The Saint Paul globe., 1899-03-30

which had been clearly apprehended, and
had been discussed in advance between
the representatives of the three govern
ments. The real crisis, from an interna-
tional standpoint, occurred. Although re-
iations were greatly strained, 1t was pos
sible to secure an understanding, which is
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.
WASHINGTON INTERESTED.
The details of the bombardment were
read with eager interest by leading gov
ernment and diplomatic officers, who have
been most directly concerned in handling
the Samoan question. There was nothing
of an official character however, either at
British or German embassy to augment
the very full press reports. Upon this off,
cials based their views.
In all quarters there were expressions
of concern and surprise at the serious
ness and extent of the bombardment and
the resulting loss of life. That some
overt act would take place has been ap-
pretended for many days, but there was
little Idea 1t would take such a broad
sweep and lead to such heavy loss of
life. In this aspect of the case the actual
results were regarded as far more seri-
Gus than those which had been expected
and provided for during the recent diplo-
matte exchanges between the three gov
ernments. Moreover, new elements of in
ternational danger had unexpectedly
arisen. These included the proclamation
of German Consul Rose, which 1t is be-
lleved tended to incite the Mataafa party
to an open revolt; also the woundtng and
killing of British sailors and marines, the
shooting of an American sentry and the
attacks on the several consulates.
These all involve unknown possibilities
of serious complication. While they had
been guarded against as far as possible
by the recent anticipatory exchanges, yet
1t was felt that the German press and ma
tional sentiment might be wrought to a
high pitch by the events which had oc-
CURED, and that this outburst of popular
feeling might overcome the strong ef-
forts of officials to keep the subject with
in pacific bounds.
ANGLO-AMERICAN ATTITUDE.
In an authoritative quarter the atti-
tude of the British and American officials
was stated substantially as follows:
1t was actually understood between the
two governments that the first essential
in Samoa was to maintain peace and
order. For that reason it was determined
that any laWlessneSS on the part Of
Mataafa or any other Samoan element
which threatened the lives or property Of
residents, would be suppressed even
though force was required. This was en-
tirely 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
peace security. Acting on this under
standing Capt Sturdee, Of the Porpoise,
gave notice some time ago that he would
lombard the Mataafans If there was any
II Wit rI1%
for some time, but he has always been
ready to use force If it was necessary. 1t
was not proposed to give Samoa over to
a reign of anarchy, simply because the
German consular officer at Samoa diff
fered with the British and American Of
ficers. Outside of these differences 1t
was proposed to protect life and property
at all hazards. When Admiral Kautz
went to Samoa, he also had as his first
duty to protect life and property and to
maintain order.
1t is evident that the bloodshed has
arisen out of this united effort Of the
American and British commanders to
protect the law-abiding and peaceful ele-
ments against the disorderly and rebel
lious subjects Of Mataafa. This Is evf-
denced by Mataafas action in hemming
in the town where the American and
British officials resided, also in the at
tacks on the consulates, and in the gen.
eral lawlessness which has prevailed
since Mataafa began his reign. In short.
according to the view of those best ac-
quainted with the subject, the British
and American case will rest upon the
paramount necessity Of preserving peace
and order.
GERMAN VIEW OF 1T.
The German view, is can be stated on
very eminent authority, Is not likely to