26187

Benjamin Harrison Document Signed as President Benjamin Harrison Document Signed as President.

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:800.00 - 1,000.00 USD
Benjamin Harrison Document Signed as President Benjamin Harrison Document Signed as President.
<B>Benjamin Harrison Document Signed as President.</B></I> One page, 6.25" x 8.25", partly printed, Washington, D.C., April 12, 1889. A warrant in which Harrison directs the "...Secretary of State to affix the Seal of the United States to my full power appointing John A. Kasson, Wm. Walter Phelps, and George H. Bates Commissioners to Berlin concerning affairs in the Samoan Islands..." These three men were appointed by Harrison to represent American interests at the International Conference on the Samoan question, which convened in Berlin on April 29,1889, and closed its sessions on June 14. This was the first instance in international diplomacy in which the English language was used. Phelps was appointed Minister to Germany after the conference and served until his retirement in 1893. Later, in 1899 the Treaty of Berlin was signed, dividing Somoa between the United States and Germany. This document is in very fine condition and is double matted with an engraving and framed to an overall size of 19.75" x 16".