Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-01-29
SHALL WE FIGHT SAMOA?
A Question Congress Must Answer.
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ARTS or DIPLOMACY rxHAusrED-wHY THE PRES
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Warrington Correspondents Baltimore Sun.
The question az TO what action this country
VIII take in view Of Germany's recent acts of
aggression in the Samoan islands continues to
be the absorbing topic in political and diplo-
matte circles in Warrington. The situation il
conceded, on all sides, TO be grave, the more
30 a. it Is to some extent confused by the lack
OF Intelligent comprehension of the issues
really involved It is the misfortune of the
administration that in the present crisis the
Department Of State is represented at Samoa
by . subordinate official-yice-Consu Black
lock-who is married to Q Samoan woman, and
whose statements are thought to be colored by
his personal sympathies. Consul-General Sew
ell, who occupies q position of hostility to his
official superiors at present, has not been at his
post since August last.
DEFINITE POLICY.
In order TO obtain q clear statement Of the
policy of the administration and Of the actual
status Of affairs In the Samoan islands, q repre-
sentative of the Sun called upon Secretary
Bayard at his residence tonight and was cor
daily received. Mr.. Bayard described the
course Of the Department of State in relation
to Samoan affairs and the latest phases of the
question. To the statement that the admins
tration had been twitted with having no def
mite policy on the Samoan question he replied
by referring the Sun correspondent to the
Presidents message to Congress and accom-
panying documents, which show that the ad-
ministration long ago defined its policy with
reference to the Samoan islands, and has con-
sistently adhered to it ever since. That policy
was one of friendly interest in Samoa, with
neutrality, so far ~ the other powers having
interests on the island-Great Britain and Ger
many.were concerned. Mr.. Bayard has ex-
hausted the arts Of diplomacy TO secure the
Samoan people the right to govern themselves
and protection from foreign control Germany
and Great Britain both assented to this policy,
and the acts Of Germany inconsistent with her
professions have grown out Of petty political
intrigues among native chiefs and the rivalry
of foreigners for influence and commercial su-
premacy.
HOW THE TROUBLE ORIGINATED.
In 1879, after protrscted disorders growing
out Of the claims Of rival chieftains to the
throne, Malietoa was recognized as king by
the consuls of Germany, Great Britain and the
United States. This country had previously,
in 1878, concluded q treaty with Samoa, guar
anteeing to use its good Offices" in behalf Of
the kingdom, but not, as has been enormously
supposed by many, agreeing to establish a
protectorate over the islands. Later on the
United States government was expressly pre-
Guided from this course by its insistence upon
the Independent sovereignty of Malietoa, the
principal point of contention now raised in
connection with the German support of the
rebel King Tamasese. The United States could
not consistently do, itself, what it objected to
Great Britain or Germany doing. Accordingly,
when, in 1886, United States Consul Greene
baum raised the American flag and proclaimed
protectorate over Samoa, his action was
promptly disavowed by Secretary Bayard
as being in violation of this coun-
try's understanding with Germany and
Great Britain. by which none Of the three coun-
tries was to seek to obtain political control of
the islands. In other words, he took the posi-
ton, which seems to be practical application
OF the very Monroe doctrine for which so many
critics OF the administration are now vociferat-
ing, that American interests should not be
jeOpardiZed by the assumption on the part of
any power of the right to interfere in the po-
htical affairs of the island Even had this
country not been restricted by its treaty with
Samoa. and its understanding with Great Brit
ain and Germany, Mr.. Bayard would have had
no authority whatever to practically annex the
Samoan kingdom, and to make the United
States responsible before the world for so arbi-
trary a proceeding. Our treaty with Samoa
demanded no such course. 1t would have
been clearly unauthorized, and Just cause of
offense to Great Britain and Germany Just
here it may be remarked that until a compare
lively recent period the United States has been
officially represented at Samoa BY Germans.
Canisius and Greenebaum. the predecessors of
Consul Blackjack, were both Germans so that
we have the curious anomaly of Germans op-
posing Germans in all the complications lead
ing up to the deposition of King Malietoa.
THE SEIZURE OF MALIEroA.
Mr.. Bayard has been criticised for not pro-
testing vigorously against Germanys treat
mentsof the Samoan king, but he states that
he had no authority for such course. Malie-
toa was not a citizen Of the United States, and
American rights had in no way been invaded.
Germany claimed that he had violated his treaty
obligations and that he was enemy whom
she had the right to seize. Mr.. Bayard. how
ever. did what the treaty with Samoa obligated
this country to do. He used the good offices"
of this country again and again, in Malietoa's
behalf, but without result.
eERNASY's FRIENDLY PROFESSIONS.
Mr.. Bayard states that from the very begin
ming Of the Samoan troubles, Germany has
professed the utmost friendliness to the United
States and regard for American interests ON
the islands. Only to-day he receiveda commu-
nication from the German minister expressing
q sincere desire to reach a settlement satisfac-
tory TO this country. The whole trouble, in
Nr. Bayards opinion, is due to the course of
the German trading companies, which have
large interests in the islands. They have
striyen to commit their government to indorse-
ment of acts intended to promote their inter-
ests and practically to secure them control of
affairs. Precisely the same state Of affairs ex-
lists in Zanzibar.
THE eRAvER ASPECT OF THE CASE.
The serious phase of the Samoan troubles
lies in the recent battle between the two fac
tions, in which some fifty German sailors, in
Guiding several officers, about e-fourth of the
whole German force in Samoan waters were
killed and wounded The German government
can scarcely fail TO demand and enforce salts
faction from the chief Of the opposing forces
Iataafa. The whole question for Americans
10 consider. according to Mr.. Bayard, is whether
we shall continue to maintain neutrality as be-
tween Mataafa and the Germans, or assume the
role of belligerents toward Germany in behalf
OF one of the two claimants to the throne So
far. Mr.. Bayard says, Germany has given the
United States absolutely no cause for war 1t
Is not true that American property has been
wantonly destroyed by the Germans or the
American flag fired upon
THE TRUTH ABOUT THE FLAG.
The tattered remnants of the flag said to
have been fred upon by the Germans was re-
eeived at the State department to-day 1t was
not the flag at the American consulate, but
happened to be in a little village which was
being shelled by the Germans. The village
took fire and the flag was partially burned. 1t
was not hoisted In assertion of any American
rights and was not fred upon or insulted
Besides, the German government has ex-
pressly disclaimed any intention Of giving this
country cause Of ofense. Another story which
has excited q good many patriots is that a