The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1899-04-19
THE COMMISSION
READY To LEAVE
Lunched with Mr.. Hy-Their In
structions Broad Enough to Co.
YER the Samoan Question.

WASHINGTON, April S-Secretary
Hay entertained the Samoan High Com
mission at lunch az his residence at l.oO
to-day IL was the first time the mem
1ers of tie Commission had come To-
gether and while the gathering was quite
informal and social, mainly for the pur-
pose of getting acquainted, yet II auoId-
ed am opportunity Of discussing the samo-
an topic In It's general phases.
The Commission will be OF on It's mis-
sion tomorrow. The members Will make
no effort TO keep together on the way 10
san Francisco. The members are making
plans TO De gone about four months.
They will return together 20 Washing
ton and their respective reports as well
as their Joint conclusion Will be framed
here some time in the early autumn.
The instructions to the Commissioners
have been completed, they are alike Ia
al essential respects. They were summed
up to-day by one Of the High Commis-
sioners substantially as follows:
THEIR POWERS.
The commission Is given complete au-
thortity 10 carry on a provisional gov
eminent for Samoa. I'm doing this the in
structions carefully prescribe the pre-
seryation OF order and the security OF Ire
and property as first requisite. IL is
provided that the duties OF an oulcials
heretofore exercising authority In Samoa
shall be suspended in order that the high
Commission shall have complete au-
thoritv over the affairs Of the island
Tho commission is required 10 make
report upon a variety OF things. includ-
ing the recent collisions and the causes
leading up 20 them; also. as 10 the ad-
rninietration OF the islands. the rights
of the several claimants 10 NE kingship'
also. as 10 what changes are desirable
in the methods provided by the treaty OF
Berlin.
The instructions call for unanimity In
an action bv the commission. The action
taken by the commission when unanimous
l. 10 be conclusive without referendum
except when II suspends a provision or
the Treaty OF Berlin. In that case also
a provision OF the treaty provision may
be suspended by the unanimous desire
OF the members. but Is not finally bind
ing until the three governments approve
or disaproye. The exact extent 10 which
the treaty can be temporarily suspended
Is not ouite clear. and one OF the commits
sloners said to-day that 1t would require
consultation among the commissioners
to make this point certain. The instruc-
tions are broad enough 10 include the re-
cent troubles the bombardment. fighting.
arrest OF a German citizen, etc. so thar
these acute phases as well as the general
government OF Samoa will be adjusted
without further conflict between the three
governments
ROSRS INSTRUCTIONS.
RERI.IN April ls.-ThA correspondent
here Of the Associated Press hears on
authority that the German Consul at
Anita samoa Herr Rose will receive
cahied instructiOns 10 be conveyed 10
him by steamer from the nearest cable
station. 70 ioin In . uipartite proclama,
sa,noa fo Immediately desist from all
hostilities and agitation pending ne ar.
rival al Apia OF the Joint commission ~
the powers appointed 20 se.tie the al
lairs ln dispute n the Is!a9dsI