Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 20, Number 95, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 August 1899 — SAMOA UNDER A NEW RULE. [ARTICLE]

SAMOA UNDER A NEW RULE.

Triangular Form of Government to Be Abo'iahed in the Islands. The tripartite commission, representing the United States, Great Britain and Germany, has made public the various recommendations which, they suggest regarding the new fond of government most suitable for Samoa. The recommendations are based upon the best features of the British'treaty, and include principal features of the treaty as amended and modified by the commission. The form of government suggested is a departure from that which has prevailed heretofore, and does aw'aly with the tripartite administration. It is , proposed to do away with the triangular form of government and stablish a unity by the appointment of a single administrator chosen by a disinterested power. . This official will be assisted by a council composed of delegates representing the United States, Great Britain and Germany. The chief official will be empowered with a measure of authority which will enable him to end any disputes between the three powers. Should they fail to agree upon the administrator, the King of Sweden and Norway will appoint him. The commissioners fix the salary of the new official at $6,000 a year, and he will execute all laws in force in the Samoan Islands. He will, possess pardoning perwer, and, with consent of a legislative committee of three, may make municipal appointments. The report places the salary' of the chief justice of the Supreme Court at ss,* 000 a year, and it emphasizes the necessity of abolishing kingship and recommends the establishment of districts in the islands, each under supervision of a native <*hief. Copies of the report of the commissioners have been sent to each of the three great powers for approval.