Mr. Adee to Baron von Ketteler.
Washington, August 1, 1893.
Sir: In connection with previous correspondence upon the subject I have now the honor to state that Mr. Henry C. Ide of Vermont, has expressed to the Department his willingness to accept the appointment of chief justice of Samoa tendered him by the governments of Germany, Great Britain, and the United States, and his appreciation of the honor thereby conferred.
[Page 679]Mr. Ide adds “that it will be impossible for him to make his arrangements to leave for his post earlier than October 20 next, when, it is under stood, the steamer sails from San Francisco. He suggests that provision be made by the three powers for the expense of removing himself and family to Samoa.
This Government will bear its pro rata share of that expense, and in view of the reasonableness of Mr. Ide’s request in this respect, it is not doubted that Germany and Great Britain will assume their proportionate shares.
Mr. Ide also hopes that a leave of two months in each year may be agreed upon by the three powers, in view of the fact that in that tropical climate it is difficult for a white man to continue strong without reasonable annual change.
In my letter to Mr. Ide of to-day’s date I have stated that there did not seem to be need of express stipulations for an annual leave, since it would no doubt be granted upon timely application.
A note in this sense has been addressed to his excellency, Sir Julian Pauncefote, g. c. b., g. c. m. g., Her Britannic Majesty’s ambassador, for the information of Her Majesty’s Government.
Accept, etc.,
Acting Secretary.