Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1888-12-25
SAMOAN AFFAIRS.

SAMOAN AFFAIRS.
The dispatches, letters of correspondents
and the diplomatic correspondence con-
corning Samoan affairs greatly confuse the
reader. One day we are told that Mataafa
is King as successor of Malietoa, whom the
Germans exiled. Another day we are as
sured that Malietoa is on the chief is
land and is in power beseeching Amer
lean protection, while Tennessee is rebel
pretender. Now we are informed that it
is Mataafa who is the rebel, and that
Tennessee IS King and in possession of the
Government. The facts may be relied
upon to be as follows. Malietoa was legit-
imately the head of the island Govern
ment. With him the United States, Eng
land and Germany treated and contracted.
Germany subsequently couspired with
Tamasese, Vice-Chief and pretender to
the throne, to overthrow Malietoa, and as
is suspected, mainly because of his open
and express friendlinessed to American
and Eaglish commercial interests. Ger
many succeeded. Tamesese was seated
and German gunboat carried Malietoa
into exile. Mataafa, a nephew of the
King, was then recognized by the Malie-
toans and declared the representative of
the King, but by the Tennessee party and
the Germans is denounced as a rebel.
On the 9TH and Sth of November last the
Mataafa forces had battle with the
Tennessee army and won several important
forts and positions but suffered such heavy
losses that it is believed they cannot main
tain their position, and therefore their
cause is considered to be in extreme peril.
The diplomatic correspondence and the
conference held between the Governments
of Great Britain, Germany and the United
States has just been made public From
this it appears that while we have recog-
nized the Malietoan party.uniformly as le-
ultimately entitled to rule, and as bound to
by treaty obligations, we have recognized
Tamesese as de Jacto King; that our desire
- ANA viz ASAiAoheleAOll VI tlC NIdllSIOdn
rule, hut that we will not take sides, and
will recognize whomsoever the Samoans
may seat in authority; that we would
agree and did suggest that three foreign
ministers, the King and the Vice-King
should constitute the governing power, the
ministers each to fill branch of the gov
eminent, but Germany refused. In re-
spouse that power proposed that the coun-
try having the greatest commercial inter
ests in Samoa should name a Governor
General; which was equivalent to propo-
sition to surrender Samoa to Germany.
Our Consul-General as late as May, 1888.
advised that the United States take DOS
session of the islands so far as extending
protectorate over them would be consid-
cred taking possession. Mr. Bayard de-
clined to agree to this, and as final
answer notified Germany and England
that it was a matter of indifference to the
United States who ruled, SO long as the
people of Samoa chose their ruler. There
the matter rests, and the Samoans are to
fight it out. The result will be, as now
appears, that Tamasese will prevail anil
rule, which means the triumph of Ger
many and the putting of American inter
ests in Samoa in an embarrassed condition.
with little hope of our trade with the
islands erlarging, as Germany will do all
she can to cripple it.
Since the foregoing was put in tyne news
has been received that second battle be-
tween the Mataafa and Tamesese forces
took place November 9th, resulting in
successes for the former, they taking two
sections Of the great fort at Saulii, and the
slaughter on both sides being fearful. 1t
appears, also, that the Germans actively
AID the Tamasese men by supplying them
with ammunition. 1t is worthy of note.
also, that the Samoan representative of
Great Britain has issued proclaim alton
warning all British subjects that they
will be held amenable to his iurisdic-
ton, and directing them to pay their taxes
to him only, in trust for the Samoan Gov
eminent when properly established. This
is clearly declaration that England no
longer recognizes Tamasese, and may prove
to be the first step towards resistance of
German intrigue in the islands, and onein
which the United States may be invited to
Join. If so, Germany will be called to ac-
count for the strange and cruel conduc.
of her representatives in Samoa, and be
compelled to give over her scheme of
monopolizing the islands.