-
tions between the United States and
Germany or Great Britain and Ger
many.
The details of the bombardment, as
conveyed in The Associated Press dis
patches, We're read with eager interest
by leading government and diplomatic
officers who have been most directly
concerned in handling the Samoan
question. There was nothing of an Of
fetal character, however, either at the
state or navy department or at the
British or German embassy to augment
the very full press reports. Upon this
officials based their views.
In all quarters there were expressions
of concern and surprise at the serious
ness and extent of the bombardment
and the resulting loss of life. That
some overt act should take place had
been apprehended for many days. but
broad sweep and lead to such heavy
loss of life.
In this aspect of the case the actual
results were regarded as far more seri-
Gus than those which had been expect
ed and provided for during the recent
diplomatic exchanges between the
three governments.
The results as cabled, today. involve
l:A:
plications. While they had been guard
ed against as far as possible by the
recent anticipatory exchanges, yet 1t
was felt that the German press and
national sentiment might be wrought
to high pitch by the events which
had occurred and that this outburst of
popular feeling might overcome the
strong efforts of officials to keep the
subject within pacific bounds.
There is said to be growing dis
position on the part of Germany to
hold Herr Rose accountable for the
difficulties into which he has directed
his government. For a time ne was
sustained with natural desire to pro-
tect him in the proper discharge OF MS
duties, but the German authorities
have not contemplated that he would
carry the matter to an open rupture
and result in blood shed.
The diplomatic exchanges leading up
to this crisis have been very sharp
within the last few days. Early last
week the Berlin government received
direct information from Samoa that
Admiral Kautz had arrived there and
had summoned meeting of all the Off
Gals for March II The German an
thorities felt sure this meeting would
result in serious trouble.
Continued on page 81 -.