The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1889-03-18
QUIET REIGNs IN THE SAMOAN ISLANDS
cermany's Declaration Of Martial
Law at ApIa a Dead Letter.
Mataafa and His Warriors Awaiting
Admiral KImberIy's Arrival.
The Troublesome Captain Brandels
Going to Interview Bismarck.

ApIA, Samoa, March 1-Per steamer Zea-
landia, at San Francisco, March 16--During
the past month the German authorities have
maintained state of inactivity The decla-
ration of a state of war in the Samoan ISL
ands seems to have become dead letter,
while the military occupation OF Apia, which
the declaration of martial law seem to have
implied, has no existence save inthe meinten
ance of strong guard at the German consul
late. Guards are still kept at the American
and English consulates. The German consul
has made repeated overtures to Mataafa
looking towards the adjustment OF the quar-
rel and the conclusion Of peace, but the
terms proposed have always embodied strong
German interest In the future administra-
tion of affairs, to which Mataafa declares he
Will under no circumstances consent. The
negotiations have therefore been OF no value.
Mataafa, In the midst of his warriors, rests
secure in an entrenched camp and awaits the
arrival Of Admiral Kimberly, having full
faith In the support of the United States.
Tamesese, with his forces now reduced by
desertion to about 600 warriors, still occupies
q large fort at Lutumni. A large number Of
his former adherents have Joined the stand
ard of Mataafa, or growing weary of the war
have retired to their own districts.
February 8th small detached party of
Malietoa men, accommodating in the vicinity
OF the fort, fell in with foraging party OF
the enemy, and succeeded in killing one of
Tamasese's greatest leaders and staunchest
supporters, one Salo Futi.
February I'd, III. M. s. Calliope, Captain
Kane. arrived from New Zealand to relieve
the Royal. and the latter sailed for Auckland
on the 4th inst. This change has been
source of untold satisfaction to the English
residents in Samoa, as well as their consular
representative. The censure showered upon
Captain Hande of the Royal by the colonial
press simply voices the indignant feeling of
his countrymen in Samoa, whose interest he
looked after in dilatory and lukewarm
manner. whose property he announced him
self without authority to protect. There can
be no doubt that the cordial feelings and
unity OF purpose which characterized the re-
lations between his predecessor. Commander
Pellat. of the Wizard, and Her Majesty's con-
sui had no existence in the case Of Captain
Hande.
February 9Th the steamer Lubec left for
Sydney, carrying Brandeis, the ex-German
artillery officer and premier Of Tamasese,
who has for so long been bone of conten-
ton In Samoa, and who has done so much to
precipitate the present crisis. 1t Is rumored
that he has been ordered home to explain his
conduct in Samoan affairs to the government
at Berlin.
February 18th the German man-of-war
Eber, which had been sent TO Auckland os-
tensibly to communicate with Berlin, re-
turned TO tnlS port her arrival and the dis
patches which she undoubtedly brought, the
tenor of which is unknown, have in no wise
changed the condition Of affairs. The Van
dalia arrived on the evening of February sd.
The arrival of the flagship Trenton is anxi-
ously awaited, as it was hoped Admiral
Kimberly's instruction will empower him to
speedily terminate the uncertainty as to the
outcome of the present struggle. Mataafa is
firm in the belief of ultimately receiving the
support of the United States government,
and has reiterated his determination to do
nothing until the admiraps arrival, fully ap-
preciating the fact that In treating with Ger
many he must be seconded by patron
whose power can compel proper recognition
of right and justice.
Somebody's Official Knowledge.
SAN FRANCISCO, March 16.-An evening
paper prints an interview with a gentleman
now in this city, who claims to have official
reasons for knowing the true inwardness of
the Samoan complications is the outcome of
a policy long. since agreed upon between
England, France and Germany. New Gale.
donia was to be allotted to France, Samoa to
Germany and the Hawaiian Islands to Eng
land. On the Hawaiian Islands, this author
ity says, the English need some special priv
ilege for station for their Pacific cable. Ne
gotiations are now pending and have been
for year or more, for the complete purchase
of the whole or one of the Hawaiian Islands
Dy the English party.