The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1899-03-24
Covering Germany's Views Of the Lates
Phases In the Question.
Seems Probable From the Present
Outlook That the Ultimate Re-
suit of the Dispute Will be the
Reputation of the Berlin
Treaty, but With a Modus VII
vendi Provided to Prevent a
Clash Between the Interested
Powers.


man ambassador. DR.. Won HOLDEN,
called at the State Department to-day
to further confer with the officials con-
corning the Samoan situation. The
Berlin authorities have communicated
very freely on the subject within the
last few days, and as a result of ex-
tended dispatches from the Foreign
Office the ambassador has presented a
long note covering the latest phases OF
the case.
1t is understood that the German ad
vices confirm the arrival of Admiral
Kautz, and the convoking by him of a
meeting of all the officials on the 18th
inst But they do not show what re-
suited from the meeting. All their re-
ports are silent thus far on this point,
but the German view is evidently one
of apprehension lest serious results may
grow out of the meeting, in which event
the German view is that the response
bilities should be borne by those bring
ing about the meeting. Further than
this, questions are arising as to the
extent of authority of the British and
American Consuls, acting together, to
do anything without the concurrence of
consul Rose Oh germany.
The German view evidently holds
that the Berlin treaty requires the
three Consuls to act unanimously and
not through a majority. Another
question is as to the right of the naval
commander to take any political action.
The Berlin treaty would limit the rights
of naval commanders within very mar
row limits, in their views, leaving them
simply to execute what the three Con-
suls, by unanimous agreement, deter
mine upon. These are the main points
engaging attention, and in view of the
questions involved news of Admiral
Kautz's action following the meeting On
the 18th inst is awaited with much in
terest and not little concern.
Admiral Kautz has sustained fully
the actions of the Chief Justice of Sa-
nloa SO far as his Investigations have
gone. Ever since the first news Of the
dispute at Apia last January, the De-
partment of State, the German and the
British Governments have been separ-
ately pursuing investigations into the
matter, and it was in pursuance of
our branch of the inquiry that Admiral
Kautz was sent to Apia. 1t is not
understood that the investigation is
complete SO far as he is concerned, but
at the point where he stands he has felt
obliged to sustain the conclusions al
ready reached by the United States
Consul, Luther Osborn, and the Chief
Justice himself. 1t also appears that
these conclusions are in exact accord
with thosd reached by the British naval
commander, Captain Sturdy of the Por-
poise, who was present at Apia during
the outbreak, and of Mr.. Maxse, the
British Consul at Apia, also a partici-
pant Thus there is an array Of four
witnesses combined in their testimony,
while opposed to them is the German
Consul, DR.. Rose.
The German Government. as is gath
cred from the Berlin advices. is dis
posed to stand firmly in support of its
representative, although it has been
intimated to it that the retirement of
Rose would facilitate speedy adjust
ment of the complications in Samoa
1t is manifestly impossible for the
United States to discredit it's represent
alive, the Chief Justice. or for the Ger
man Government to discredit Mr..
Maxse, in view of the weight of the
testimony III lHelF IdVOT, SO that q
practical deadlock has been reached so
far as this matter of changing the rep
resentation of the three Powers con-
cerned at Apia is concerned.
Our Government knows nothing as
yet of the reported combined protest of
the German citizens of Samoa against
Mr.. Chambers. If the German Govern
ment cares to proceed to that length, it
can, under the treaty of Berlin, request
the United States to withdraw him.
But, in accordance with the privileges
of the treaty, if the United States does
not care to accede to this request, Mr..
Chambers would continue in office I'M
less the German Government manages
to secure the approval of their appli-
cation by the British Government. In
view of the facts above stated, this is
not likely to be had.
These conditions lead to the belief
that there is some danger of the repudi-
alton of the treaty of Berlin. and in
the present temper of the parties it
would not be surprising if this hap
pened, without an attempt on their
part to replace it, although 1t is, of
believed that even in that event
some manner of modus vivendi will be
provided to- prevent another such clash
between the conflicting interests as
happened ten years ago. resulting in the
treaty of Berlin.