Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1886-1890, 1889-02-17

German boat had been watching her at a
distance of about 100 yards from the
moment she arrived. The officer
in command of the former boat informed
the captain of the Richmond that war had
been declared by the Germans against Sa-
moa, that the harbor had been blOckaded
and that martial law had been declared in
Samoa. The captain was further told that
no freight would be allowed to be taken
from the Richmond unless taken directly
20 the wharf of the German Trading and
Planting company, which would judge as
10 the propriety of admitting it, the man
ager of the German firm being person
who was in no way connected with the
German government in an official capacity.
This proceeding on the part Of the German
war ship verified the belief that the
German consul had received I'M
portant news from his government.
al daylight on the 18Th small Doat
from the Adler was seen anchored about
100 yards astern of the Richmond. for the
purpose of preventing any freight being
Ianded and also to interrupt any boats
going to or coming from the vessel and
ascertain the reason OF their presence In
the neighborhood of the ship. Soon after
9 o'clock in the morning a proclamation,
printed in English and German, but not in
Samoan, was issued by the German con-
sui. by order of the Imperial German
government, L herewith proclaim
the state of war for the Sa-
moan islands. Any assistance to
rebels will be punished by martial law ir-
of any nationality; introducing
of contraband goods of war Is prohibited.
All vessels and boats are liable to be
searched by the authorities. The police of
4 pia henceforth will act under instruc-
tons from the Imperial German govern
ment. Residents of Apia are requested to
assist in keeping law and order.
"Apia, January 10, 1889
ID. r. KNAPPE,
Imperial German Consul"
This peculiarly worded document was
looked upon with surprise by both the
United States and British consuls. The
Germans proceeded to act in accordance
with the spirit of the proclamation. Half
an hour after the document had been IS
sued, boat belonging to II. 5. Moore, an
American merchant, which had gone
alongside the Richmond to obtain freight,
was seized by the German guard boat and
secured near the vessel. When the fact Of
the seizure was reported to Nlce-Consul
Blackjack some time afterwards, he
at once communicated with Captain Null
an, who wrote to Captain Fritz, of the
Adler demanding all explanation OF the |
seizure and asking that the boat be at
once released. The German captain re-
1lied that Germany had declared war
against Samoa and that Mr.. MoOre's boat |
vas seized because he had refused to land |
lis goods at the German wharf and allow |
hem to be examined by the German firm |
before they were delivered to Americans. |
In the afternoon the German captain gave |
lis consent that the boat be released |
md allowed Moore to land a few head of |
,attle and sheep at his own wharf, but in |
listed that all other than live freight be |
anded at the wharf of the German firm. |
Vice Consul Blackjack addressed letter
o Consul knappe, requesting him to eX- !
,lain in plain terms whether Germany had |
declared war against Samoa, and also |
martial law existed. After several |
lOurs the German consul sent reply say |
ng that ''by order of the Imperial German |
government the German consul has pro-
aimed martial law for Samoa until fur
her notice" No reference was made in |
he letter as to the declaration of war.
captain Mulan thereupon called on |
captain Fritze and inquired if war
lad or had not been declaredSby Germany.
The German captain informed Captain
Julian war had not been declared by Ger
many when the officer for the Nipsic had
ccasion to pay an official visit TO the Ad-
er. Some hours later Captain Fritze
nee more changed his statement and told
be American officer that war had been
eclared and soon afterward wrote a letter
o the same effect to Captain Mullan.
ling Mataafa and his chiefs were not dis
osed to begin operations against Germans
II hearing the declaration of war and
ntil at least after the arrival Of the
oceanic Steamship company's mail steam
r, due January q, at Tituta. The Samoans
oped that the steamer would bring news
rom the American government as well
S the arrival of Consul General Sewall,
4 the belief that he would have authority
0 uphold American rights in Samoa.
On the afternoon of the Goth the British
hip Longfellow arrived in port from the
'aaline Islands, bound for Queens
own and London, having been obliged to
ut in for provisions. She was imme-
lately BEARDED by crew of armed boat
zen from the Adler, followed a moment
iter by boat from the Royalist. The
German officer stated that he was instruct
4 to keep guard on vessels. The Royalist
ficer not having positive orders and the
captain having been unable
} visit the British consul and
rove that his papers We're clear,
ne British naval officer withdrew.
he Germans kept armed men and officers
n board until morning, when the Long
,llow'S captain, having proved his papers
} be clear, the Royalist sent an armed
oat to the ship and forced the German
yards to leave. An indemnity bond hav-
IL been given the Germans by the cap
ain of the Richmond, the vessel was
iven permission TO land her freight at
ne German wharf. Mr.. Moore was not
flowed to land three barrels OF cement at
is own wharf and therefore declined to
eceiYe ii.