The times., 1899-04-02
That rncxpectcd samoan Plum.

soldiers.
That Unexpected Samoan Plum.
The Samoan trouble appears TO be about
over. Germany's, or somebody's sensible
proposition to leave the whole business to
a plenipotentiary commission has been ac-
cepted in principle all around, and but lit
tie Is now lacking to a state of complete
satisfaction but the appointment of the
commissioners-one from each country.
It is somewhat surprising that difficulties
are not made at our State Department
about the small size OF the commission.
Under the proposed arrangement the Ad-
ministration will only have one new and
unexpected piece of pie to exchange for
distinguished or valuable service, past,
present, or future. AS long as commits
sions have to be, they should be made as
large handsome and expensive as circum-
stances will permit. There was the Alger
Relief Commission, 1t cost the American
taxpayers something like one hundred and
twenty-five thousand dollars, and every
body knows how useful it was in expos
ing the character OF its members and in
improving the American breed of white
wash.
We must admit that II might not be easy
TO get England or Germany TO
agree to raise the dignity of the
Samoan commission to, say, If
teen members. Each of the Govern
ments in question is unfortunately old
fashioned about allowing wild. wide-open
junkets and things ut public expense, but
in view of the condition and not a the
ory' which faces Mr.. Hanna and his syndi-
cate of state at present, it is possible that
II desire TO placate America might induce
both nations 10 allow us five commission
ers. but with only one vote among them,
while the Queen and the Kaiser adhered
TO their one-man- -one-vote principle. But
such hope is probably groundless, and
it is 10 be feared that Mr.. Mckinley will
have but solitary plum to shake from the
Samoan tree. Who will be the lad lucky
enough to catch and MUNICH it?
A frightful suggestion was thrown out
on Friday by a local Administration organ.
1t stated that there was some talk of Civ
ing The place TO Credit Mobilier Dodge, We
do NOT, OF course believe that such
thought ever entered the Presidents head.
The statement may very well have been
cunning feeler. to ascertain whether the
appointment OF an Alger Relief Commits
sion whitewasher on the Samoan high com
mission would raise much OF a public howl.
But that would not mean Credit Mobilier
Dodge, while il would be very likely to
have some reference to the Hon. Tincar-
rinn DENLY. whose eminent services TO
the Western pulp manufacturers and de-
cayed COW embalners demand early and
remunerative recognition.
The friends of that able advocate will
doubtless argue that his Asiatic experience
and conceptions of public duty. gained
through years of study under the most
successful Chinese mandarins. mark him as
exactly the person to handle the weighty
questions involving the succession to, and
perhaps the very integrity of. magnificent
island throne. which pays Its iilustrious oc-
cupant a royalty OF forty-eight dollars and
sixty cents 2 month. The Hon. Tincarrion
Denby beyond question, will be urged as
an available, thoroughly equipped Pacific
man.
II that is to be considered his spec al
qualification it is permissible 10 remark
that there are others. DENLY is not nearly
as pacific either in temperament, tendency.
or record as his friend and patron, Ager
II that is 10 be the character element to
decide the appointment, the latter ought
to be anybody's favorite at a hundred to
one. He is likely soon TO be disentangle1
from the cares, if not from the conse-
quences OF his Cabinet service. and as
he will then not be able to luxuriously fit
up and occupy a whole Government ship
fer personal cruising purposes at the cost
OF the people, it might be very pleasant
and cony enient for him TO go TO some place
like ST. Helena. Terra del Fuego. or Sa-
moa for a while Just TO he out of the way
The climate of Apia is everything one
could wish and We have no doubt that a
person like Alger. as Commissioner. would
be allowed splendid steam yacht and a
free hand 10 take his family and business
partners along for the trip. free of cost 10
him or TO them.
II Will be rather surprising. In view of
the foregoing considerations, If the Admin
istration does not seize the opportunity TO
unload Alger and at the same time assist
natural desire on his part TO put as
much of the world between the American
people and himself as he can manage to.
For these and other sufficient reasons we
are Inclined 10 back Alger for the Samoan
commissionership. and although they may
be his superiors In wisdom, courage, and
the moral virtues. TO regard patriots like
Dodge. DENLY, Beaver. .Eagan. Junebug
Barrows, and Grosvenor as entirely out of
the running.
What Surgeons Say.