Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1899-07-04
To D:SARM THE NATIVES.
Step Taken by Commission to
tie South Sea Island.
SITUATION IN SAM GA.
Little Doubt that a Satisfa Glory Set
t.eIueut Of the Trouble VIII
b. Effected.

Apia, Samoa, June 16.-(Eia San Fran
cisco, June 30.)-Peace and quiet now
reign in Samoa in marked contrast to the
warEke scenes Of two months ago. The
arrival OF the auxiliary cruiser Badger
on May ID, with the international com
mission Oh board, caused 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 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 prepared to accept
any formal government the commission
rnght recommend, if the kingship was
abolished.
Conlrniss on Explains Object.
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
sloners explained to the chief that they
had come to make peace and Mataafa
said that he was tired of fighting, as
were his chiefs. He said his party
would recognize any government fixed by
the commission, but he hoped to have q
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 compensation for
them. The commissioners 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.
Natives Turn Over Rifles.
Mataafas party also asked if they
could be represented by attorneys before
the commission but their request was
denied.
After the Mataafa men had turned in
1900 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 rendered Tanu said
that he was willing to do anything for
the good of Samoa. and at the request
of the commissioners resigned his king
ship to them. The commission is now
engaged in writing its report.
The abolition of the kingship will be 4
feature of the report; also the abolition Of
the office Of president.
Apia, municipality, is to be governed
by lts council and mayor. This will
relieve the municipality of an official
drawing Il salary of $4,000 year and
who has in the past only been Il source OF
friction IN Apia.
The judicial and diplomatic functions
of the consuls will be greatly restricted.
"a ron 01GS on nrS lIyn tIE
fact that the Supreme court and one law
is sufficient for the needs of Samoa.
Revenue will be raised by indirect taxa
ton, b. means of increased customs du
ties 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 remain as under
the treaty.
- Neutral Admin strator.
An administrator or governor will be
appointed who will not be Il subject of
any of the treaty powers. He is to be
assisted by a Legislative council Of three,
one appointment by each of the three
powers. This council will legislate for
the Samoans and will be aided by small
body of representative Samoans. The
governor will have the power of veto
over all proposed laws.
Chief Justice Chambers wishes to re-
sign his position and return to the United
States, but on the request of the commits
siOners has decided to remain.
Many claims have been lodged at the
different consulates for damages to prop
erty during 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 subjects.
On the evening Of the Queens birth
day, British representatives announced
that never, under any circumstances,
would Great Britain recognize Mataafa's
claim to be the King.
Consuls Rose and MaNse are passengers
on the steamer Mariposa for San Fran
cisco.
Some of the rebels. dissatisfied with
the proclama ton providing for provi-
sional government ave declined to give
up their rifles. Mutaafa disclaims any
responsibility for this action, and says it
e. %h.O,, l.,