Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1888-04-05
THE SAMOAN DIFFICULTY.


Germany has not only acted unhand-
somely toward the United States in the
matter of the Samoan Islands, but insult
ingly. No one can fail to discover that
vital principle in international agreement
is involved. Neither nation has any right
TO dictate in Samoa. Both are bidding for
the trade of the islands. Both are en-
titled to secure their interests fair proteo-
ton in Samoa. If Germany through con-
sent of the native government obtains
political power in the Island kingdom, it
cannot justify us in making war because
we have not been equally crafty; but if
Germany gains power by fraud and force
and in violation of an agreement with us,
the case is very different. The pslicy of
this Government never has been one of
conquest, and il is not likely to change.
Germany has frequently seized upon
new and distant territory in order to pro-
vide emigration outlets for her over
crowded population. But there is no such
necessity for US.
German subordinates have treated the
representatives of the United States in
Samoa with disregard of common courtesies
and long maintained code of proprieties,
and this We could endure and keep our
temper. But Germany has done more
than this; she has usurped the functions of
the Samoan Government The excuses
which Bismarck prefers for his seizure of
power are weak, and Mr.. Bayard has GER
tainly shown them to be so. The Prince
claims that American Consuls in Samoa
have acted in hostility to German COM
mereial interests. If forwarding Ameri-
can trade is to be thus construed they are
probably guilty" The Prince further
charges that King Malieota connived at
an insult to the German Emperor, and
that German sugar planters had been
despoiled by Samoan natives For these
reasons Germany usurped authority in
the islands. But, as Mr.. Bayard
proves, the treaty agreement between
England, Germany and the United States
was that the three should advise together
and act jointly in securing stable gov
eminent for Samoa. One conference was
held with that end III view, but no agree
ment was reached, because Germany in
sisted upon being given absolute political
control of the Islands because she had the
greatest commercial interests. To this the
council replied that it would be unfair
and was not tolerable, and suggested as a
substitute that the King and Vice-King
of Samoa, with three foreigners to be
named by the treaty powers, constitute the
governing body. Very soon after sum-
mer recess taken by the conference, pend
ing this state of the case, Germany made
war upon Samoa, seized the King, in
stalled pretender, and finally, by Con-
sular act, deposed him and set up absolute
rule by German representatives. This
action broke faith with the treaty agree
ment to confer with England and the
United States, and was an insult to both
nations. But it is not to be hastily con-
cluded that for this reason we are to antici-
pate war with Germany. Secretary Bayard
has notified Prince Bismarck that the
United States feels aggrieved; that the
German-Somoan Government is offensive
TO us, and that we demand recognition of
the independence of the original Samoan
authority-or at least such rule
as is compatible with the independence
of that Government and its impartial
position towards the treaty powers
Very clearly Mr.. Bayard has made out
strong case against Germany, but the Adj
ministration cannot make out case to the
satisfaction of the people showing that we
are prepared to fight Germany. Where is
Mr.. Bayard's navy to come from? With
what will he resist the ponderous IRON
clads Bismarck can call to instant duty
How is he to prevent the German Premier
from doing pretty much as he pleases upon
the high seas in case of war? If the Ad-
ministration had worried less over surplus
accumulation, and more about its expend-
iture for navy and for harbor defenses.
we would to-day be in position to do
something more than write sharp letters
to Bismarck. He knows our weakness.
and hence his Indifference We lose i'm
portant vantage ground in Samoa because
We are not prepared to back our protests
against wrong by the strong arm of might
THE GROWING SENTIMENT