The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1899-06-30
CHAMBERS SUSTAINED.
Commissioners Back Up Chief JUS
tice of Samoa.

Apia, Samoa, June 16, via San Fran
cisco, Gala June 30.-Peace and quiet
now reign in Samoa in marked contrast
to the warlil1e scenes of two months
go. The arrival of the auxiliary cruiser
Badger on May ID, with the information
al commission on board caused dis
tinct change in affairs here. The COM
mission lost no time but went to work
Immediately, electing Mr.. Trip chair
man and Mr.. Morgan secretary. The
commissioners held interviews, first with
King Tanu, and then with Mataafa-
Tanu was not at first recognized as
king by the commission. Tanu and his
chiefs readily agreed to give up their
arms and stated that they were pre-
pared to accept any formal government
the commission might recommend, even
if the kingship were abolished.
The following day Mataafa and his
party came alongside the Badger, sing
ing songs and flying the Samoan flag.
The rebels were ordered to take down
the flag. which they did. The commits
sioners explained to the chief that they
had come to make peace and Mataafa
said that he was tired of lighting as
were his chiefs. He said his party would
recognize any government fixed by the
commission, but he hoped to have
king of Samoa, as it was an old estab-
lished institution. Mataafa 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 commissioners
guns would either be returned or proper
payment made for them after all trou-
bles had been settled. This, of course,
means that payment will be made as it
would be folly to return the weapons.
Mataafa s party asked if they could
be represented by attorneys before the
commission but their request was de-
clined. After the Mataafa men had
turned in eighteen hundred rifles and
the Tanu supporters 1000 more, Tanu
was invited on board the Badger There
he FgNr~
ers supported the decision of Chief Jus
tice Chambers. Tanu said that he was
willing to do anything for the good of
Samoa and at the request of commits
siOners resigned his kingship to them.
The commission is now engaged in
writing its report. The abolition of
the kingship will be a feature of the
report, also the abolition of the office of
president. Apia, a municipality, is to
be governed by its council and a mayor
This will relieve the municipality of an
official drawing a salary of $4,000 year
and who has in the past only been a
source of friction in Apia. The judicial
and diplomatic functions of the consuls
will be greatly restricted and the COM
miSSiOnerS recognize the fact that the
supreme court 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 a subject of any of the
treaty powers. He is to be assisted by
a legislative council of three, one ap-
pointed 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
Chief Justice Chambers wishes to re-
sign his position and return to the
United States, but at the request of the
commissioners has decided to remain.
Many claims have been lodged at the
different consulates for damages dur
ing the past few months. While not
empowered to take any action on these
claims the commissioners agreed that
real hardship had been suffered and it
is understood that the commission will
recommend that the three powers each
pay the losses caused to its own sub
ject.
On the evening of the Queens birth
day, British representatives announced
that never. under any circumstances.
would Great Britain recognize Ma
taafas claim to be the king.
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
CCnsulS Rose and MaxSe are passengers
on the steamer Mariposa for San Fran
cisco.
Some of the rebels, dissatisfied with
the proclamation providing for a pro-
ViSiOnal government, have declined to
give up their rifles. Mataafa disclaims
any responsibility for this action and
says it is without his consent.
A CRISIS REACHED