The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-03-27
DISCUSSION OF SAMOA.
Two Minor Points Have Been Agreed 10
by Germany.
MATTER OF GlNGSHlp is THE REAL ISSUE
relieved thnttThis VIII Fiuniiy he
Taken In Hand by the Three
Governments Interested.
MATTER OF EINGSHlP is THE REAL ISSU

New YORK, March IA f1elaiu ulsPn'Np
from Washington says.
AS showing that tho signatory powers to
the Berlin treaty are acting in harmony
in the discussion Of the questions arising
out Of the present Samoan situation, it is
learned that an agreement has been
reached respecting a modification Of the
treaty IN regard to taxation. and author
ity has been given for the municipal
council Of Apia. with the approval OF the
chief justice, to pass a law imposing hard
labor as punishment.
While the two points are not in them
selves important, state department Off
rial said that they were an indication of
the harmony with which tho powers are
proceeding Both propositions We're adopt
ed on the suggestion of the United States,
assent OF Germany being presented TO
Secretary Hay by Freiherr Won Sternberg
first secretary of the German embassy.
In connection with the proposition adj
vanced by this government, 1t was stlg-
gested that the consent of two powers to
the proposed congress would he suthclent,
and while Germany agreed to the PROPOSE
tions of this government, it still expressly
stipulated that such agreement was made
with the understanding that her consent
did not establish precedent in the matter
Of the solution OF Samoan questions, ac-
cording to majorities. BY this action the
German government prevents the United
States and Great Britain from setting up
Malietoa Tanu as king, and pointing TO the
protest that Germany might make. The
official further said that the German am
hassador. upon the occasion Of his call on
| Thursday, presented a note to the secre-
tary of state embcdying the views of his
government on the duties of a naval COM
mander in Samoan waters. Some appre-
honson was felt by the Berlin govern
ment that Rear Admiral Kautz might ex-
coed his powers and endeavor to execute
any Instructions given him by the Ameri-
can and British consular officers thus
creating a new complication in the sltua-
ticn which might embarrass the final set
| Element of the entire question
Germany is understood to be urging that
the Berlin treaty be strictly adhered to
in The disposition OF the pending questions,
and as the United States and Great Brit
! ain also desire a strict Interpretation of
1 the treaty, there ought to be no difficulty
| In reaching a settlement satisfactory to the
! several nations.
The proposition made by this government
| respecting taxation authorized the cullec-
| tion of taxes outside as we'll as inside OF
/ the municipal boundaries Of Apia
! The object of this proposition, Of course
IS 10 increase the revenues OF lne island
| IN order that HE expenses OF inc sigma
| Tory powers may be reduced. Under TN,
| terms oil the treaty the municipal couneil
Is authorized to inhict ADEQUATE penalties
| including imprisonment for violation o.
| me treaty and the regulations OF the coun-
| ell but by the agreement OF the powers
| hard labor Is added TO the sentences which
| which IT NAV In future impose.
| II is no longer denied IN official circles
am one which was 70 be discussed, as the
| Herald stated, by the consuls on hoard the
flagship Philadelphia the only foreign
warship now in the harbor. While the
! authorities are hopeful that an agreement
| will be reached It is regarded as extreme
| ly doubtful that such will be the case, and
| it is to prevent the American commander