The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-01-22
CHIEF JUSTICE OF SAMOA.
William l.. Chambers, Who Decides
the Fate of Kings.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 21.-Chief Justice
William L. Chambers, whose decision
against the eligibility of Mataafa, the lately
elected King of the Samoan Islands, was
the cause of the grave troubles now agitat-
ing those islands, is a distinguished Geor-
gian and a some time partner of former
Secretary of the Navy Herbert He was
appointed by the governments of the United
States, Germany and Great Britain in the
early part of Mr.. Cleveland's second admin
istration and at the suggestion of the Amer
lean President. He was reappointed in 1897,
as the post was one in which experience in
the affairs of Samoa and the temper of the
people was deemed necessary.
Personally Justice Chambers is an able
lawyer and an admirable citizen. He was
born in Columbus, Ga, and early went to
Alabama, where he engaged in law practice,
He was originally sent to Samoa to what
ne could do IN the way of Strengthening out
the tumble of Samoan politics, and SO wen
did he succeed that the President made him
a Samoan commissioner. On his return to
the United States his work was highly
praised, and Germany and Great Britain
at once acquiesced in his appointment.
When a vacancy occurred on the Samoan
bench the talented SOutherner was at once
consulted by the President with view to
his return to the islands as the supreme
judge. The appointment was in no sense a
and he has since ruled as the judicial rep
resentatve of the three great powers
The law covering the very case now in
hand is explicit. 1t is part Of the pact agreed
TO- or of the act passed by the three pow
ers at their representative convention in
Berlln. Here IS the section of the act by
winch Justice Chambers was empowered 10
decide against Mataafa:
In case any question shall hereafter arise
in Samoa respecting the rightful election or
appointment of King or of any other chief
claiming authority over the islands, or re-
speeding the validity or the powell s.4.ich
the King or any chief may claim in the
exercise of his office, such question shall not
lead to war, but shall be presented for de-
cision to the chief justice of Samoa who
snail decide it in writing, conforming to the
provisions OF this act and to the laws and
customs of Samoa, not in conflict Herewith;
and the signatory governments will accept
and abide by such decision. In case any
dlHerence shall arise between either of the
treaty powers and Somao which they shall
fail to adjust by mutual accord, such differ
ence shall not be held cause for war, but
snail be referred for adjustment on the
principles of justice and equity to the chief
justice of Samoa, who shall make his de-
cision thereon in writing"
The treaty of Berlin between the United
States, Great Britain and Germany provided
that In case the signatOry powers could not
agree upon chief justice, the King of Swe-
den should appoint him. This was done in
the case of the first chief justice, and Baron
Cedarcrantz was named.
The complications arising out of the death
OF Mal1etoa, the late King, were many.
There were half dozen claimants to the
throne, including Moh. the Kings brother:
Tamasese, the rebel chief. and others, and
the situation was made still more complex
by friction between the three powers. 1t is
said that the Apian Germans were opposed
to the election of another King and pre-
ferred to have the islands in an unsettled
state. Justice Chambers, however, is fully
aware of his power and knew what he was
doing when he made his late decision. The
politics of Samoa, the whole population of
which is not more than 40 COO is more com
plicated than that of any of the big powers
that rule the islands,