The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-07-01
NEW GOVERNMENT FOR SAMOA
COMMISSION HAS DECIDED TO DO
AWAY WITH THE KING.

AWAY WITH THE KING.
Matanfa and Tnnu Have Both Given
I'm to Their RuIing-GovernOr ana
Legislative Council viii BE APP
pointed-MunicipaIity VIII BE Gov
erned by Mayor and CounciImen.
Each Government May settle lis
| own Claims for Damages.
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 Bad
ger on May IS, with the interna tional com
mission on board caused a distinct change
IN affairs here. The commission lost no
time, but went TO work immedia tely, elect
ing Mr. Trip chairman and Mr.. Morgan
/ secretary. The commissioners held inter
views, first with King Tanu and then with
Mataafa.
Tanu was not at first recognized as 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 government the commission
]
were abolished.
The following day Mataafa and his par
ty came alongside the Badger, singing
songs and flying the Samoan flag. The
rebels were ordered to lower the flag
which they did. The commissioners eX-
planned to the chiefs that they had come
20 make peace.
He Wanted "a King.
Mataafa said he and his chiefs were
tired of lighting. He said his party would
recognize any government fixed by the
commission, but he hoped to have a King
of Samoa, as it was an Old established
institution. Mataafa readily agreed to
give up the guns held by his party, but
insisted that as the weapons were the
private property of the natives, they
should receive compensation for them.
The commissioners issued a proclamation
stating thai The guns would either be re-
turned or proper payment made for them
after all the trouble had been settled.
This, of course. means that payment viii
be made, as it would be folly to return the
weapons.
Maiaafas party also asked to be rep
resented by attorneys before the commits
sion, but the request was denied.
After Mataafas men had turned in 1900
rifles, and the TanU supporters 1900 more,
Tanu was invited on board the Badger
There he was informed that the commits
sioners supported the decision of Chief
Justice Chambers, and that Tanu had
been King of Samoa ever since the decision
had been rendered. Tanu said that he was
willing to do anything for the good of
Samoa, and at the request of the COM
missioners resi- gned his kingship to them.
Will Abolish Kingship.
The commission is now engaged in for
mulating its report The abolition of the
! kingship will be feature of the report,
| also the abolition of the office of President
of Apia. This municipality is to be gov
erned by a Council and Mayor. This will
do away with an official drawing 5000 a
year, whose office in the past has been
| source of much friction here.
| The judicial and diplomatic functions of
the consuls will be greatly restricted, and
| the commissioners recognized the fact that
the Supreme Court and one law are suf-
| fcient for the needs of Samoa. Revenue
will be raised by indirect taxation and by
| means of increased custom duties. The
! poll tax will be abolished.
The licenses and tax rates of Apia will
remain as formerly under the treaty. The
Supreme Court will remain as under the
| treaty.
An administra tor or governor will be ap-
pointed, who will not be subject of any
of the treaty Powers. He is to be assist
ed by legislative council of three. one
appointed by each of the three treaty
Powers. This council viii legislate for the
Samoans and viii be aided by a small body
of representative Samoans. The governor
will have the power of veto over ali pro-
posed laws
Chief Justice Chambers wishes TO resign
his position and return to the United
States, but on the request of the commits
sioners has decided to remain.
Pay Their Own Losses.
The claims have been lodged at the diff
ferent 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
hardship had been Suffered, and it is I'M
derstood the commission will recommend
that the three Powers each pay the losses
caused to its own subjects.
On the evening of the Queens birthday
British represent atives announced that
never, under any circumstances, would
Great Britain recognize Mataafas claim
to be the King.
Some of the rebels, dissatisfied with the
proclamation providing for a provincial
government, have declined to give up their
rifles. Mataafa disclaims any response
bility for their action.