The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1899-03-30

climatic, which had been clearly ap-
pretended and had been discussed IN ad-
vance between the representatives, OF the
three governments. ..-,
,-be real crisis from an international
standpoint occurred last week, when this
apurehended outbreak was discussed.
Aitbourh relations were greatly strained,
IN was possible TO secure an understand
inc which IS said 90 make sure that the
onfbrcak now reported will not cause
runture I'M the relations between thu
United states and Germany. or between
Grmt Brifqin and GERMANY.
NOTHING OFFICIAL
The details az the bombardment. as
coryevei I'm the Associated Press dis
matches. were read with eager interest
bv leading government and diplomatic
Officers who have been most directly con-
cerned iu handling the Samoan question.
There was nothing Of an oihdal char
ocfer. however. either at the state or
Navy Departmcnts, or at the British or
German embassies. 10 augment the very
fpu preeg report. UpCn this officials based
their views.
In nh quarters there were expressions
Of concern and surprise az the seriousness
and extent of the bomDardment and the
,eetlf,rc loss of iife. That some overt
nc. would take place had been appre-
hauded for many DAYS. but there was
little idea that II would take such
bread sweep and lead TO such heavy Joss
of Ufe I'm this aspect Of the case the
actual results were regarded as FAR more
eertous than these which had been ex-
pccted and provided for. during the recent
diplomatic exchanges between the three
governments Moreover, new elements
OF international danger had unexpectedly
arisen. These included the proclamation
of the German Consul, Rose. which IL Is
believed tended 20 incite the Mataafa
MARTY to an open revolt. also the wound
inc and killing Of British sailors and ma
rines. fbe shooting OF an American sem
trv and the attacks on the several con-
su'ates
Tuese al involve unknown possibilities
of serious complication. While they had
been guarded against as far as possible by
The recent anticipatOry exchanges. yet it
was feIt that the German press and na-
tf0uaI sentiment might be wrought TO %
hieh pitch by the events which had oc-
CURED. and that this outburst Of popular
feeling might overcome the strong efforts
of officials TO- keep the subject within pa
cihc bounds.
go KEEP THE PEACE.
I'm an authoritative quarter The attitude
stated substantially as follows:
d. was mutually understood between
fha two governments that the first essen
tIa1 iu Samoa was to maintain peace ana
order For that reason it was deter
mined that any lawlessncss on the part
of Mata1fa. or any other Samoan ele-
neut which threatened the lives or pro-
uorty of residents would be suppressed, I,
even though force was required Inis
was entirely without reference TO the
rights of the three governmenis-Oreat
Britain the United States and Germany
and was merely a rule of sell-prescrva-
ton and public security. Acting ON this
understanding Captain StIrdee. OF tho
porp9ise. gave notice some time ago that
ba would lombard the Mataafans If there
was amy outbreak or disorder This in
eured quiet for a time. but he has all
ways been ready % use force IF IT was
necessary 10 was not proposed to give
Samoa over t0 reign of anarchy simply
because the German consular officials az
Samoa differed with British and Ameri-
can officials.
outside of these differences it was pro-
posed 90 protect life and property al aH
hazards
when Admiral Kautz not Kauntz) went
20 Samoa he also had as his first duty
to protect life and property and TO main
tain ORDER It SIS evident that the blood
she'd has arisen ont OF this united effort
of tine British and American commanders
to protect the law-abiding and peaceful
elements against The dis0rdery and re-
aeuiou- subjects of Mataafa- This IS
evidenced by M1taafa's action in hem
ming in the town where the American
and British officials resided also. in the
attacks ou the consulate and in the gem
cral Mwleseucss which has prevailed since
Mataaa began his reign ln short. ac-
cordmg t0 the view of those best ac-
ouant.d with the subject the British
and American case VIII rest upon the
paramount necessity of preserving peace
and order
GERMANYS POSITION.
The German Wow. DO can b. stated on
very eminent authority is not likely 60
Continued on Second Paee).