The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1894-08-31
British and German Vessels Forced to
Interfere in the Native War, After
Yainly EndeavOring to Secure Peace.
AIDED BY MALIETOA'S MEN
Who Attacked the InsurrectiOn-
lists to Good Purpose.
Fighting Still Going On When the
Steamer Sailed-Many Rebels Re-
ported to Have Been Killed.

SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 30.-The steamer
Mariposa, which arrived this evening from
Sydney, Auckland, Apia and Honolulu
brings news Of further fighting among the
natives of Samoa and forcible interference
of British and German war ships stationed
at Apia. The details are given in the fol-
lowing special correspondence to the AS
sociated Press, dated Apia, Aug. 15
The ships of Great Britain and Ger
many have at last taken action with a
view to ending the native disturbances,
which have heretofore appeared to be in
terminable. Two skrmishes had taken
place between the warning tribes, resulting
in the killing of eight or ten natives and
the wounding of many more, and besides
the natives had become short of food, not
having planted or looked after their crops
and they have taken to stealing from for
eigners throughout the island. Their mode
OF living had produced a great deal of i'll
ness. much suffering and many deaths, so
that in the interests Of common humanity
interference by the powers became abso-
lutely necessary. Something had to be done
to put stop to the so-called warfare. 1t
was with this end in view that the dlplo-
matte and naval officials had several con-
ferences. The result was a resolution to
their fortified stronghold at Latuanuu or
suffer a shelling from the guns of the war
ships. On Friday Aug 10, the British war
ship Curacao and the German war ship Buz-
zard left Apia for Latuanuu. Arriving
there, the rebel chiefs were called on board
the gunboats and told that their stronghold
would be bombarded at O'Clock the fol-
lowing morning. During Friday night,
however, the rebels evacuated the place.
On Saturday morning the Notifications were
shelled by the war ships and all but de-
stroyed. The Kings warriors had been
sent overland to cooperate with the gun
boats in the attack on the rebels. When
the bombarding gunners had finished their
work, King Malietoas warriors were sig
nailed to advance and occupy the deserted
position. Before the rebel warriors evactu-
ated Latuanuu they set fire to all the huts
in the vicinity, as we'll as their fort, the
destruction of which the bombarders fin
ished. and destroyed all the breadfruft trees
which were growing near.
The naval authorities again communi-
Gated with the rebel chiefs and ordered
them to disperse and surrender their
rifles. Instead of obeying the mandate,
however, the rebels moved off towards
Satuafata, which is less than fifteen miles
from Apia, and it was decided to again ad-
vance upon them On Sunday morning the
rebels and the Kings warriors, who num-
bered fully six hundred, came together at
Lufiluf. The rebels made an attack and
killed and wounded several of Malietoas
men. During all of Sunday there was
desultory fighting and the naval command
ers resolved to again attack the rebels
and deal with them summarily. Early on
Monday he ND
Buzzard changed their positions and again
opened fire the rebels, killing and
wounding a large number. simultaneously
the Kings warriors attacked them
shore. In the fight the King lost six killed
and several wounded. At this writing it
is impossible to make a reliable estimate
of the rebel loss, but it is known to have
been heavy. The guns the warships
did deadly execution.
On Monday evening the rebels asked for
peace. Their chiefs were ordered to come
aboard the Curacao on the following day.
ises of complete submission to Maletoa's
rule, agreeing TO pay their taxes, return
to their homes and to deliver up one hum
dred rifles. Immediately after this meet
ing the Curacao steamed away to Apia,
believing the trouble was over. The Cura-
coa's commander was eager to catch the
mail steamer Mariposa that he might
port the result Of his operations to the
British government. The Buzzard re-
Udlfltu dl the SCcUc VI dCllOH 10 TtCelNe
the rifles from the rebels and see that they
carried out their promises. Great was the
surprise of the commander of the Curacao
when, at midnight last night, the BuZzard
signaled that Chief Tamahez, leader OF the
Aana rebels, had Joined the Atua party
with over four hundred Aana men, and
that these combined forces had attacked
the Kings warriors. Throughout the night
the roar of the BuZZard'S guns could be
heard.
This morning the Curacao got under way
again and left for the scene of the trouble.
Captain Gibson left determined to demand
complete surrender of the rebels and
unless the rebels submissive the
slaughter will undoubtedly be terrible as
his gunners will fire TO kill. 1t is now GER
tain that unless vigorous action is taken
the position of the foreigners here will be
critical At the hour of the sailing of the
Mariposa it is reported the rebels have
lacks confirmation.