It is reported that the troubles growing out of the election of a king of Samoa have taken a more serious turn, and resulted in the bombardment of native villages along the shore by the United States cruiser Philadelphia, Admiral Albert Kautz commanding, and the British cruisers Porpoise and Royalist.

As the provisional government continued to defy the treaty after the arrival of the Philadelphia, Admiral Kautz, after consulting with the various consuls and senior naval officers, issued a proclamation calling upon Mataafa and his chiefs to return to their homes.

The German consul issued a proclamation upholding the provisional government, and as a result of this the Mataafans assembled in large force and hemmed in the town. An ultimatum was sent ordering them to evacuate and threatening to bombard the town in case of a refusal. This was ignored and the rebels commenced an attack in the direction of the United States and British consulates half an hour before the time fixed for the bombardment. Much anxiety is felt in Washington as to the part the Germans took in the affair, if any.

Dr. Manuel Azpiroz, who will succeed the late Senor Romero as the Mexican ambassador to the United States, has arrived in Washington. The new ambassador is one of the most popular officers in Mexico, and has gained an international reputation as a diplomat.

Speaking of the commercial relations between Mexico and the United States he said that the trade of these two countries ran far into the millions, and was growing constantly. Mexico bought the bulk of her goods from the United States, instead of from European countries. He pointed out that the great mining, mineral and agricultural resources of this country created a large demand for American goods, and the people wanted our machinery and all the appliances of industry, preferring them to those of other countries. With the extension of the railroad systems between the two countries, this mutual exchange was sure to increase, and the nations would be brought into close trade relations.

As soon as Gen. Otis achieves a decisive victory over Aguinaldo the Philippine commissioners will issue a proclamation promising amnesty to all natives who lay down their arms, and self-rule to those who recognize the sovereignty of the United States. This is the programme which the state department understands has been adopted by the commission. As General Otis and Admiral Dewey are members of the commission, it is presumed that they are responsible for the delay in issuing the proclamation, believing its effect will be greater if published after the insurgents have been subdued.

Information is received from Madrid that Senor Silvela, the premier, has informed the Queen Regent that her ratification of the peace treaty, by accelerating the payment of the $20,000,000 promised by the Americans, has improved the commercial outlook abroad, and that there is nothing whatever to fear from the Carlists. He further declared that the relations of Spain with the United States were of the most friendly character. He expected that when the ratification of the peace treaty had been exchanged, the normal relations between the United States and Spain would be at once reestablished.

The steady advances of the American troops have brought them within three miles of Malolos, the insurgent capital. Aguinaldo and his family are preparing to leave the city, and it is thought the battle of the war must be fought at once as the Filipinos are massed about their capital. The rebel army has been retreating constantly and all its fighting has been of the defensive kind. The insurgent losses have been far in excess of the American casualities in every day's fighting. The American troops are holding out in remarkable vigor and good spirits.

The following cablegram was received by the war department on March 19, and has just been made public:

Manila, March 19, 1899.

To the Adjutant-General, Washington:

Have purchased all gunboats in Philippines of Spain, thirteen in number, now at Zamboanga. Half are in serviceable condition. Payment in cash from public fund upon delivery at Manila. They will be sent for this week. Otis.

A most interesting and impressive ceremony was recently witnessed at Santiago de Cuba by more than two thousand people. Two palm trees representing Cuba and America, symbolizing Cuban freedom and the Union of the two countries, were planted by the Cuban General Maceo's two sons, assisted by two American and four Cuban soldiers.

Notwithstanding the fact that General Otis has refused to sanction negotiations for the release of Spanish prisoners held by the Philippines, the Spanish Government has offered Aguinaldo one thousand dollars for the release of each Spanish officer held by him, one hundred dollars for each soldier, and five hundred dollars for each civilian.

A report recently issued by the chief of the Bureau of Statistics shows that the total exports of merchandise from the adoption of the constitution in 1789, to the present time, amount to $30,952,202,985, while the imports of merchandise were $29,979,961,487, leaving a balance of $1,460,473,261 in favor of the exports.

Miss Anthony will sail for England June 2, to attend the quinquennial meeting of the Women's International Council, to be held in London. Rev. Anna H. Shaw, Miss Lucy E. Anthony, Miss Howland and other friends are planning to go by the same steamer. It will be a merry party of suffragists.

The complete transition of the State of Nebraska from a portion of the great American desert to an agricultural commonwealth was signalized by the repealing of a law, enacted in the early days, providing for the payment of a bounty for the cultivation of timber.

Governor-General Brooke will issue a decree forbidding the arrest and prosecution of Cuban or Spanish troops for crimes committed by them during the war. He says that Cuba must forget the past, for such prosecutions disturb the country's reconstruction.

The London Times recently printed a one-hundred-word despatch which had been sent thirty-two miles by the Marconi system of wireless telegraphy. The Morse code was used and read as distinctly as if the termini had been connected by wires.

President McKinley has returned from his visit to Thomasville, Ga., and feels ready to accomplish all the work he has to do before he leaves on a longer vacation, which he hopes to take to the Pacific coast.

April 1 the postage rates now in force in the United States will be adopted in Cuba. At the same time free delivery will be established in ten of the largest cities.

Word has been received from General Otis that the entire casualities since February 4, have been one hundred fiftyseven killed, and eight hundred sixty-four wounded.

Senator Hoar attended the annual dinner of the Massachusetts Legislature. He received a cordial greeting and delivered an address full of praise for the State.

The United States gun boat Yorktown captured the Spanish steamer Mundara, which was attempting to run the blockade in the gulf of Lingayeno.

Information is received from Madrid that the Queen Regent will shortly sign the decree authorizing the payment of the interest on the Cuban debt.

President McKinley has appointed the son of Colonel Egbert, who was recently killed in battle, second lieutenant in his father's regiment.

An order has been issued by the Secretary of the Treasury for the free admission of binding twine to the United States from Canada.

The war department officials have promised that all the volunteers now in Cuba will be in the United States again by May 1.

The total circulation per capita in coin and paper money has increased from $23.83 March 1, 1898 to $25.51 March 1, 1899.

A Canadian fleet of thirteen sailing vessels have caught about a quarter of a million seals during the present season.

Ambassador Choate pays $12,000 annual rental for his house in London. This leaves him $5,500 for incidentals.

Joseph H. Choate, Jr., son of the United States ambassador has decided to study law in the Middle Temple, London.

Ex-Senator George Gray of Deleware has been appointed United States circuit judge for the third district.

Ex-Secretary of State John Sherman is again at his residence in Washington.