The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1899-07-01
Natives Showed Disposition To Do
What Vas Right.
New Scheme of Govern
naent Arranged.
Powers of Foreign ConsuIs To
Be Greatly Restrict.

Apia, Samoa, June IS, via San Fran
cisco, ue 3O.-Peacs and quiet now
prevail In Samoa In marked contrast to
the warlike scenes Of two months ago
The arrival Of the auxiliary cruiser Bad
ger on May 18th with the international
90. omission on board caused a distinct
chtinge in affairs here. The commission
went TO work imm ediately electing MIR.
Tripp chairman and Morgan secretary.
The commissioner held interviewa, frst
with King Tanu and then with Mataafa.
Isnu was not at first recognized az king
By the commission. Tanu and his chief 9
readily agreed to give up their arms and
stated that they were prepared TO accept
amy orm Of government the commission
lmigh' recommend even IL the kingship
Fsre abolished. The following day
sMstasfa and his party came alongside the
Aadgr. singing songs and flying the
Stinoin flag. The rebels were ordered to
loEertne fiag which they did. This COM
missioners explained to the chief that
they had come to make peace Mataafn
aid he and his chiefs were tired Of fight
ing. He said his party would recognise
any government fixed BY the commission
but he hoped to have king of samoa as
1t Was an. old established institution.
Mataafa rsadily agreed to give up the
guns held by his party but insisted that
as the weapons were the private properly
OF the natives, they should receive com-
pensation for them. The commissioners
issued proclamation stating that the
guns would he either returned or proper
payment made for them alter all troubles
had been settled.
This, of oourse. means that payment
will be made, rs it would be folly to.
return the weapons.
Matsafa's party also asked to he repre-
sented by ATTORNEYS before the commits
sion but the request was declined.
After Mataafn's men had turned In 1900
rifles aud the Ianu supporters two thous-
and more, 1Hnu was invited on board the
Badger. There he was informed that the
commissioners supported the decision OF
Chief Justice Chambers and that Ianu
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 kingship
to them.
The commission is now engaged in
formulating It's report. The abolition of
the kingship will be feature of the re-
port, also the. abolition or the office of
President Of ApiaIs This municipality Is
to be go, erne by q council and mayor.
This will do away with an official draw
ing $50U0 O year and an office which has
been q source OF much friction here :. Z
The judicial ind diplomatic functions
OF the foreign eonsuls will be greatly
restrained and the commissioners reooe-
nlze the fact that the Supreme court and
one law are sufficient for the needs OF
Samoa. Revenue will be raised by indi-
rect taxation and by means of increased
customs duties. The poll tax will be
abolished.
The licenses and tax rates of Apia will
remain as formerly under the treaty. The
sup eme court win 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 appointed bS each of the three treaty
powers. This council will legisIate for
the Samoans and will be aided by q small
body of representative Samoans. The
governor will have the power to veto all
prop osed laws.
Chief Justice Chambers wishes to
resign his position and return to the
United States, but ON the request OF the
commissioners has decided 10 remain.
dinerent oonsulates for damages to prop.
erty during the past few months.
While net empowered to take any Ao-
ton on the claims the commissioners
agreed. that real hardship had been
suffered andsk is believed the commission
will reconnfhend that the thres powers
ga oh pay ths losses caused toifs snbiects
On the evening of the Qneen a birth
days British Representatives announced
inst ngYers under any rcpmsGances
would Sireate Britain recognizes Mataafa's
claim TO be the king. ConEui8 Rose and