New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-04-05
ACCEPTED BY ENGLAND.
JOINT HIGH COMMISSION FOR SAMOA
ASSURED.
DETAILS OF THE PLAN. HOWEVER, REMAIN
TO BE sETTLED-DR. SOLE CALLS ON
THE PREsIDENT-THE POWERS
NEAR AN AGREEMENT.


THE PREsIDENT-THE POWERS
NEAR AN AGREEMENT.
Washington, April Lord Salisbury has ac-
cepted the plan proposed by Germany Tor SET
tlement Of the Samoan troubles by the appoint
nent Of Joint High Commission The accept
ance is Of the broad principle only. and the de-
tails Of the plan yet to be settled. As the
United States has already accepted the general
proposition there IL no longer any doubt as to
the organization Of the Commission.
1t Is not believed that any difficulty In arrang-
ing the details of the plan will arise from re-
luctance on the part OF the British Government
to throw aside the Berlin Treaty The State
Department does not expect that 1t viii be
necessary to go far outside Of the lines Of that
convention in securing a satisfactory ADJUST
ment OF the difficulties. AS there appears to be
an apprehension that the proposed Commission
may not be sufficiently limited in its functions
to meet the British ideas 1t may be said that
the plan In contemplation safeguards all essen
tia points. It is proposed that the Commission
shall visit the islands. make careful inquiry
into existing conditions and then apply such
remedial measures as may be necessary to IN
sure tranquility. It will be distinctly under
stood that whatever the Commission does Will
be temporary In character and subject to the
approval Of the three Governments which are
parties TO the Treaty Of Berlin. Then the Com
mission will be expected to frame scheme for
submission to and approval by each Of the
three Powers for the future government Of the
islands, involving. perhaps, some more or less
radical changes in the original treaty. Neither
o. the three Governments therefore risks the
loss Of any substantial interest in the Samoan
group by accepting the plan, and this is prob
ably the explanation Of the announced accept
ance by the British Government Of the principle.
The President has not yet selected the Com
missioner to represent the United States, but
decision is expected soon. He has before him
the names of several persons who rank high as
publicists or experts in international practice.
Prominent among the latter Is Thomas w. Grid
ler Third Assistant Secretary Of State, who has
been suggested principally because Of his thor
ough familiarity with the subject having made
a study Of Samoan affairs from the time Of the
Berlin meeting ten years ago. Another name
under consideration is that of Henry Adams,
who finds his recommendation for preferment
through his former residence in Samoa and ac-
quaintance with the habits Of the people and his
scholarly qualities.
DR. SOLE SPENDS A BUSY DAY
DR.. Wilhelm Solf the newly appointed presi-
busy day comforting with Government and dip
lomatic officials and taking the preliminary steps
in the agreements Of the three Governments con-
corning the islands. Accompanied by Secretary
Hay. he was received by President Mckinley.
who expressed an earnest hope that DR.. Solf
might be successful in his field Of action.
Later DR.. Sof called at the British Embassy
and a pleasant exchange of Views took place.
Assistant Secretary Crdler also had meeting
with DR.. Solf to discuss some of the technical
details Of the Samoan question. These confer
ences were important mainly in showing the
harmony with which the officials of the three
governments are proceeding
Dr. Solf Is a typical German tall robust and
forid. He speaks perfect English accom-
plishment which will be most helpful in dealing
with the American and British representatives
in Samoa. In speaking Of Samoan affairs to- |
day he said:
Il am glad 10 observe the most satisfactory |
feeling prevailing IN Washington, and am con-
hdent that the German and American authori-
ties will have little difficulty In arriving
at a most harmonious understanding on Samoa
SO far as am concerned. my duties not of
q political character and my Instructions. re-
ceived before leaving Berlin. are. in effect to
use every endeayor to promote good feeling be-
tween the three Powers and to avoid in every
way possible cause for disagreement. Natural
~ I DESTROYS of realizing that high aim and
OF assisting in the quiet and orderly administra
ton OF Samoa
DR.. Solf was asked to his visit to London
and the general feeling entertained in British
official circles. He said he had met Joseph
Chamberlain, Secretary Of State for the Colo
MES, and Mr.. Vers. the Under Secretary |
whose special province is Samoa. Their expires
sons were most friendly and a general desire
was expressed to put an end to the perplexing
differences over Samoa. DR.. Solf expressed the
hope that the press report on the questions
raised by the British authorities regarding the
details Of the Commission would not prove true,
as the German and American authorities seemed
y be so near TO n conclusion OF the difficulties
that it greatly to be hoped that these de-
tails would not too long defer a full and salts
Referring to his observations since landing in
this country, Dr.. SoIf expressed himself as de-
lighted He liked the democratic spirit every
where prevailing. the general atmosphere OF
liberty, and the many evidences of substantial
progress. He will leave Washington tomorrow,
going to New-YOrk and Buffalo and thence
West. sailing on April 10 from san Francisco
for Samoa.
The German Ambassador. DR.. Won Holleben,
accompanied DR.. Solf TO the British Embassy
and they had an agreeable meeting with Sir
Julian Pauncefote and Mr. Elliott. Of the EN-
bassy staff The visit was mainly social in
character but 1t served to bring about the bet
ter understanding in regard to Samoa which all
three Powers anxious to have replace the
friction and disorder prevailing of late.
PRINCIPLE APPROVED BY ENGLAND.
Later In the day Sir Julian called at the
State Department and had talk with Score
tary Hay. II was at once conjecturtd that the
Ambassador came to signify the formal &C
ceptance by Great Britain Of the plan for a Joint
high commission. But this correct only
In part While the British Government has
approved the general principle Of commits
sion. yet questions of details as to the authority
and power OF the Commission remain to be
settled before full acceptance Of the concrete
proposal Is given. on the other hand the re-
port coming from an uns authoritative quarter
IN Rerlln lhat Great Britain h al dccided rot ID