The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1889-01-28
tary of State was inclosed:
NAVY DEPARTMENT.

~ -
,Sir:-Inclosed herewith / send you copy Of q
dispatch just received by way of New Zealand,
from the captain Of the Nipsic, now at Samoa.
Inc department Is able to send Immediately two
additional vessels TO Samoa, in response to this
request, and has given directions that they be
be- nseassdy ~ 20 receltS sainE ORDERS snS woo
Islands by these and other vessels Of the Pacific
squadron II any useful purpose is to be served
EIf, however, the purpose of the German govern
ment, now made entirely clear, imposes no duty
upon the of1cers OF the squadron, to strengthen
tne naval force at those islands would only place
tne omcers under irritating conditions, with no
duty 10 perform, and would In all probability give
rise to trouble. The Nipsic is entirely adequate
Tor the protection of our consulate, and, as an
asylum for non-c0mbatants entitled to the protec-
ton OF our government.
In view OF the critical situation at the Samoan
Islands, It seems to the department that the ofi-
GERS OF the squadron, IL further vesselsare to be
dispatched, should receive instructions Of a def
mite character as to their duty in the premises.
From the correspondence heretofore held be-
tween the department of state and the German
government and from the reports received from
our naval ofncers and the consular agency at the
island It appears clear that the conquest OF these
Islands Is intended by the German government In
ing consummated by oyert acts When are mutt
plying day by day. There is no longer any other
pretext upon which can be explained the inter-
ference OF the German men-of-war In the contest
IN progress upon the island Of Apia apprehend
that the of1cers OF the navy will not understand
WITHOUT definite advices to that effect, what their
developing.
Our antecedent relations to this group of is
lands and TO the Sandwich Islands have been of
an exceptional character, and will be likely to
give rise 70 doubts in the minds of the officers
10 their duty under existing conditions. On these
Two groups OF islands, by treaty, harbors have
been reserved for the use Of the navy Of the United
States, and as to the Samoan group, the three
governments, Germany, Great Britain and the
United States, have, up to recent date, acted to-
gether upon the theory of mutual cooperation in
preserving the autonomy OF the people OF the Sa-
moan Islands. harbor at Samoa win become
OF national consequence to us In the future as a
naval power, but, II the islands are to 60 under
the dominion OF Germany, it would cease 10 be of
use.
The department has heretofore directed the
ofneers OF the squadron to act in accordance with
the Instructions which the consular agent at
Samoa shall receive from the department Of State,
put In view OF the late services and this request
Tor an additional force, the department. desires to
be advised whether II Is the purpose of the gov
ernment 10 announce any policy regarding the
Samoan group Of which the officers should be
advised. Very respectfully,
w. @. WHITNEY,
Secretary OF the Navy.
To Hon. Thomas F. Bayard, Secretary OF State,
Washington, ID. G..