The daily morning journal and courier., 1899-07-01
PEACE AND QUIET IN SAMOA
THE EFFECTITE WORK OF THM
 POWERS COMPASSION.
Natives Will be Paid for Rifles Surren. dered or Weapons Will be Returned Matter of Claims-Connm m s ssiOners May Recommend That Each Power Pay the Losses Caused to It's Own Subjects,

Losses Caused to It's Own Subjects.
 June 30.-Peace and quiet now reign in
 Samoa in marked contrast to the war
 like scenes two months ago. The ar
 rival of the auxiliary cruiser Badger on
 May 13, with the international commits
 sion on board caused distinct change
 in affairs here. The commission went
 to work, immediately electing MT. Tripp
 chairman and MT. Morgan secretary. The commissioners held interviews, first
 with King Tanu and then with Mataafa. Tanu was not at first recognized as king by the commission but Tanu and
 his chiefs readily agreed to give up their
 arms and stated that they were prepar-
 ed to accept any formal government the
 commission might recommend, even if
 the kingship were abolished. The fol- lowing day Mataafa and his party came
 alongside the Badger, singing songs and flying the Samoan flag The rebels
 were ordered to lower the flag, which l they did The commissioners explained
 to the chief that they had come to make
 peace. Mataafa said that he and his
 chiefs were tired of fighting. He said ] his party would recognize any govern ment fixed by the commission, but he
 hoped to have king of Samoa, as it
 was an old established institution. Ma
 taafa readily agreed to give up the guns
 held by his party but insisted that as the weapons were the private property of the natives they should receive compen- sation for them. The commissioners is- sued a proclamation stating that the
 guns would either be returned or proper payment made for them after all
 troubles had been settled.
 This of course means that payment
 will be made as it would be folly to re- turn the weapons. Mataafas party al-
 so asked to be represented by attorney before the commission, but the request was declined. After Mataafa's men had turned in 1,S00 rifles and the Tanu SUD- porters 2,00O more, Tanu was invited on
 board the Badger. There he has in- formed that the commissioners support ed the decision of Chief Justice Cham bers and that Tanu had been king of Samoa ever since the decision had been rendered. Tanu said that he was willing to do anything for the good of Samoa and at the request of the commissioners resigned his kingship to them.
 The commission Is now engaged in formulating it's report. The abolition of the kingship will be feature of the re- port, also the abolition of the office of president of Apia. This municipality is to be governed by a council and mayor. This will do away with an official draw ing of $5,000 year and an office which has been source of much friction here. The judicial and diplomatic functions of the consuls will be greatly restricted and the commissioners recognize the fact that the supreme court and one law are sufficient needs of Samoa. Revenue will be raised by indirect taxation and by means of increased customs duties. The poll tax will be abolished
 The licenses and tax rates of Apia will remain as formerly under the treaty. The supreme court will remain as un- der the treaty An administrator pr governor will be appointed who will not be subject of any of the treaty pow CTS He is to be assisted by legisIa tive council of three, one appointed by each of the three treaty powers This council will legislate for the Samoans and will be aided by small body of Samoans. The governor will have the power of veto over all laws. Chief Justice Chambers wishes to resign his position and return to the United States, but on the request of the commissioners had decided to re- main.
 Many claims have been lodged at the different consulates for damages to during the past few months. While not empowered to take any ac- ton on these claims the commissioners agreed that real hardship had been suf- fered and it is understood the commits sion will recommend that the three pow PTS each pay the losses caused to it's oWn subjects. On the evening of the lueen's birthday British representatives announced that never under any circum- stances would Great Britain recognize Mataafa's claim as king. Consuls Rose md Maxse are passengers on the steam 1T Mariposa for San Francisco Some # the rebels, dissatisfied with the proc- amation providing for a provisional government, have declined to give up heir rifles. Mataafa disclaims any re. possibility for this action.