THE SAMOAN CONFERENCE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1886, 2 May 1889, Page 1

THE SAMOAN CONFERENCE.

Berlin, April 28

The American delegates to the Samoan Conference yesterday paid n formal visit to Prince Bismarck. Mr Bates explained tn Count Herbert that the articles on the affairs at Samoa which have appeared in his name wer" written before the German White Books on the subject were published, and when it was not iikely ho would be appointed upon the present Commission. lie had desired to suppress them, but it was too late. He regrettpd that he had given any annoyance to Germany. Welcoming the delegates Princt. Bismarck said he was delighted to meet Mr Bates, in whom he recognised a man with the most intimate knowledge of Samoa. He hoped tho Conference would not last long, A.pnl 29.

The Sumoan Conference will be conducted in English. Count Herbert Bismarck presides, and Dr Kranel acts as secretary. It is expected to last a fortnight.

At the opening of the Conference on the question to-day, Count Herbert Biemarck. the President of the Conference, said that it was the earnest desire of the Emperor William of Germany that 8n amicable settlement of the difficulty should be achieved. Germany, paid Count Herbert, had no selfish or secret scheme of annexation or aggrandisment in the Pacific, especially at Samoa, and desired nothing for herself that was inconsistent with existing treaties. He expressed the opinion that the deliberations of the Conference would result in a successful settlement of the question Rt issue, Sir B. B. Malet, British Ambassador at Berlin, and one of the representatives of Great Britain at the Conference, heartily reciprocated these sentiments. Mr Kasson, American Minister at Berlin, and one of the United States delegates, concurred, and hinted that the United States Government hoped that in settling the bssis of agreement, the Conference would not interfere with the autonomy and independence of Samoa. A committee were appointed at to-day's sitting, and the Conference then adjourned to await a report from the committee,

The Emperor \Villiam is evincing the liveliest interest in the proceedings.