The newspapers have been making much of the Samoan affair,
but its actual importance does not, we think, increase. The United States Senate is supporting the President, and there is a good deal of talk about secret agreements between Great Britain and Germany which the Union must resist. There is, however, no evidence of these agreements, which are in themselves exceedingly improbable, as the basis of all arrangements as to Samoa is that the islanders are to be left to their independence. Even the Germans acknowledge this, though they declare that their obligations arise out of treaties with the Samoans themselves, and not out of any international stipulations. They intend, however, they say, to adhere to their pledges ; and if they do, the dispute will soon lose its inter- national significance. There is apparently a disposition on the part of the American Secretary of State to hold this country responsible if he can ; but the phrases attributed to him rest on no facts, and are not easily intelligible. We certainly shall break no treaties, the accusation made by residents against Great Britain being that she ought to intervene in Samoa, and does not do it. A sensational story current in the beginning of the week, of attacks on Americans by German war-ships, is flatly denied by the officers said to be responsible.
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