The morning call., 1893-06-18
SAW THE DANGER.
Herbert Thought Trouble
Would Come.
NO SHIPS FOR SAMOA NOW
1t Is Believed That American Inter-
ests in the Islands Are Seri-
ousIy JeopardiZed.
Special to THE MORNING CALI.

WASHINGTON. June 17.-The admins
tration apprehends serious trouble in Sa-
moa between the two rivals for the throne,
Malieioa. the present King, and Mataafa.
who headed n rebellion in the islands some
years ago and for time held the throne
The tripartite protectorate established by
the United States. England and Germany
has been far from satisfactory to either
the Samoans or to the United States or Ger
many. Great Britain never took much in ter
es. in Samoan affairs. either before or after
the treaty was entered into, and she be-
came party TO the treaty more on ac-
count of her policy of having something to
say about the disposition of the islands Of
the Pacific generally than because of any
interests she had in the Samoan group.
1t will be remembered that Germany
was generally credited with being at the
bottom of the former rebellion on the
islands and it was understood at the time
that there was tacit agreement between
England and Germany that the former
country would not interfere with the lat
ter In her scheme to acquire ascend ency in
the group.
Just at the time Prince Bismarck,
who was still Chancellor of the German
Empire. was pursuing his policy OF Ger
man colonization and was looking about
in every part of the world for islands or
island groups over which the German flag
could be raised His plans as to Samoa
would probably have succeeded but for the
fact that the United States had entered
into friendly relations with the native
Government long before and that citizens
OF this country had held large interests in
the islands.
The circumstances were such that Sec
retary of State Bayard felt called upon to
Interfere and naval forces were sent out
ana diplomatic negotiations we're entered
into which finally led up 20 the tripartite
protectorate. The treaty provided for the
establishment of Malietoa upon the
throne, but the followers of Mataafa have
never ceased to hone that they might be
able to overthrow the Government and set
up their favorite as ruler. They have
always regarded the Germans as being
more fav0raOly disposed to them tn an the
Americans. aud it is possible that they
have chosen this opportunity, when the
only war vessel in their waters Is German.
as an opportnne time for their rebellion, in
the belief that if the Germans do not give
them any assistance they will at least ab-
stain from interfering.
AS has already been stated in the press
dispatches from Washington, the naval
forces of the United States in the Pacific
have been so far depleted in order TO have
ships for the recent naval review that
there are none any nearer than Honolulu,
where the Boston and Adams are sta
toned, and where they are both needed.
1t is probable that the Thetis will be
sent down from San Francisco. She is a
very small vessel and is not at all suited
for such cruise, but is the only thing
available. She could not reach the ISLANDS
before some time in July, but it will be
even later before any of the naval revie W
vessels that are to be sent to the Pacific
can get around in that neighborbood.
II the United States is to remain party
to the tripartite agreement and is to retain
possession OF her coaling station at Pango-
Pango, in the islands, it will be necessary
to keep vessel there constantly. Secre-
tary Herbert fully appreciates the i'm
portance of this as well as the Importance
Of Pacific station generally. He was so
sensible of the danger OF depicting the
Pacific of ships that while he was in Con-
gress he opposed the naval review for that
reason aud advised Secretary Tracy against
ordering so many Of the vessels away from
the Pacific to take part in a spectacle.