New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-03-30
OFFICIALS ARE STARTLED.
GRAVITY OF THE CRISIS RECOGNIZED
IN WASHINGTON. But INTER
NATIONAL COMPLICATIONS
NOT EXPECTED.

NATIONAL COMPLICATIONS
NOT EXPECTED.
WASHINGTON March 29.-The news from Samoa
that the United states cruiser Philadelphia and
the British cruisers Porpoise and Royalist had
bombarded the towns held by Mataafa. who has
thus far had the official support Of the German
Government came with startling suddenness
10 officials here. and displaced for the time be-
ing the attention given TO the lighting around
Manila. The shelling of Mataafa's villages was
regarded as OF secondary importance, but the
deepest interest attached 10 the attitude OF the
German Government.
At first apprehension felt that grave in-
ternational complications might ensue Bus
those most intimately familiar with the latest
official exchanges between Washington, London
and Berlin did not take such a gloomy view or
the outlook. While recognizing that the blood
shed at Samoa created an extremely serious and
delicate situation, yet it was said TO be situa-
ton which had been clearly foreseen and dis-
cussed in advance between the representatives
OF the three governments. lhS lt"A NiASA0 $1,000
an international point Of view occurred last
week. when this apprehended outbreak was dis
cussed Although relations were greatly strained
Il was possible to secure an understanding which
is said to make sure that the outbreak now re-
ported will not cause rupture in the relations
between the United States and Germany or be-
tween Great Britain and Germany.
SURPRISE AND CONCERN SHOWN. "
The details of the bombardment, as conveyed
in the press dispatches, were read with eager
interest by leading Administration and dipio-
matte officials who have been most directly con-
cerned in the Samoan question There was moth
ing OF an official character, however either al
the State and Navy Departments or at the Brit
ish and German embassies. to augment the fuli
press report on this officials based their views
In all quarters there were expressions of con-
Germ and surprise at the seriousness ana extent
OF the bombardment and the resulting loss OF
life. That some overt act would take place haa
been heard for many days, but there was little
idea that IL would take such broad sweep
and lead 70 such heavy loss Of life. In this
aspect of the case the actual results were re-
earded as far more serious than those which
had been expected and provided for in the re-
cent diplomatic exchanges between the thres
Governments .
NEW ELEMENTS OF DANGER. y
Moreover. new elements OF international dan
ger had Unexpectedly arisen. These included
the proclamation OF the German Consul. Rose
which. it is believed. tended to incite the Ma
taafa party TO an open revolt; also the wounds
ing and killing Of British sailors and mariness'
then the shooting Of an American sentry, ana
the attacks on the consulates. These ak
involve unknown possibilities Of serious CONS
plicaton. While they had been guarded againsS
so far as possible by the recent antcpatory
exchanges vet it was felt that the German
to a high pitch by the occurrences. and thai
this outburst Of popular feeling might overcons
the strong efforts of officials TO keep the oues~
ton within pacific bounds
BRITISH AND AMERICAN ATTITUDE
In an authoritative quarter the attitude OF
the British and American ofhcials was given
substantially follows:
1t was mutually understood between the two
Governments that the first essential in Samoa
was TO maintain peace and order. For that rea-
son it was determined that any lawlessness on
the part OF Mataafa any other Samoan ee-
ment which threatened the lives or property Of
residents would be suppressed even though force
should be required This entirely without
reference to the rights OF the three Governments
Great Britain the United States and Germany
and was merely a rule OF self-preservation and
police security Acting on this understanding
Captain Sturdy. of the Porpose gave notice
some time ago that he would lombard the
Mataafans II there was any outbreak dis
order This insured quiet for a time but he has
always been ready to use force IL It were neces-
sary.
1t was not proposed TO give Samoa over 10 q
reign OF anarchy simply because the German
consular official at Apia had differences with tho
British and American officials. Outside OF these
differences. II was proposed 10 protect life and
property at all hazardA When Admiral Kautx