§ SIR E. ASHMEAD-BARTLETT (Sheffield, Ecclesall)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give the House any information as to recent events in Samoa, and as to proposals for a settlement of the Samoan difficulty?
§ MR. BRODRICKThe information which has reached the Foreign Office confirms the statements in the Press that fighting has been going on between the rival parties in Samoa, and that the British and American authorities have found it necessary to interfere for the restoration of order. Arrangements have been made between the British, United States, and German Governments to send Commissioners with full powers to act for the restoration of order, and to report the steps necessary for the future Government of the islands. The Commissioners will leave for Samoa as early as possible.
§ MR. DAVITT (Mayo, S.)I beg to ask the right honourable Gentleman whether it is true, as reported, that a German subject has been arrested by a British officer and placed in custody on board a British ship; and whether the officer was authorised in that action by Her Majesty's Government?
§ [No reply.]
§ SIR E. ASHMEAD-BARTLETTMay I ask whether the Commissioners sent out are to be new Commissioners, and whether the fighting is still going on?
§ MR. BRODRICKI have no further information.