Baron Ketteler to Mr. Foster.
Washington, September 15, 1892.
Mr. Secretary of State: Referring to my note of August 13, 1892, with regard to the action of the chief justice of Samoa, I have the honor, in accordance with instructions received, to make the following communication:
According to a report of July 18, 1892, from the Imperial consul at Apia, the chief justice intends to make the registration of the titles to land conditional in every separate case, on a previous survey of the land, to be made at the expense of those concerned. The Imperial Government is of the opinion that there is no need of the survey, and that the requirement finds no justification in the provisions of the Samoa act, Article iv, section 7, which speaks only of a registration of the titles to land. Apart from this, it seems clear to the Imperial Government that such a measure, even so far as it is practicable in view of the state of local affairs, would delay the settlement of land matters in Apia in an undesirable manner, and would impose disproportionate expense on those concerned. The Imperial Government intends, consequently, to refuse its assent to the measure, and to send corresponding instructions to the Imperial consul at Apia; and hopes that the U. S. Government will acquiesce in this view and send similar instructions to the American representative at Apia.
Most respectfully requesting a speedy expression of opinion on this subject, as well as on that contained in my note of August 13, 1892,
I avail myself, etc.,