New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-04-13
BRITISH FOREIGN OFFICE TROUBLED

SAMOAN COMPLICATIONS MADE GRAVER-
BLAMING THE GERMAN CONSUL
London. April 1.-THE outbreak in Samoa
lust when the Powers had agreed upon the APP
pointment OF Commission to settle the dim
culties there has caused great annoyance and
disappointment at the Foreign Office here. where
IL is regarded as making the already serious
complications still graver. While they have diff
fculty in expressing definite opinion upon the
fresh developments. 1t is acknowledged that the
Foreign Office officials think II has been mani
tested that there has been hasty and aggressive
action upon the part of Herr Rose. the German
Consul Although he may have many technical
reasons for the part he has played In beha1 OF
German interests. it is asserted that he mas peen
the prime cause of the fresh outbreak, winch IL
is added. will necessarily greatly embarrass the
endeavors which the three Powers are making
10 restore a satisfactory and amicable state OF
affairs.
The Foreign Office officials appear to think
that it was obviously the duty Of the three
consuls to uphold the decision of the supreme
Court, which. according to the kilograms re-
ceived decided to reinstate Tanu in place OF the
provisional government. and that the action of
Herr Rose in issuing counter proclamation
supporting the rebellious faction could not but
ing described in to-day's dispatches.
Further the officials of the Foreign once
think it impossible to say to a certainty how
matters will develop. but they are of the opinion
that 1t is high time the Commissioners got to
work In order to settle once for all the deplor-
able state of affairs which has arisen in Samoa.
The dispatches Of The Associated Press from
Apia Samoa, by way of Auckland. n. H.. were
the first received Of the treacherous attack made
by the Mataafans upon American and British
naval forces They created considerable SEN
sation in official circles and among the general
public. The newspapers sent out large pacards
printed with such startling announcements as;
British and American Forces Routed!S Ger
man Treachery." etc, ETC. The heroic conduct
Of Ensign Monaghan, Of the United states
cruiser Philadelphia particularly appeals to the
public.
The British Admiralty has received a dispatch
from Captain Stuart. the senior British naval
officer in Samoan waters. giving the news of the
death Of Lieutenant Freeman. Of the British
cruiser Tauranga in IAN engagement with the
rebels" The dispatch. after giving the list Of
killed and wounded. adds:
The British and American authorities used
their utmost endeavors. previous to the fight
ing. TO reach peaceful settlement"
THE Pail Mall Gazette" says:
THE locality Of the engagement. or. rather.
ambush is stated to have been a German plan
tation and there is the unpleasant suggestion
that there was treachery upon the part OF
German subject. The incident. apart from the
loss Of life is deeply deporable. The situation
was already full OF anxiety to the Governments
at home. while on the spot racial feeling runs
high Though it will be kept well under con-
troll the Cabinets Of London. Washington and
Berlin could well have been spared this latest
development We may be assured that order
will be maintained ashore by the united efforts
of the English and American commanders. but
even their efforts will not clear the air Of the
electricity which Is fast accommodating at Apia.'
According to mail advices from Auckland,
brought by the steamship Mariposa from Samoa,
II is reported that the British cruiser Porpoise,
CAPTAIN Sturdee suddenly found herself boy
cotted no natives being allowed to trade with
her Captain Sturdee demanded an apology and
a cession of the boycott from the Provisional
Government The President of the Government
intjmated IN his reply that the boycott of the
Porpoise was due to the presence board of
Chief Justice Chambers.
This added insult to injury and another de-
mand was made for an apology. which was i'm
rnediately given abjecty. This closed the Incl
dent.
Or