Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1899-04-13
NO ALARM IN WASHINGTON.
1t Is Not Believed That Serious Com,
plicatiOns VIII Follow the
Samoan Clash.

WASHINGTON, April 12.-The acute sit
uation in Samoa gave rise to grave appre-
hension among officials during the early
part of the day in Washington, but the
conclusion was reached as the departments
closed that the situation is one that will
yield to sensible and cool treatment, il all
the parties TO the Berlin treaty are sim
cere In an effort to prevent further trou-
bic.
As put by cabinet officer. the killing
of the sailors has not materially changed
the general problem, though it has un-
doubtedly added to the difficulty of deal
ing with the specific situation. The only
Official news received touching the last in
cident was contained in Admiral Kautz'
cablegram. The secretary said that no
additional instructions were to be sent by
him to the admiral. The secretary of state,
however, has been told that he is at lib
erty to forward any Instructions to the
admiral that he may deem necessary, but
that. IL he concludes-to do so, he must act
Immediately, as the. mail steamer leaves
the nearest cable point for. Apia to-mor-
row.
Other members of the cabinet said they
saw no occasion for public excitement The
United States would protect her rights. hut
until all the facts were known it was GER
tain that no aggressive steps would be
taken. 1t was further stated that, on the
face OF the records. the German govern
ment was not unfriendly to the United
States during our war with Spain and al
though certain German officials NAV have
showed pronounced sympathy with the
Spaniards, nothing had occurred that could
ofhcfally be subject of complaint that
had not been promptly disavowed Under
these circumstances, it is pointed out, the
United States will not be disposed to as
sumo, in advance of the receipt of full in
formation. that the German government is
solely responsible for the present disturbed
state of affairs at Apia. Members of the
cabinet were not inclined to regard serious
ly the intimation of some of the German
papers that the United States should be re-
quired to disavow the acts of Admiral
kautz.
The arrest and detention by the British
naval officials of a German subject is one of
The most dangerous features of the contro-
versy. 1t is said that the consuis of the
three powers stationed at Apia claim extra
territorial jurisdiction involving the right
TO try the subjects of the respective coun-
tries for any offenSe alleged to have been
committed. Under this practice the Ger
man consul. Rose. may demand the sur
render of the German subject. IL the man
Is guilty, !. is considered improbable that
the British will yield unless upon some ade-
quate guarantee that he is to be sufficiently
punished. 1t is not believed likely that
Rose will make such promise,
1t is believed t,lat Admiral Kautz. with
the cooperation of the British, will con-
tinue his efforts to bring the rebellious
natives to terms. This is not likely to be
an easy task. in view of the small force
at his command. but it is possible the
British government may accept the propo-
sition OF the authorities of New Zealand
10 send a regiment of soldiers to Apfa No
protest thus far has been lodged at the
state department against Admiral Kaa.z.
Senator Davis. chairman of the senate
committee on foreign relations was one
of the earliest of the presidents visitors
to-day. Asked for his views on the s;i.ua-
tion, he said:
I'VE must lie careful and no. lose our
heads. We must not form an opinion till
all the facts are known
Representative Hull. of Iowa. chat-.1an
of the house military committee was also
one of the presidents visitors. He said:
This government will not attempt to
discredit our men there unless it is shown
clearly that they are in the wrong If
Germany persists in her present course
there may be war. L do not believe this
administration will allow Germany to run
this government. as she seems to be try
ing to do now. In my section of the coun-
try tile feeling has been strong against
Germany for six months. The people be
lieve that she was hostile to US in the war
with Spain. The people are in such tenn
per that they will not permit any triliing
or hedging on the part OF the United States.
II there should be war 1 do not believe
tina, all the European countries could or
would stand against Great Britain and the
United States.''
Senator Thurston said that 1t would he
pretty hard for three of the most enleht-
cred nations of tie earth to have war over
q few little islands which are of no CON
sequence. He considered the situation as
somewhat grave ....
Senator Stewart said: Does Germany