Mr. Gresham to Sir Julian Pauncefote.
Washington, March 7, 1894.
Excellency: Referring to the Department’s note to you of February 12 last, relative to the extension of the period fixed for the completion of the labors of the Samoan land commission and to the efforts of this Government to induce the American land commissioner to remain at his post until the completion of the labors of the commission, I have the honor to inform you that I have received a report dated January 29 from the American land commissioner stating that during January, 1894, the commission had disposed of 326 claims, making 1,094 claims since his arrival, and leaving 986 yet on hand. He adds that if during February and March the commission shall make as good progress there will remain undisposed of on April 1 next in the neighborhood of 350 claims.
At the date of Mr. Chambers’s report the bad weather season had commenced and would probably continue two months. He states that although the claims not yet disposed of are located at much greater distances from the seat of trial, which may cause delays in getting claimants, objectors, and witnesses together, the commissioners nevertheless hope to overcome the difficulties by the employment, if need be, of an assistant to the natives’ advocate and additional messengers.
Mr. Chambers’s report was written before he learned of the arrangement extending the time for the completion of the work of the commission. He states that the commissioners all recognize the importance of the work and the obligation resting upon them to complete it, if possible, before the 31st day of March next. From the tenor of his report it would seem that Mr. Chambers is not unwilling to give a few months, more to the completion of the work and has doubtless acquiesced in the directions telegraphed him by this Government relative to remaining at his post for so much of the extended time as may be necessary to complete the labors of the commission.
I have, etc.,