The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1899-07-01

APIA (Samoa), June 16, via San
Francisco, June 3O.-Peace' and quiet
now reign in Samoa in marked con-
trast to the warlike scenes of two
months ago. The arrival of the auxil-
larry cruiser Badger on May ID with
the International Commission on board
caused a distinct change in affairs here.
The Commission lost no time, but went
to work Immediately, electing Mr.. Trip
chairman and Mr.. Morgan secretary.
The Commissioners held interviews,
first with King Tanu and then with Ma
taafa- Tanu was not at first recognize
ed as King by the Commission. Tanu
and lis chiefs readily agree to give up
their arms, and stated that they were
prepared to accept any formal govern
ment the Commission might recon-
mend, even if the kingship was abol-
ished- The following day Mataafa and
his party came alongside the Badger
singing songs and flying the Samoan
flag. The rebels were ordered to take
down the flag, which they did The
Commissioners explained to the chief
that they had come to make peace, and
Mataafa said that he wsS tired OF fight
ing, as were his chiefs. He said his
party would recognize any government
fixed by the Commission, but he pre-
ferred to have a King Of Samoa, as it
was an old established institution. Ma
taafa readily agreed to give up the guns
held by his party, but insisted that as
the weapons were the private property
of the natives they should receive COM
pensation for them. The Commission
ers issued proclamation, stating that
the guns would either be returned or
proper payment made for them after
all troubles had been settled. This, of
course, means that payment will be
made, as it would be folly to return
the weapons. MataafaS party asked
If they could be represented by attor-
neys before the Commission, but their
request was declined.
After the Mataafa men had turned in
1,SO0 rifles and the Tanu supporters
1000 more, Tanu was invited on board
the Badger. There he was informed
that the Commissioners supported the
decision of Chief Justice Chambers, and
that Tanu had been King of Samoa
ever since the decision had been rem
dered. Tanu said that he was willing
to do anything for the good Of Samoa,
and at the request of the Commission
ers resigned his kingship to them
The Commission is now engaged in
writing it's report The abolition of the
kingship will be a feature of the report,
also the abolition of the office of Presi-
dent Apia, a municipality, is to be
governed by its Council and Mayor.
This will relieve the municipality of an
official drawing salary of $1,000
year, and who in the past has only
been a source of friction in Apia. The
judicial and diplomatic functions Of the
Consuls will be greatly restricted, and
the Commissioners recognize the fact
that the Supreme Court and one law
is sufficient for the needs of Samoa.
Revenue will be raised by indirect
taxation. by means of increased Gus
toms duties, and the poll tax will be
abolished. The licenses and tax rates
of Apia will remain as formerly under
the treaty. The Supreme Court will re-
main as under the treaty. An admin
istrator or governor will be appointed
who will not be subject of any of
the treaty Powers. He is to be assist
ed by legislative council of three, one
appointed by each of the three Powers.
This Council will legislate for the Sa-
means. and Will be aided by a small
body of representative Samoans. The
Governor will have the power of veto
over all proposed laws. Chief Justice
Chambers wished to resign his position
and return to the United States but
at the request of the Commissioners. he
has decided to remain. Many claims
have been lodged at the different con-
sulates for damage to property during
the past few months. While not en-
powered to take any action on these
claims the Commissioners agreed that
real hardship has been suffered, and 1t
is understood that the Commission will
recommend that the three Powers each
pay the losses caused to it's own sub
jects.
On the evening of the Queens birth
day, British representatives announced
that never, under any circumstances,
would Great Britain recognize Mataa-
fa's claim to the kingship.
1t is stated that Baron Sternberg, the
German Commissioner is fully convinc-
ed that Consul Rose acted wrongfully |
and is responsible for the late outbreak
Consuls Rose and Maxse are passengers
on the steamer Mariposa for San Fran
cleo.
Some of the rebels. dissatisfied with
the proclamation providing for pro-
visional government, have declined to |
give up their rifles. Mataafa disclaims |
any responsibility for this action, and |
says it is without his consent.
DECLARED VALID.