Sacramento daily record-union., 1888-12-13
DAILY RECORD UNION
THURsDAY......-.....p DECEMBER 1s, 1888
THE SAMOAN MATTER.

The REcoRD-UNIoN a few DAYS ago. on
two different occasions, gave to its readers
complete statement and history of the
Samoan difficulty, and the aggressive and
insulting procedure of German officials
representing in that island group. 1t was
then, as was done by the REceRD- UNION
eighteen months ago, pointed out that the
American and English Governments had
been "put upon" by Germany that the
interests of the two natlons in the islands
had not only been ignored by Germany.
but that both Governments had been
snubbed and insulted by German effront-
cry, and that neither the Americans nor
the English had played the part the stand
Ing and importance of those powers and the
needs of their commercial interests de-
manded. \ Senator Of the United States
has now raised the question whether our
interests have had due protection, and has
moved an inquiry into the whole business.
Until that inquiry is made and ended it
will be the part Of justice to withhold pos
tive Judgment. But, as this paper long
ago said, in the light of the reports made,
1t appears that the United States Govern
ment has not taken the stand against Ger
man impertinence in Samoa that our honor
demands, nor conserved the interests of the
legitimate Government of Samoa that
common justice dictates. There Is reason
TO believe that England has submitted to
German aggression and impudence in
Samoa, either through fear of Prince Bis
marclS, or because she is secretly in league
with the German Empire to absorb Samoa
and suppfant the local Government. By
our treaty with Samoa we are bound to
recognize and aid the preservation OF
Samoan independence. Germany and
Great Britain were equally held. But the
former has made no concealment of its
friendship for pretender to the throne
she even went so far at one time as to
recognize and seat him under cover of the
guns of German men-of-war. When the
lawful Government of Samoa appealed to
the representative of the United States for
protection guaranteed by the treaty, and
o ConsulGeneral raised the American
flag above the Samoan colors, that official
was rebuked and dismissed upon the tech
nical ground that he should have first re-
ported and have awaited special instruc-
tions. Strictly speaking, perhaps, he was
In error in not doing so. But had he
waited the transmission of a report the
lawful Government would have been over
thrown by German intrigue and the aid
extended to the rebels by German marines,
just as did subsequently happen. In short,
1t looks very much as if the Government
OF the United States did not give that aid
to Malieotoa that it should; that it has not
conserved its own interests in Samoa with
diligence or courage; not even after the
conference between the powers in 1887. in
which Germany was brought to consent to
the restoration of the Malieotoa rule.
and the installation of his successor. Since
that time, however, Germany mas renewed
her plotting to gain absolute control of
this mid ocean station, the most valuable
to commerce of any between Australasia
and North America, and to-day Germany
really has the islands in possession, and
Mataafa rules but nominally. Americans
are subjected to insults by German officials
and every effort is being put forth to crowd
American residents and business from the
islands. The inquiry now moved, if Or
dered, will clear away all fog of doubt
from the matter and give US the facts di-
vested of any local prejudices and partisan
statements, We shall then be able to
determine with accuracy whether or not
the Administration has been wise in its
policy Of non-interference, and whether it
IS common propriety or jingoism to insist
upon the maintenance of the integrity of
Government in Samoa with which we
have treated, and which has uniformly
kept its contracts with us, and is disposed
to give German commerce no greater ad-
vantages than are granted to Americans or
the English