The record-union., 1899-06-20
SAMOAN AFFAIRS.
Herr Won Bue1ow Defines Ger
many's Position.

BERLIN, June 19.-In the Reichstag
to-day the Anglo-German treaty was
referred to a committee of twenty-one
members.
During the course of the debate Herr
Lieberman Won Sonneberg attacked
Great Britain's proceedings in Samoa
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baron
Won Buelow, replied. saying: Il have
no objection to again define our atti-
tude on the Samoan question. We shall
not depart from the stipulationS of the
Samoan treaty nor allow Great Britain
to turn us from our course. We recog
nize the rights of others while main
tanning our own"
The Foreign Minister also said: 1--WE
shall provide for full indemnification
of the Germans whose property was de-
stroyed by illegal British or American
action"
After alluding to the powers of the
High Commission. Germany's insistence
on the principle of upanimity in its de-
cisions and the provisional assumption
of the government of Samoa by the
commission under whose direction the
maritime and consular representatives
We're instructed to place themselves"
the Minister read dispatches outlining
the situation as already fully known,
the only new points being the German
Commissioners statement that the
commission received both Malietoa and
Mataafa as having equal rights as
party leaders and the announcement
that the possibility of strife may he
ended by the abolition of the kingship.
Baron Won Buelow next mentioned
the departure from Samoa of Admiral
Kautz. E. B. S. Maxse. the British Con-
sui, and Herr Rose, the German Con-
sui, and the release of Herren HUFF and
Marquardt, the two Germans arrested
during the troubles. after the commits
sion has assured itself of the complete
innocence" and then continued:
THE first work of the commission
will be the restoration of peace and ie-
gal conditions. in conformity with the
Samoa act. 1t would be in accordance
with article IA of the act if, in the set
tlement of the future government. the
wish of the inhabitants was consulted
by a majority vote of the recognized
chiefs and by more extended vote of
/. the people But / repeat emphatically
that we will take no side in the local
disputes or in regard to the candidates
for the throne. We do not approve Of
the partfSanSn1p OF the agents or Other
Powers in behalf of Malfetoa Tanus.
Another task before us is to see our
subjects in Samoa indemnifled, in ac,
cordance with the principles of the laws
of nations, for losses through destruc-
tion of property or illegal arrest.
(Cheers)
"This question. however. will only be
ripe for diplomatic action after the res
toration of order
81 hope the activity Of the commits
sion will result in a just and equitable
settlement We will not cede any of
our rights. but at the same time we do
not forget that complicated interna-
tional disputes must be treated with
quiet deliberation and in cool blood. :"
SUCCESS IMPROBABLE.
BERLIN, June 19.-An official of the
German Foreign Office. who was inter-
viewed to-day by the correspondent
here Of the Associated Press relative to
the visit Of Dr. Zorn. one of the German
delegates to the Peace Conference, to
berlin. emphasized the innprobablliry OF
the success OF Sir Julian Pauncefote's
arbitration tribunal proposals.