The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1899-07-01
PEACE RE|GNS IN SAMOA
The Commissioners Have Solved
the Problem.
kNGSHIP is ABOLISHED
The Samoans Have Surrendered Their
Guns-The Office of President Will
Also Be Abolished-A Governor
to Be Appointed.

Apla, samoa, June 16, via San Fran
CISCO June 30.-Peace and quiet now
reign in Samoa in marked contrast to
the warlike scenes of two months ago
The arrival of the auxiliary cruiser
Badger on May 13 with the interna-
tional 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 recog-
MED 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 form of
government the commission might
recommend even If the kingship was
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 he was tired of fighting, as were
his chiefs. He said his party would
recognize any government fixed by the
commission, but he preferred to have a
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 weap-
ons were the private property of the ma
tives they should receive compensation
for them. The commissioners issued
proclamation stating that the guns
would either be returned or proper pay
ment 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.
Mataafa's party asked IL they could be
represented by attorneys before the
commission, but their request was de-
clined.
After the Mataafa men had turned in
1880 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 he was willing to do
anything for the good of Samoa and at
the request of the commissioners re-
signed his kingship to them.
The commission is now engaged in
writing its report. The abolition of the
kingship will be feature of the re-
port also the abolition of the office Of
president.
Apa, a municipality. is to be gov
erned by its council and mayor. This
will relieve the municipality of an Off
cial drawing q salary of $1,000 year,
and who in the past has been source
of friction In Apia The judicial and
diplomatic functions of the consuls will
be greatly restricted, and the commits
sioners recognize the fact that the SUI
preme court and one law is sufficient
for the needs of Samoa.
Revenue will be raised by direct tax
- t.,r -f.Nr,,
duties, and the poll tax will be aboi-
ished. The licenses and tax rates of
Apia will remain as formerly under the
treaty. The supreme court will remain
as under the treaty. An administrator
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 APP
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
over all proposed laws.
Chief Justice Chambers wished 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 damage to-
property during the past few months.
ton on these claims, the commissioners
agreed that real hardship had been suf-
fered, and it is understood the commits
sion will recommend that the three
powers each pay the losses caused to it's
own subjects.
On the evening of the queens birth
day, British representatives announced
that never under anys circumstance
would Great Britain recognize Ma
taafa's claim to the kingship. 1t is
stated that Baron Sternberg is fully
convinced that Consul Rose acted
wrongfully and is responsible for the
late outbreak.
Consuls Rose and Maxse are passen-
gers on the steamer Mariposa for San
Francisco.