The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-03-30
RUPTURE MAY BE AvERrED.
But samoan Trouble Will No Doubt
Cause Complications.

but samoan Trouble Will No Doubt
Cause Complications.
Washington, March @.-The news from
Samoa that the United States cruiser
Philadelphia and the British cruisers Por-
polse and Royalist had bombarded the
towns held by Mataafa, who had thus far
had the official support of the German
government came with startling sudden
ness TO officials here and displaced for
the time being the attention given to the
fighting around Manila.
The Smelling of Mataafa was looked upon
as of secondary importance, but the deep
est interest attached to the attitude of the
German government.
At first apprehensions were felt that
grave International complications might
ensue. But those most intimately famil-
lar with the latest official exchanges be-
tween Washington, London and Berlin, did
not take such a gloomy view of the OUT
look
While recognizing that the bloodshed at
Samoa created a very serious and deli
cate situation yet it was said TO be a
SihueAllOh WHICH ildN bSSu Nicditg dppIe~
hended and had been discussed in advance
between the representatives of the three
governments. The real crisis from an in
ternational standpoint occurred last week.
when this apprehended outbreak was dis
cussed.
May Not Mean "a Rupture.
Although relations were greatly strained,
it was possible to secure an understanding
which is said to make sure that the out
break now reported will nor cause rup-
ture in the relations between the United
States and Germany, or between Great
Britain and Germany.
The details of the bombardment, as con-
veyed in the Associated Press dispatches.
were read with eager interest by leading
! government and diplomatic officers who
have been most directly concerned in
handling the Samoan question. There was
nothing of an official character, however
either at the stale or navy departments, or
at the British or German embassies, to
augment the very fun press report Upon
this the officials based their views.
May Lead to Complications.
In all quarters there were expressions Of
concern and surprise at the seriousness
and extent of the bombardment, and the
resulting loss of life. That some overt
act would take place has been apprehend-
ed for many days, but there was little idea
it would take such broad sweep and lead
to such heavy loss of life, In this aspect
of the case the actual results were re-
garded as far more serious than those
which had been expected and provided for
during the recent diplomatic exchanges be-
tween the three governments.
Moreover, new elements of international
danger had Unexpectedly arisen. These
included the proclamaton of the German
consul, Rose, Which, it is believed, tended
~.
volt also the wounding and killing of
British sailors and marines, the shooting
OF an American sentry, and the attacks on
the several consulates.
These all involve unknown possibilities of
serious complications.
Guarded Against Trouble.
While they had been guarded against
as far as possible by the recent antici-
patory exchanges, yet it was felt that the
German press and national sentiment
might be wrought to a high pitch by the
events which had occurred and that this
outburst of popular feeling might over
| come the strong efforts of officials TO keep
the subject within pacific bounds.
In an authoritative quarter the attitude
of the British and American officials was
stated substantially as follows:
1t was naturally understood between
the two governments that the first es-
sential in Samoa was to maintain peace
and order For that reason ii was determ-
ined that any alawlessness on the part of
Mataafa or any other Samoan element
which threatened the lives or property of
residents, would be suppressed, even
though force were required. This was en-
tirely without reference TO the rights of
the three governments-Great Bratain, the
United States and Germany-and was
merely rule of self-preservation and po-
lice security.
To Protect Life and Property.
Acting on this understanding, Capt.
Sturdee of the Porpoise gave notice some
time age that he would lombard the Ma
taafans If there was any outbreak or dis
order: This insured quiet for time but
he has always been ready to use force if
il was necessary. 1t was not proposed to
give Samoa over to a reign of anarchy
simply because the German consular Off
cial al Samoa differed with the British
and American officials.
Outside of these differences 1t was pro-
posed 10 protect life and property at all
hazards. When Admiral Kautz went 10
Samoa he also had as his first duty to
protect life and property and to maintain
order It is evident that The bloodshed
has arisen out of the united efforts
of the United States and British
commanders to protect the law-abdng
and peaceful elements against the disor
Derby and rebellious subjects of Mataafa.
This is evidenced by Mataafa's action in
hemming in the town where the American
and British officials resided also in the
attacks on the consulate and in the gem
eral lawIessness which has prevailed since
Mataafa began his reign. In short, ac-
cordfng to the view of those best acquaint-
ed with the subject the British and Amer
lean case will rest upon the paramount
necessity of preserving peace and order.
May Not Sustain Herr Rose.
The German view. il can be stated on
very eminent authority, Is not likely to
raise a direct issue on the position thus
lrit Oh nd A i