The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-04-15

all inquiries with great deliberation.
While he did not seem to believe that the
conference would have any beneficial re-
suits so far as the native Samoans were
concerned, he expressed strong desire
that the American and British representa-
tlves might be able TO effect solution of
the present difficulty, restore the former
Samoan government, and insure peace and
prosperity to the islands. Mataafa declared
he had nothing to hope from Germany;
that all the wars among the natives In Sa-
moa, and the bloodshed which had occurred
during the last few months were due to
German interference, and that German
misstatementS to him that he could no
longer place any confidence in their prom
lses or their professed desire for peace.
Mataafa showed the correspondent the
original letter written to him by DR.. knappe,
the German consul, after the recent fight
between the Germans and the Samoans In
which letter the consul addressed Mataafa
as "Your Majesty the King; declared that
he desired that there be no more war
and made, the proposal that "Samoans
should rule over things on the islands
pertaining to Samoa, and that Germany
should rule over things pertaining to for
elgners." Mataafa did not reply. to
Knappe's last letter making the proposition
for dual government. At the time this in
terview was held with Mataafa, the Tren-
ton, with Admiral Kimberly aboard, had
not reached Apia, and the natives were
looking forward eagerly to the Admiraps
arrival Mataafa was asked by the Asso-
ciated Press correspondent if he expected
any assistance from the American admiral
and he replied promptly that he was look
ing for such assistance. He did not say
that he expected the admiral to act as his
ally In making war upon the Ger
mans; in fact, ne disavowed any desire to
carry on war against Tamasese's forces.
His chief desire seemed to be to bring the
strife to a close as quickly as possible, and
to ALLOW the six thousand warriors, now en-
camped behind breast-works, to return to
their homes and families and resume their
peaceful occupations, which they followed
before King Malietoa was carried off by the
German forces Mataafa stated that the
berly he believed would come in the form
OF an emphatic protest against any further
German interference. He believed the Ad-
miral would force the Germans to cease
their operations against the natives, and
also to require them to render no more
bring the war to close, as Tamasese's
forces were so greatly reduced that with
ont assistance from the Germans there was
little or nothing to fear from them.
man, and is about fifty years of age. He is
regarded by the white residents Of Samoa
as far superior to his predecessor. His
camp is located on a high plateau, about a
mile back of Apia. Long lines of stone
steep sides, which ascend to the plateau
from the valleys and low lands lying
around it, and make the position partic-
ularly strong one. A great number of CO.
coanut and other trees cover the entire in
closure, and there is q heavy growth of
brush In all the surrounding country; The
Associated Press correspondent called on
Mataafa again on the day after the
arrival of Admiral Kimberly. The
King said it was the happiest
sanoaDs Mataafs Ma Was 'as asked to Q. express
his views in regard to the possibility of a
return to Samoa of ex-King Malietoa, who
is now held as prisoner on the Marshall
islands by the Germans. Mataafa was
asked if he would be satisfied to see Malie-
toa brought back to Samoa. Il would be
most happy to see him back in Samoa" re-
piled the King.
'In case of Malietoa's return would he be
entitled to resume his former place as the
King of Samoan"
81 am not able to answer that replied
Mataafa;. II am member of Malietoa's 8
family, and, at the time he was deposed by
the Germans. his principal chief. Just be-
fore be surrendered to the German COM
mander, ne handed over his office to me and
left the administration of affairsn in my hands.
He appointed me his successor in every
respect, and my people afterward confirmed
the appointment by electing me King, and
now hold my Office not only by virtue of
Malietoa's appointment, but also by the
votes of majority of the Samoan people.
In view of the fact that Milietoa resigned
his office In my favor, he will not necessari-
!y become King again in case he returns to
his native land. Malietoa and myself
would have to determine between ourselves
who should be King. and if he should re-
turn here, we would at once hold confer
ence for that purpose. / feel sure there
would be no serious controversy between
u.s."
American and English residents, who
have lived in Samoa great number of
years, and who are familiar with the DO
agree in the belief that if Malietoa returns
there he will make no effort to resume his
former power, but will resign all claim of
authority in favor of Mataafa, and ac-
knowledge him as King of Samoa.