New-York tribune., 1899-07-01
PEACE REIGNS AT SAMOA.
CHANGES WROUGHT BY THE INTERNA-
TIONAL COMMISSION.
VISITS OF TANU AND MATAAFA TO THE
BADGER-ABOLITION OF THE KING
sHIP-THE. NEW GOVERNMENT.

SHIP-THE NEW GOVERNMENT
Apia, Samoa June 16. via San Francisco
June 30-Peace and quiet now reign In samoa
in marked contrast to the warlike scenes OF
two months ago. The arrival OF the auxiliary
cruiser Badger May IL with the interna-
tional Commission on board caused dlslhct
change in affairs here The Commission Ios'
No time but went 10 work Immediately. elect
ing Mr. Tripp chairman and Mr. Morgan secre-
tarv The Commissioners held interviews hrst
with King Tanu and then with Mataala lahu
was not at first recognized as King by tie Ooh-
mission Tanu and his chiefs readily agreed 10
give up their arms. and stated that tney were
prepared to accept any formal government the
Commission might recommend even IL 'i'e
kingship were abolished.
THE MATAAFANS CAME SINGING
The following day Mataafa and his party
came alongside the Badger, singing songs ana
flying the Samoan flag. The rebels were ordered
to lower the flag, which they did Ihe Coih-
missioners explained TO the chief that they hau
come to make peace Mataafa said he ana MS
chiefs were tired of lighting He said his party
would recognize any government hxed py the
Commission, but he hoped to have King OF
Samoa as II was an old established INSTITUTION
Mataafa readily agreed to give up the guns
weapons were the private property Of the ma
tives they should receive compensation for
them The Commissioners issued proclama-
ton stating that the guns would either be re-
turned or proper payment made for them after
all troubles had been settled. This. OF course,
means that payment Will be maze, as IL "ouiu
be folly to return the weapons.
Mataafa's party also asked to be represented
by attorneys before the Commission, but the
request was declined.
After Mataafa's men had turned In eighteen
hundred rifles and the Tanu supporters TWO
thousand more. Tanu invited on board the
Badger There ne was informed that the COM
missioners supported the decision OF Chie1 JUS
tice Chambers, and that Tanu had been hlne
of Samoa ever since the decision had been rem
dered Tanu said that he was willing TO 90
anything for the good of Samoa. and at the re-
quest of the Commissioners resigned his kihg-
ship to them
THE PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT
The Commission is now engaged in formulat-
ing its report. The abolition of the kingship
will be a feature OF the report, also the apoHuoh
of the office of President OF Apia. TINS muhlc-
ipality is to be governed by Council and May
or This will do away with an ofhcial drawing
81 900 a year which office in the past mas oeeh
q source of much friction here.
The judicial and diplomatic functions OF the
Consus will be greatly restricted ana the Oo''-
missioners recognize the fact that the supreme
Court and one law are sufficient for the neeos
NJ Samoa Revenue will be raised by lndlrect
taxation and by means OF increased customs
duties The poll tax will be abolished. Inc
licenses and tax rates of Apia VIII remain "e
formerly under the treaty. The supreme Coui'
will remain as under the treaty. An ADMINS ms,
traitor or Governor will be appointed VINO WIN
no, he a subiect of any of the treaty Powers,
He ia 10 be assisted by a Legislative Couhcl VI
three one appointed by each OF the thIee ieSo' c.
Powers This Council will leglsiate Iof 'is %"
means and will be aided by smaL pou9 ~, Ui
rnDrasentative Samoans. The Governor VIII
have the power Of veto over all proposed dW . "a,
chief Justice Chambers wishes 10 resign hlo
position and return to the Uhlteu o'a'ss, 80
On the request of the Commissioners mas oeclued
to remain.
DISPOSITION OF THE CLAIMS.
Many claims have been lodged at the diner-
ent Consulates for damages to properly during
tho last few months. While not empowered 10
take any action on these claims the Comms-
sioners agreed that real hardship had been sur
farsd and Il is understood the Commission VIII
recommend that the three powers eacn pay
the losses caused to its own subjects "
On the evening of the Queens brthoay brlush
representatives announced that never under any
circumstances would Great Britain recoshi~e
Mataafa's claim to be the King ..ou. -,
Consuls Rose and MaXse are passengers on
tho steamer Mariposa for San Francisco.
some of the rebels. dissatisfied with the
proclamation providing for ProVlsiohhl , uo.
ernment have declined TO give mp thelr rliies.
Mataafa disclaims any responsibility for this
action.
p.TRIC15'S QUEER PASSENGERS.