THE SAMOA TIMES. "Sworn to no Master, of no Sect Am I." SATURDAY, MAY 26. 1889.

Samoa Times and South Sea Advertiser, Volume I, Issue 32, 25 May 1889, Page 2

THE SAMOA TIMES. "Sworn to no Master, of no Sect Am I." SATURDAY, MAY 26. 1889.

The Conference on Satno&n affairs has commenced their deliberations. The United States representatives paid their formal visit to Piince Bismarck, and exchanged the usual courtesies, Prince Bismarck particularly selecting Mr, Bates as a gentleman he specially delighted to meet This looks well for a commencement, and foreshadows a satisfactory settlement of Sauaoan difficulties. Some explanations were wade by Mr. Bates with reference to some letters of his which appeared in one of the magazines. Mr. Bates stated that these letters were written before his appointment as a member of the Conference. The New . York Herald looked upon the explanation as an apology from Mr. Bates, and used very strong language against that gentleman. We, may not have heard the full particulars, but as far as we can judge by the telegrams Mr. Bates* explanation cannot be construed Ulto an apology. We think our Contemporary too severe in thoir censure of that gentleman. As far as the majority of the people of Samoa are wmoerned. they were well pleased when/the news arrived thai Mr. Bate w»*appointed a member of Altho%fct4j&e^

This is so flu- setisfaetotr. If such is tit* ease it ooljr new miilni for the Conference to determine what system of Government should be established in Samoa. If it is the honest desire of each of the three Potters not to acquire an unfair advantage in the islands, there ought not to be much difficulty in lining out a constitutional programme satisfactory to the Samoans and suitable to the foreign residents. Tho German Chancellor has repeatedly of late stated that Germany doss not wish to interfere with the independence of Samoa, and Prince Bismarck has recalled Dr. Knappe, the German Consul, for his highhanded conduut. If the German

Government had always held these views it is a great misfortune they did not give their representatives here more positive instructions to that effect It would unquestionably have prevented the destructive native ware of the last eight months, and probably the terrible catastrophe of February last. With regard to the other two nations, we feel assured they never intended annexation. It is to be hoped the members of the Conference will be careful how they accept the promptings of suoh men as Herr Brandeis, who, we Bnd, is attending on the German representatives of the Conference in .some capacity or other, probably for reference. The advice of this gentleman would most likely be as misleading and pernicious as was his conduct in Samoa, when he assumed the Autocratic control of the islands, nominally as Premier to Tamaaese. but actually ns dictator and despotic ruler. In Inter telegrams we learn that it is expected that a Triumvirate Council will be appointed to advise the King. We hope the Consular representatives of each nation will not be asked to be members of the Council. We do not say this through any disrespect for the gentlemen at prosent representing each of the' three great nations. Consuls do not in any country exercise legislative powers, and we see no reason why the rule should be altered here. If representatives of the three powers are sent to advise the King they should be carefully chosen and devote their whole time solely in framing out with the King and chiefs a constitution for Samoa. The mail steamer, which is due in Tutuila from Auckland this after* noon, will most likely bring telegraphic news of the result of the deliberations of the Conference. On the whole the proceedings of the Conference aa far as it has gone are conducted in a friendly spirit, and we trust the time has come when all differences between either Samoan or foreign residents should disappear.