The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-04-01
Each Nation tn Have One Representa-
tive ON the Commission, and It's
Decision to BE Final.
UMPIRE MAY BE SELECTED
NAME OF KING OSCAR OF SWEDEN
AND NORWAY MENTIONED.
The Commissioners to BE Men of
High Rank and to Hold Their Ses-
sions at the Seat of Trouble.

A
WASHINGTON, March 31-A joint high
commission to settle the entire Samoan trou-
bic has been practically agreed on by the
United States. British and German govern
ments. Lord Salisburys absence from Lon
don alone delays the formal acceptance by
Great Britain, though in his absence Sir
Thomas SaRderson and Mr.. Villiers, who
are understood to be specially familiar with
the Samoan question, have approved the
plan for commission. The United States
has informally expressed its approval and
the formal acceptance, it is learned from
the highest quarters will follow speedily.
AS the proposition emanates with Germany,
her approval, of course. is assured. This
high commission, it is felt, affords pacific
solution to the whole trouble at the mo-
ment when Samoan affairs began to look
the most threatening. The new plan has
been fully gone over by Secretary Hay and
the British and German ambassadors here,
and its essential details worked out. Each
nation is to be represented by one member
on the commission 1t is to have practically
unlimited authority. without the necessity
Of referring it's decisions back to the sew
that by conferring such complete and final
authority on the high commission the dam
ger will be obviated of any further dead
locks and delays.
Still another important provision under
consideration is that King Oscar of Norway
and Sweden shall be the umpire in case
the three high commissioners should fail TO
reach determination. The plan of invit-
tr,er 70 rafa flIGao orc e-11QT nj
meets the approval of the British and Ger
man authorities, and doubtless will be ap
proved also by the United States, as means
of insuring finality of decision, though it is
not known just how far this has been con-
sidered by the Washington authorities.
King Oscar was agreed on between the
United States and Great Britain a final
arbitrator in connection with the proposed
Anglo-American arbitration treaty. as well
as in the Venezuela matter. He is also men,
toned in the treaty of Berlin as the one
TO name a chief justice of Samoa in case
the three signatory powers fail to agree on
a chief justice. 1t was this that led to the
suggestion of his name at the present time
to act as final arbitrator.
WILL MEET IN SAMOA.
The expectation is that the sittings of the
commission will be in Samoa, where, for the
time being, they will have complete author
ity over the whole range of Samoan af-
fairs, so far as the high commission may
think fit TO act i'm order to fully restore
order, and establish affairs on a stable
basis 1t will require no treaty to bring the
commission into existence. the accept
ances OF the United States and Great Brit
tin will complete the agreement.
1t is understood that the men selected
for the mission will be of high standing. SO
as TO give added weight and dignity TO their
findings, such, for instance, as the consul
general of Germany, whose jurisdiction
covers the whole range of Pacific affairs.
He is a man of complete information on
Samoan and other Pacific islands subjects,
as well as a man of political influence. The
United States and British commissioners, it
is understood, would be drawn from the
same high rank, with view, however, to
their information on international matters
of this character rather than their political
standing.
AS showing that the acute phase of the
Samoan question is past Baron Speck Won
Sternberg, first secretary of the German
embassy, left here tonight for New York.
whence he sails on the 9th for London and
Berlin. He has been most active factor
throughout the Samoan controversy, having
made that question special study, and
thus being able to render the ambassador
material assistance. His influence at all
times has been toward maintaining the
friendly relations between the two countries
and overcoming the causes Of irritation. HIS
trip to London and Berlin has no signifi-
cance whatever in connection with Samoan
affairs, but is entirely personal, after the
KAUTZ'S REPORT DELAYED.
The impression is gaining ground among
the officials here that there is missing
cable report from Admiral Kautz, Via
Sydney, which, upon its arrival, will clear
up the mystery regarding the brief dispatch
dated Auckland. which was received yester-
Cay. In regarding the brief cable of yes
terday, in which Rear Admiral Kautz re-
ferred to the Improvement of the situation
since his telegram ''of the 18th, via Sydney,
New South Wales" IT was supposed that
the date giveE. the 18th. was a mistake as
the only Sydney telegram received here was
dated the 18th. That telegram probably left
Samoa several days before the meeting
aboard the Philadelphia. and certainly
week before the actual fighting began,
which, according TO the press dispatches.
commenced on the 18th. Ii is considered
almost inconcevable that Rear Admiral
Kautz made no attempt at communicating
with the department between the time of
the sending OF the telegram. dated Sydney.
the 10th, and the one received yesterday
from Auckland. the 18th, which probably
left Apia the 3d. 1t is now considered
to be almost certain that the admraIs
reference TO the telegram OF the 18th via
Sydney referred to telegram forwarded
from Apia on the 18th If this proves To be
the case. the telegram of the 18th. which
has not been received. doubtless contained
the details Of fhe decision of the consuls