The Hickman courier. [volume] (Hickman, Ky.) 1859-current, 1899-07-07
PEACE REIGNS IN SAMOA.
a Governor Appointed subject to Any OF
the Treaty Powers Many Claims for
Damage fiied.

APIA. Samoa, June ia. --(via San Fran.
cisco, July L)-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 rs, with the international
commission on board, caused distinct
change In affairs here. The commits
sion lost no time, but went to work
Immediately, electing Mr.. Trip chair
man and MIR. Morgan secretary. The
commissioners held interviews first
with King Tanu, and then with Ma
taafa.
Tanu was not a, FIRST recognized ms
king by the commission. Tanu and
his chiefs readily agreed TO give up
their arms. and stated that they were
prepared TO accept any formal govern
mcnt the commission might recon-
mend. even IL the kingShip was abol-
ished. The following day Mataafa
and his party came alongside the
Badger, singing songs and flying the
samoan flag. The rebels were or
dered TO take down the flag, which
they did. The commissioners cXp'a n
ed to the chief that they had come to
make peace, and Mataafa said that
nc was tired OF sighting, as were bis
chiefs. lie said his party would
recognize any government fixed by the
commission. but he hoped 10 have a
king OF samoa. rs u was an old cstab-
lished institution. MataAfa readily
agreed TO give up the guns held by his
party. but insisted that, As the Neap-
ons were the private property 81 the
| natives, they should receive eompensa-
ton FOR them. The commissioners is-
sued proclamation, stating that the
guns would either be returned or
proper payment made for them after
all troubles had been settled. This. os
course, means that payment viii be
made, as i, would be folly TO rctarn
the weapons
Mataafa's party also asked II they
could bc represented by attorneys be.
fore the commission. but their rcQues,
was declined.
After the Mataafa men had turned
in l. 500 rifles and the Tanu supporters
. 600 more. Tanu was Invited on oard
the Badger. There he was informed
that the commit ssioners supported the
decision q Chief Justice Chambers. aud
that Tam had been king OF Samoa
ever since the decision had been rem
dcred. Tanu said that he was
willing 10 do anything foe the good OF
samoa, and at the request of the com.
missioncrs resigned his kingship Ia
them. The commission IL now en-.
gagged in writing It's report. also the
abolition OF the Office OF president
Apia, a municipality, is to be governed
by its council and mayor. This will
relieve the municipality 81 an official
drawing a salary OF $4,000 a year, and
who has in the pas, only been a source
Of friction In Apia.
The judicial aud diplomatic func-
tions Of the cousuls will be greatly re-
stricted, and the commissioners recog.
nize the fact that the supreme court
and one law is sufficient for the needs
Of Samoa. Revenue will be raised by
indirect taxation, by means Of in
creased customs duties, and the pol.
tax will be abolished.
The license and tax rate OF Apia will
remain as formerly under the treaty.
The supreme court will remain as un.
der the treaty.
An administrator or governor will
be appointed who will bc subject Of
any OF the treaty powers lie Is to bc
assisted by legislative council OF
three to be appointed by each % three
of the powers
This council will legis,atc FOR the
Samoans and will be aided by small |
body Of representative Samoans. The
governor will have the power Of veto
over all proposed laws. Chief Justice
Chambers wishes To resign his position
and return 10 the United States, but on
the request of the commissioners he
has decided 10 remain.
Many claims have been lodged at
the different consulates for damages
to property during the past few
months While not empowered TO
take any action on these claims, the
commissioners agreed that real hard
ships had been suffered, and 1t Is un-
derstood that the commission will rec
ommend that the three powers each
pay the losses caused TO its own sub
jectS
The NeM female l. ahnr Law.