The times., 1899-03-26
The snmouu Eptnurlement.

Ii would be manifestly unfair to insist
that Germany should accept without ques-
tion that account of the trouble in Samoa
which is made by our representative and
contradicted by her own. 1t is natural and
reasonable she should give some credence
to the statements of her own Consul. 1t
cannot be denied that the Berlin govern
ment has recently shown disposition to
make concessions and accept an agreement
that on its face would seem TO promise fu-
ture good understanding. and II should be
met by this country and England in the
same spirit. The German government has
proclaimed its readiness to recall both
Consul Rose and DR.. Raffel if we will re-
call Mr.. Chambers, the Chief Justice, but
will not consent that the latter shall be
upheld, which would be an admission that
Germany's agents were wrong and that the
government discredited their report in
favor of that of the English and American
agents. Her purpose is to allow the past
to be forgotten and to start in with a new
deal. That seems fair, and it is even more
than might have been expected under her
contention that German interests in the
Islands are paramount.
Ii is by no means clear that Chief Jus
tice Chambers was wholly right in his
election decision. The German Consul af-
firms that Mr.. Chambers conceded the
right of Mataafa to stand for King though
he subsequently ruled him out. But
whether right or wrong, his retention
would Interfere with tho and mi oh 10
adjustment of the business, and that is of
far more Importance than to decide who
was most blamable in the past. There is
no reason why this country and Eng and
should not accept the German proposition,
recall all the persons involved in the dis
pute. and make a new agreement.
The good will of Germany is important
to us. In certain vital matters, the three
leading industrial nations. America, Eng
land, and Germany stand apart from the
rest of the world. They are rivals, but also
they should be co-workers for the advance
ment of civilization. 1t is within their
power to set an example to all nations,
especially for the abolition of war. Having
many qualities in common, recognizing the
CialHs Vi humanity IN mucn the same way,
it ought not to be difficult for them to
realize what the Gar hopes to promote by
peace conference If America, Great
Britain, and Germany should agree to set
tie all their mutual controversies by arbi-
tration and to discourage wars among
other nations, it is positive they could vir-
tually prohibit all fighting. Their agree
ment as to commercial matters and an
alliance to promote peace and enlighten-
ment would be the chief glory of the age,
and would have an influence on mankind
for all time Enlightened peoples charged
with the highest duties are forbidden to
quarrel over petty questions, and are GRIM
inal when they fail to meet In mutual
TO adjust the affairs of ignor-
ant races under their care. 1t is now with
in the power of our State Department to
offer return for the recent amiabie
course of the Kaiser in relation to his
naval representatives in the East, by ac-
ceding TO the suggestion that Mr.. Cham
bers, as well as the German representa-
lives, be recalled.