Mr. Gresham to Baron Saurma.
Washington, April 2, 1894.
Excellency: Referring to previous correspondence, especially to my note of the 7th ultimo, 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 such completion, I have the honor to inclose herewith copy of a dispatch from Mr. Chambers stating that, for reasons given, it will be impracticable for him to remain in Samoa beyond the end of March.
As only 579 claims remain unadjusted, none of which appear to concern citizens of the United States, it is thought that the German and British commissioners, constituting a majority of the commission, under an agreement of the three powers, might dispose of the remaining claims, thus closing up the work of the commission and avoiding the delay which would supervene if it were deemed necessary to send out a new American commissioner to replace Mr. Chambers.
Accept the assurances, etc.,