River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1888-12-27
TWO BLOODY FIGHTS.


Progress OF the Civil War in Samoa
Mataafa's Forces Win Two Furious
Battles from Tamssese's TrOOps-Ger-
man Interierence-Tite Natives Look to
the United states for Protection.
SAN Francisco, Dec. 24-The Oceanic
steamer Zealani, in from Sydney and
Auckland via Samoa and Honolulu, brings
a letter from Apia, Samoa, dated Decem-
Der . stating that since the last steamer
left, month ago, two battles and numer-
Gus skirmishes have occurred between the
forces of MalaeyOa Mataafa and Tamasese,
the rebel pretender to the throne. and
about 100 men have been killed and $50
wounded. Many of the dead were bar
barously mutilated. The trouble is attrib-
uted to the persistent support of Tamasese
by the Germans, who expect that he Will
be their tool if made King TwO-thirds
OF the people oppose him
The first battle was fought on November
8 at SAUL, where Tamasese occupied
strong fort and had LOO men. and
Mataafa had ( 600 men scattered around
the bush. Tamasese's men were dislodged
and driven up steep hill, where they
rallied IN a stOckade, but were again
driven out and finally made a stand
further up the mountain. The Govern
ment forces acted very bravely.
and the charge up the steep ami rough
ascent, in the face OF the ire from
above was a brilliant achievement Two
of the rebels were killed and twelve
wounded, aud four We're killed and fifteen
wounded on the other side. The latter
wounded were brought to Apia aud cared
for By the English and American Consuls.
who posted a notice that they would care
for Tamasese's wounded also, but the lat
ter were taken to fort where the sur
g -. II
other German physician looked after them.
The United States steamship Nipsic,
Captain Mullen, arrived at Apa November
: from CallaO to relieve the Unite States
steamship Adams. On November ~ Mata-
afas men succeeded in fighting their way
TO within twenty-five yards Of a strong
fort Tamasese had constructed in the bush.
The German steamer Lubbock arrived
from Sydney November 10 bringing DR.
Huappa, the new German Consul. A
schooner armed by Germans continued to
make daily trips from Apla TO Saluafata,
carrying ammunition for Tamasese. The
new German Consul made official calls
upon the British officials but not the
American. The next day the German Con-
sui demanded that Mataafa leave his en-
campment because of alleged depreda-
tons on German plantations. Mataafa de-
MED that any of his men committed the
depredations. II was alleged that some
had fired upon the German Vice-Con-
sui This was also denied The
depredations were really committed
by Tamasese's men, who ar
ranged for the blame TO fall on
Mataafa. Mataafa said he could not with
draw his forces. If left alone he would
restore peace on the island. The Consul
thereupon retired to the man-of-war
70
where some of the officers went ashore
an visited Tamasese Later in the day
the Adler followed by the Adams and II.
NJ. s. Lizard returned to Apia. 1t is thought
that but for the presence of the two vessels
the Adler would have shelled Mataafa's
forces. On the 18th meeting of the three
Consuls was held at the request of the
German Consul to consider what steps
should be taken to stop the fighting.
United States Consul Blackjack was will
ing that the natives all return home, the
Government TO be carried on by the three
Consuls pending advces from their
sa the only way to restore peace
was to divest Tamasese and the
German Bradeis, who were aiding
him. of all power. The German Consul
said he must continue TO recognize
Tamasese as King. The next DAY the Brit
ish Consul directed all English subjects to
pay their taxes TO him in trust fOr the
Samoan Government when properly estab-
lished. This is regarded as important, sig
nifying that England recognizes no gov
eminent in Samoa at present, though the
Consul had heretofore recognized Tam
asese.
On November 10 there was another bat
tie, won by Mataafa, in which several were
killed on both sides. Mataafa's men went
up the coast TO celebrate the victory by a
big feast. The German gun boat came up
and warned them not TO return the same
way they went, as they had crossed some
alleged German ground This delayed
their return and gave Tamasese a chance
to re-occupy the forts, where they were
then protected by the German flag. Ma
taafa had lost fifty five men in the various
engagements at the forts and thirty six of
the dead were beheaded. Tamasese lost
fifty men and as many were wounded.
Captain Seary, of ths Adams, notified
Tamasese on November % that because Of
depredations on Americanlcitizens hemig ht
be compelled to leave the forts. Captain
Seary also protested to the Captain of the
German gun-bOIt against sending troops
ashore to drive away Mataafa's men from
certain ground, adding that he was una
ware that any power had territorial rights
in Samoa, any interference with any of the
combatants would Sc regarded as an act Of
hostility not sanctioned by international
law. No replies were received. The last
fighting took place November p and Ma
taafa was again victorious The feeling
between the Germans and Americans is
very strained
The United States steamer Adams
leaves to-day for San Francisco under
sail During the stay Of Captain Leavy
in Samoa he has earned the graft
tude of the Americans by the man.
ner in which ne has protected their in
terests, remaining here two months over
his time, being unwilling to leave until an
American war vessel arrived as substi-
tute. Since the battle Of November = no
fighting of any Importance has taken
place, the Mataafa men waiting for car
tridges.
King Mataafa and his people are partic-
ularly strong admirers of the Americans
and their Government The Samoans are
especially anxious that the islands should
either be annexed by the I'm ted States or
that protectOrate be established, even II
ha ou1r tom