The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-04-09
c. n. f. Eliot, an Expert Orientalist,
Selected the British Member Of
the Joint High Commission.
COMMENT OF FOREIGN PRESS
GREAT BRITAIN CRITICISED BY GER
MAN NEWSPAPERS.
Germany Assailed by London Editors
Another Conference at Berlin on
the Samoan Question.

WASHINGTON, April s-Official German
circles here are not inclined to attach too
much Importance to the Samoan reports
just received. Favorable reference is made
TO the view taken by one of the leading
American papers to the effect that as the
provisional government was constituted by
the unanimous vote of the three consuls,
there is at least room for the argument that
it could be dismissed by nothing less than
the unanimous action of the consus. In
this view OF the case Germany may claim
that Admiral Kautz acted hastily or without
due authority. 1t is further pointed out that
the sO-called agreement arrived at be-
tween the consuls, of which Admiral Kautz
speaks in his proclamation, cannot have been
unanimous one, as the contrary is proved
by the proclamation of Herr Rose From
the German standpoint, therefore, il appears
questionable il Admiral Kautz was entitled
to use language from which it might be in
ferred that he had the assent of the Ger
man consul for his proclamation. If offense
Is taken at the wording Of the proclamation
issued by the German consul, the German
view is that this proclamation was issued in
the Samoan language translations from
which may not be very easy and apt to mis-
interpretations In the meanwhile, Admiral
Kautz and the representatives of all the
powers will have been notified of the inten-
ton of the powers to settle the question by
joint high commission, so that the best
posted German authorities here say 1t is
reasonable TO assume that we have heard
the last of the fighting among the natives Of
Samoa
The secretary OF the navy has received
from San Francisco the following official
alNiCeS of fha tal
dispatches of yesterday: "Malietoa Tanus
installed as King on the 23d with appro-
pirate ceremonies. Report by mail. No
fighting since the 21st'' The dispatch was
signed by Rear Admira, Kautz and was
sent from Apia by steamer.
The British government has selected Mr.
c. n. e. Eliot. C. B.. as the British men,
Der of the joint high commission for the
settlement of the Samoan question. The
British ambassador, Sir Julian Pauncefote,
called at the State Department to-day and
advised Secretary Hay of Mr. Eliot's selec-
ton. The appointment gave much satisfac-
ton in government and diplomatic circles,
as Mr.. Eliot is a member Of the embassy
staff, and duging his brief service here has
made many friends. 1t also gave added as
surance that the real differences over the
Samoan trouble are well nigh finished, now
that the governments have turned their at
tention TO the selection of commissioners
for its adjustment. Mr.. Eliot has the repu-
tation of being one of the brightest lights
among that school of young Englishmen
who have attached themselves to the Brit
ish foreign service during the last decade
He is an Orientalist of high repute, and
has in a brief space of time acquired an
experience in dealing with the half-civilize ed
races that will without doubt make his
services OF value to the Samoan commis-
sion.