There is something in this Samoa affair not yet quite
clear. The Conference is far too big a council for its subject-matter, and the German Government is treating it as of almost first-rate importance, insisting on secrecy, sending denials to its Press, and publishing a sort of deprecatory speech addressed to the Emperor by the American Commissioner, Mr. Bates, in which he repudiates any hostility to Germany. It is stated that the arrangement to be adopted is the recognition of a native King, who is to be guided in all his acts by a triune Resident, an advising Commission composed of one German, one American, and one English Commissioner. The statement looks true, because the German Emperor has unconditionally .released King Malietoa, the legitimate ruler whom he had imprisoned for being too popular ; but that joint Commission will never work, unless, indeed, it is intended to let the American do just what he likes. It is quite possible that both Germany and England think that, certain rights over their prospective telegraph cables being reserved, this would be the best solution ; but the three-headed Resident will be a most troublesome instrument to work. Agents at that distance so situated are always waving the flag, just to feel that they are alive.
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