Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-06-27
The Samoan Solution.

he WOFk OF the lHterndtlOildl cum
mission at Samoa is not yet completed,
but it is progressing in a most satisfac-
tory manner and already much has
been accomplished. The vexed prob
lens which have resulted from the dis
pute over the kingship have been set
tied, and there is every indication that
the full matter of the future control of
quietly. The royal office of king has
been abolished, the natives have laid
down their arms and the course of the
chief justice, who is an American, and
of the American consul and the
American admiral have been fully vim
dicated by the commissioners.
The American, English and German
commissioners are evidently working
together in full harmony in the face
of vexatious problem. To be sure. the
Samoan islands are not of much con-
sequence. The annual trade of any one
be carried in a single trip by a big
ocean liner and the resources of the
group are neither extensive nor of
great value. Nevertheless, had Il con-
troversy like the present one arisen a
generation ago, there would probably
have been grave trouble and possibly
war involving large part of the civil
lized world. 1t speaks well for the i'm
proved temper of the times that the
three great nations concerned should
be able to apply common sense to the
adjustment of this difficulty. 1t is GER
tain that Samoan affairs will at last
be Strengthened out with fairness to
the powers and to the benefit of the
Samoans.
The splendid vindication of the
American policy is of course, a pleas
ing feature of the situation. The COM
missioners conceded at once the right
of the chief justice to appoint king.
1t was the armed resistance of a rival
claimant to the throne, supported by
the governor general and the German
element, that made all the trouble and
resulted in the determined stand taken
by the Americans and British. Pre-
cious lives were lost, but the world was
awed by the spectacle Of an improvis-
~ ~ N-itI hi
under the two flags firing, side by side.
and marines of the two nations fighting
and falling, shoulder to shoulder The
cheerfulnesS with which the German
commissioner admits that his govern
ment was wrong may not be wholly
pleasing to the war lord Of Europe,
but he is likely to remember for once
that discretion is the better part of
valor.
The abolishing Of the Samoan king
ship will greatly simplify the situation
This royal office has had little use eX-
cept to furnish an excuse for a frequent
free fight which, while being trifiing
affair itself. has nevertheless threaten
ed the peace of the world. The
periodical contests for the wearing of
the crown have been the starting point
of all the disturbances on the island.
The kingship was an empty honor, and
served no good purpose except to
amuse and honor the natives. As they
themselves now consent to its abolition,
the rest is much easier.
1t is not yet settled what will sue
coed the kingship. Perhaps it will be a
non partisan chief of state acceptable
to all three powers. but it is more like
ly to be commission with representa-
tivcs of each power among its MEM
bers. Anyway, we hope the matter
will be arranged with justice to all con
cerned and 50 that these unimportant
islands will furnish in the future
neither wars or rumOrS of wars.