New-York tribune., 1899-07-20
FRIENDSHIP WITH GERMANY.
NOT A CLOUD ON THE HORIZON, SAYS
MR.. Won MUSiM.
SAMOAN TROUBLE PRACTICALLY SETTLED
HIS MISSION TO CULTIVATE MOST
CORDIAL RELATIONS

Washington, July 19.-Mr. o. Won Mumm, the
German Envoy Extraordinary and Minister
Plenipotentiary to the United States who
rived here recently and on Monday presented
his credentials to President Mckinley, was seen
at the German Embassy to-day, and for the
first time since his arrival consented TO talk in
a general way concerning current topics Of in
terest between the two Governments. Mr.. Won
Murnm Is not stranger in Washington, for he
was here as first secretary OF the German Lega-
tion from 1888 to 1892. He negotiated and
signed the important reciprocity treaty with
Germany At that time Secretary Blaine formed
a warm, personal attachment for him.
Il am fortunate in returning to Washington
at time when the relations between the two
countries on such friendly basis" said
Mr. Won Mumm. Among those have left be-
hind-the responsible officials at Berlin as well
as the people at large-I can assure you there
is the most cordial sentiment OF goodwill for
the United States Government and for your
people, and a sincere purpose to maintain that
relation. And I an. glad to note among your
officials the same evidences Of goodwill That
is the strongest assurance Of the bonds between
Germany and the United States. am glad to
say there is not even a cloud on the horizon
of good relations"
OUTLOOK FOR PEACE IN SAMOA
Being asked as to the outlook the Samoan
question which has engaged this Government
and Germany as well Great Britain, the Min
lister said: That Is case in point showing
that what may seem to present serious diff
cultes readily yields to a satisfactory adjust
ment VIXEN the Governments have sincere
purpose to avoid causes for friction. In the case
Of Samoa the critical phases appear to have
disappeared. With the appointment Of the Sa-
moan Commission final adjustment Is largely
committed to their hands. What they have done
thus far appears to be In the interest OF all
concerned, the foreign communities in the ISL
ands the native Samoans we'll as the three
Governments for which they are acting. We are
looking forward to a complete adjustment OF
this question and is elimination from official
and public attention, for in reality it lacks the
dignity and Importance to warrant its being
a factor of disagreement between great nations.
1 think this is the consensus OF feeling on the
part OF all the Governments concerned"
In connection with Mr.. Won Mumms arrival
there has been much comment in the press as
to the German reciprocity negotiations and the
possibility that he would push them actively
to the front This appears to have arisen large
ly from the fact that he holds the rank OF Min
lister instead Of Charge d'Afares, and also from
his connection with the former reciprocity
treaty. AS to this he said:
NOT ON A RECIPROCITY MISSION.
Il notice that the American press infers that
come on a special mission relating to reci-
procty. But assure you I have no specific
instructions which contemplate the immediate
conclusion of a treaty The impression probably
arises from the fact that while Charge d'Anaires
in 1891 l concluded at Saratoga, with General
Foster, who was the United States special plen-
ipotentiary on reciprocity. a reciprocity agree
ment which put an end to differences, and es-
tablished very satisfactory basis OF trade in
tercourse. The present talk is doubtless an echo
OF those negotiations At the same time II will
be my aim to render every aid in encourag ging
the relations between the two countries COM
mercial as well as In an international sense,
to remove any differences in the way OF trade,
and to secure that healthy flow OF business
which we enjoy along with other countries un-
der the favored nation clause Of existing trea-
ties.
In short" added Mr.. Won Mumm. "I come
without any very exact instructions. except 10
cultivate those friendly relations which have
so long existed.
Your country is fortunate in being represent
ed at Berlin b. Mr.. White, who Is universally
esteemed for his culture, intellectual attain
ments and wide experience in public affairs
Mr.. Jackson. the secretary of the United states
Embassy, also has wide circle Of friends and
in consequence OF his long service at the cap
ital and his perfect command OF the German
language is certainly one Of the best informed
diplomats In Berlin"