The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1899-03-30
Feeling at Washington.

w VEeoH"6'eh
Washington. March 3O.-Tne news that
the United States cruiser Philadelphia
and the British cruisers Porpoise and
Royalist had bombarded the towns held
by Matasfa. who has thus far had the
Official support OF the German govern
ment came with startling suddenness
to officials here and displaced for the
time being the attention given to the
lighting around Manila. The shelling OF
Mataafa was looked upon as OF second
ary Importance. but the deepest interest
attached TO the attitude Of the German
government.
At first apprehension was felt that
grave International complications might
ensue. But those most familiar with the
latest official exchanges between Wash
ington, London and Berlin did not take
such a gloomy view Of the outlook.
While recognizing that the bloodshed at
Samoa created a very serious and deli
cate situation, yet IL was said TO be a
situation which had been clearly appre-
hended and had been discussed in ad-
vance between the representatives of the
three governments.
The real crisis, from an international
standpoint occurred last week, when this
apprehended outbreak was discussed.
Although relations were greatly strained
il was possible TO secure an understand
ing which IL said to make sure that the
outbreak now reported Will not cause
rupture in the relations between the
United States and Germany. or between
Great Britain and Germany.
The details Of the bombardment, as
conveyed in the Associated Press dis
patches, were read with eager interest
by leading government and diplomatic
officers who have been most directly con-
cerned in handling the Samoan question.
There was nothing OF an official charac-
ter, however, either at the state or navy
departments or at the British or German
embassy TO augment the press reports.
Upon this officials based their views. In
all quarters there were expressions OF
Concern and surprise at the seriousness
end extent OF the bombardanent and the
resulting loss of life. That some overt
act would take place has been appre-
hended for many days. but there was
little idea IL would take broad sweep
and lead TO such heavy loss Of life. In
this aspect of the case the actual results
were regarded "a far more serious than
those which had been expected and pro-
vided for during the recent diplomatic
exchanges between the three govern
ments.
Moreover. new elements OF interna-
tional danger had Unexpectedly arisen.
These include the proclamation Of Ger
man Consul Rose, which IT Is believed
af n
an open revolt, also the wounding and
killing: of British sailors and marines.
the shooting of an American sentry and
the attacks on the several consulates
These all Involve unknown possiblh-
ties OF serious complication. While they
had been guarded against az far as pos
sible by the recent anticipatory er-
changes. yet II was felt that the German
press ard national sentiment might be
wrought 90 a high pitch by the events
which had occurred. and that thi. out
burst OF popular feeling might overcome
the strong efforts OF officials TO keep the
subject within bounds.
In an authoritative quarter the atti-
tude OF the British and American Of
ficials was stated as follows:
II was mutually understood between
the two governments that the first ss-
sential In Samoa was 90 maintain peace
and order. Fos that reason IL was de-
termined that any lawlessness on the
part OF Matsafa or any other Samoan
element which threatened the lives or
property OF residents would be sup
pressed. even though force was required.
This was entirely without reference 10
the rights or the three governments-
Great Britain. the United Statos and
Germany and was merely a rule of self
preservs tlon ard police security. IL was
not proposed TO give Samoa over to n
reign of anarchy simply because the
German consular Official at Samoa az
fered with the British and American
officials. Outside OF these differences n
was proposed TO protect life and prop
-