The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1899-08-08
TRIP EXPLAINS
American Commission to Settle
the Samoan Difficulty Talks
Reservedly,
but Gives an Idea of the Future
Government of the Samoan
Islands.
White Man to BE Governor Gen
eral in Place Of a Samoan
King.

CHICAGO, Aug. S.-A special to the
Tribune from San Francisco saws:
Bartlett Trip and Baron Sternburg,
the American aud German members Of
tho Samoan commission, who arrived in
this city Sunday ON the United States
tteamer Badger, have left for Wash.
ington. "'.A->. .yv..>
On board the Badger are $500 rifles
which tho commissioners took from the
followers Of Mataafa and Malietoa
TAM. In speaking ab2gt the new form
Now rs to the form Of government
the commissioners have desided upon
for the Samoan islands, we think we
have accomplished something definite.
cannot talk about what we have
agreed upon. Only three copies Of the
proposed form Of government are in ex.
istence. These are in the possession of
the three commissioners and are in
tended for their respective governments.
While in general way some Of the
features Vt this proposed form OF gov.
ernment are known, it is not true that
the document has been given out for
publication here, or anywhere else.
| Some Of tho Features
The proposed government provides
for white man As administrator of the
island-the governor general. in other
words. He will take the place Of a
Samoan king. Much Of the trouble in
the islands has been due 10 the fact that
the natives have always had AN elective
king instead of a hereditary king. The
natives realize that fact themselves
Malietoa having resigned as king. tina,
troublesome proposition Is now at al
end. by having white admipistrato'
in supreme control. II Is the hope Of the
commission that peace will be perma
nent in the islands. There will also b.
consular representatives,. but their au
thority will be more curtailed than a
present. The natives will be allowed
local self-govelnment. The idea Of tn
commissioners is to let the natives gov
ern themselves as far rs possible.
I'VE believe that the government "
have recommended meets with genera
approval on the part Of the native:
The three drafts OK copies we have ar
signed by l3 Mataafa chiefs and lik
number Of Malietoa headmen. Befor
drafting the scheme. we visited ever
district and island save Manua. Som
chiefs from the latter island were seel
In all the districts meetings were hel
where we exchanged views with tn
natives. Many good suggestions we,
obtained in this way. Finally bi
council was held. On that occasion
$50 chiefs me, us. There was an equ;
number from the Mataafa and Malieit
: factions. Ii was an unique and plctu
esque gathering.
Mr.. Tripp admitted that Chief Ju
!. ,ice Chambers had returned To tn
country with the intention OF resignin
: He denied that there had been al
, friction between Justice Chambers al
,be commission and insisted that
along there has been the utmost go'
feeling. He did not know ut what tiil
Chambers would resign, nor did
know what effect the resignation Won
have.
..y.s" Commissioner Trip went Q
'e 1--WE prepared confidential report
yardiny the fight at Samoa last sprin
Ia / cannot discuss the character OF mn
IS nor even intimate whom l think
,f snons,ble for the unfortunate loss OF III
IL considerable damage resulted'from
's bombardment and claims asgresati'
ID $500, 900 are being prepared. Inc CO..
Il. missioners had no authority III u
9. matter"