Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-07-01
PEACE AND QU|Esi +
Is Marked Contrast to Recent
War Scenes in Samoa.
Commission Works Great Changes
for Good of the Islands.
Mataafa's and Tanu's Men Disarmed-The
Proposed New Government.

Apia, Samoa. June 16.-Via San Fran
cisco, 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
Badger, May IL, with the international
commission on board, caused distinct
change in affairs here. The COMMITS
sion Immediately went to work, elect
ing MIR Trip chairman and Mr.. Nor
gan secretary.
The commissioners held interviews,
first with King Tanu and then with
Mataafa. Tanu was not at first recog-
riZed 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 might rec
ommend. even if the kingshp was
abolished.
The following day. Mataafa and his
party came alongside the Badger, sing
ing songs and flying the Samoan flag.
The rebels We're ordered to lower the
flag, which they did.
The commissioners explained to the
chief that they had come to make
peace. Mataafa said he and his chiefs
were tired Of fighting. 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 Of his party, but insisted that
as the weapons were the private prop
erty of the natives they should receive
compensation for them. The commits
sioners issued proclamation stating
that the guns would either be returned
or proper payment made for them af-
ter all troubles had been settled This,
of course. means that payment will be
made. as it would be folly to return
the weapons.
Mataafa's party also asked to be rep
resented by attorneys before the COM
mission. hut the request was declined.
After Mataafa's men had turned in
1900 rifles and the Tanu supporters 2000
more, Tanu was invited on board the
RadGer. There he was informed that
the commissioners supported the de-
cision Of Chief Justice Chambers and
that Tanu had been king of Samoa
ever since the decision had been rem
dered. Tanl said that he was willing
to DO anything for the good of Samoa
and at the request of the commission
ers resigned his kingship to them.
The commission is now engaged in
formulating it's report. The abolition
of the kingship will be feature of the
report. also the abolition Of the office
of president of Apia. This municipal
ity is to be governed by a council and
mayor. This viii do away with an Of
fetal drawing $4,000 a year and an office
which has been source of much fric-
ton
The judicial and diplomatic func-
tons of the foreign consuls will be
greatly restricted and the commits
sioners recognize the fact that the su-
preme court and one law are sufficient
for the needs of Samoa. Revenue will
be raised by indirect taxation and by
means of Increased customs duties. The
poll tax will be abolished. The licenses
and tax rates Of Apia will remain as
formerly under the treaty. The su-
preme court will remain as under the
treaty.
An administrator or governor will be
appointed who will not be a subject of
any Of the treaty powers. He is to be
assisted by a legislative council of
three. one appointed by each of the
three treaty powers. This council will
legislate for the Samoans and will be
aided by a small body of representa-
tive Samoans. The governor will have
the power to veto all proposed laws.
Chief Justice Chambers wishes to re-
sign his position and return to the
United States, but on the request of the
has decided to remain.
Many claims have been lodged at the
different consulates for damages to
during the past few months.
While not empowered to take any ac-
ton on these claims the commissions
ers agreed that real hardship had been
suffered and it is believed the commits
sion viii recommend that the three
powers each pay the loses caused to it's
subjects.
on thetevening of the Queens birth
lay, British representatives announced
that never under any circumstances
would Great Britain recognize Ma
taaf's claim to be the king.
Consuls Rose and Maxse are passen-
gers on the steamer Mariposa for San
Francisco.
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