The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1889-02-16
A WHITE BOOK ON SAMOA
THE STORY AS LAID BEFORE THE
GERMAN REICH5TAG.

Prince Bismarck Early Manifested an
Intention to Live Up TO His Treaty
Obligations - Count Herbert Bis.
marck Somewhat Threatening in
One OF His Document
BERLIN, Feb. 15.-In the Reichstag to-day
the white book in reference to the Samoan
matter was introduced. 1t comprises forty
four documents, extending from Dec. s,
1885, to Feb 5, 1888 Among the docu-
ments relating to recent events is the re-
port of the German consul at Apia dated
Feb. "a, 1888. 1t describes the endeavors Of
Americans and Englishmen to provoke
conflicts.
A dispatch dated September, 1888. deals
with the revolt of Mataata, and the sup
port given to him by Capt Leary of tho
United States navy.
THE ATTACK ON THE GERMANS
After an account of the attack upon the
Germans on Dec. Is, comes Telegram
from Count Herbert Bismarck, dated Jan.
|, 1889, to the German ministers at Wash
ington and London directing them to in
form Secretary Bayard and Lord Sails
bury respecting the attack, and ordering
the minister at Washington to complain to
the United States government that an
American named Klein was prominent in
the fighting
ADHEREs TO HER TREATIES
The ministers were further instructed to
declare that Germany adheres to her trea-
ties and would respect the rights founded
thereon, and they were to appeal to both
governments TO cooperate actively with
Germany and re-establish tranquility.
On Jan. g, Count Herbert Bismarck tele-
graphed to the German consul at Apia that
n N wit ia nj fad
States and Great Britain, annexation Of
Samoa by Germany was out Of the ques-
ton.
MILITARY OPERATIONS
A dispatch sent to the German embassies
at London and Washington, on Jan. 10,
states that the object of the military meas
ures against Mataafa and his partisans was
to punish the murderers of the German sol
diers and to secure to German subjects pos
session Of their property.
SOUNDED MENAcING.
A document dated Feb. %, which was
sant by Count Herbert TO Admiral Baron
Won Der Goltz, chief of the German admir-
atty, says:
Germany is not at war with Samoa, as the
term is understood in international law, but she
regards Tamasese as the rightful ruler and
Mataafa as a rebel, agai nj st whom and his fol-
lowers retaliation must be enforced Any one
standing by them is as a promoter of conflict
the consequences
POSITION OF FOREIGN SUBJECTS.
Count Herbert concluded by declaring
that nothing is changed in the legal posi-
ton OF foreign subjects in Somoa.
The white books ends with long report
from the German consul at Apia. The re-
port is dated Jan. IA and has thirteen
appendices, dealing with events from Dec.
4, 1888.
MATAAFA's REFUSAL TO SURRENDER.
These record that on Dec 10 Mataafa, in
a humble letter, sought to open negotia-
tions with the consul, but would not sur
render himself, although pledges were
given that his life would be spared. In
subsequent letter Mataafa promises to sur
render in the presence of the British and
American consuls. The German consul de-
clined to entertain the offer. On Nov. "a
Prince Bismarck sent a telegram saying
that if the vindication of Tamasese was
impossible the utmost advances must be
made to reconcile him with Mataafa. On
Dec. 20 Consul Knappe reported that the
American commander at Apia was stirring
up tho natives against the Germans.
DRUNKEN GERMAN SAILORS.
December II, consul Blackjack COM
planned that drunken sailors from the Ger
man man of war Olga bad committed OUT
RACES in Apia entering houses and wound
ing men and women. Dr. Knappe reported
later that foreigners bad spread rumor
that the Germans had been forbidden to
interfere This rumor had the effect of
encouraging the natives, who stoned Ger
maa sailors and destroyed German prop
critics.
REPRIsALs DECLARED NECESSARY.
In January Prince Bismarck notified DIR.
Knappe that reprisals were necessary, but
only such as were consonant with the
treaties with England and America. The
chancellor said: "Becauss Mataafa assaulted
Tamasese we shall interfere only by sue
coring Tamasese.n Prince Bismarck
charged DIR. Knappe to entreat the other
foreign consuls to combine in order to re-
store peace.