The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-06-22
ALL IS PEACEFUL IN SAMOA.
MATAAFA AND THE LoYALIsTs
HAVE GIVEN UP THEIR ARMS.
The King Abdfcntss In Favor of the
COMMISSIONER, Who Appoint
Provisional Government.

Apia, Samoa. June IA. via Auckland, N.
T.. June a1--Mataafa has surrendered 1850
rifles and the loyaiists have given up 5000.
After June 20. a heavy penalty will be en-
forced upon the natives found with rifles
In their possession. Mataafa promises to
turn in more weapons.
The natives have returned to- their
homes. Malietoa Tanu was recognized as
king by the commissioners Of the three
powers and the decision of Chief Justice
Chambers in the matter OF the kingship
was proclaimed valid and binding. Ma
lietoa Tanu then abdicated in favor OF the
commissioners. who appointed provis-
ional government consisting OF the con-
suls of the three powers. empowering a
majority to act In all cases where unanim-
ity is not required by the Berlin seaty.
Chief Justice Chambers continues 70
hold office and the various muninipai OIL
ficials are confirmed. DR.. Wilhelm SOIL
has been authorized to act as president OF
the municipality OF Apia.
The commissioners expect TO leave on
| June 2S. but they have requested Chief
| Justice Chambers to remain. Their re-
port recommends the abolition of the
kingship and the presidency of Apia and
| the appointment of governor with leg
| slative council consisting of three noml-
nees of the interested powers, assisted by
native house.
| Under this scheme the government
would have a veto over general and mu-
nieinal laws. the nominees would be the
| departmental heads: consular, diplomatic
| and judicial functions would be abolished !;
| revenue would be raised by an increase OF
duties and a diminution Of the poll tax;
| the jurisdiction OF the supreme court
| would be increased: the municipality un-
| der a mayor and council would be ex-
| tended and the postoffice would be under
| the general government. The British
cruiser Porpoise. Captain Sturdee, left via
| Fiji on June ".
Apla and the country round about are
resuming normal conditions. American
and British express satisfaction at the
| decision of the commissioners. Among
| the Germans 1t is rumored that DR.. Solf
will be the administrator in the new gov
| eminent.
| London. June 22.--The correspondent OF
the Times at Apla. Samoa, under date of
| June 10 says Although considerable sue
cess has attended the labors of the COM
missioners it can not be said that the out
look for the immediate future is alto
! gether satisfactory. In order to secure
| unanimity the commissioners have fol-
|
| compromise. with the result that many
conclusions at which they have arrived
are inconsistent and displeasing to all
| parties.
The only completely satisfactory Tea
| lures are disarmament and dlsba1dnent
| of the natives, the resignation of Malietoa
! Tanu and the abolition of the kingshlp.
| These incidents greatly relieve the ten
sion and modify the fears of another out
break, but the proclamation of provi-
| sional government Is keenly criticised
| by natives and whites alike.
| During the absence of Herr Rose, the
| German counsel. his duties will be In the
hands OF Herr Grunow the vice consul,
| while a deputy commissioner will under
take the duties of the British consul, Mr..
Maxse, / have the best reason to believe
that the commissioners will take early
action to secure the retirement OF the
present chief Justice and the American
consul. Mr. Osborne. although no definite
decision has been reached. As there are
many delicate matters awaiting consld-
Grafton. and 1t is very doubtful whether
the commissioners will be able to leave
by the end of this month.