New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-05-23
THE STORY OF SAMOA.
TOLD BY THE HON. f. w. SEWARD EX-
ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF STATE.
THE CONTROL OF THE ISLANDS WAS ONCE IN
THE HANDS OF THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT.


To the Editor OF The Tribune
Sir: GO forth my son." said Chancellor OK
enstiern to the young diplomatist. Go forth and
see with how little wisdom the world Is gov
erned"' II young Oxenstiern could have lived till
now, and have extended his travels to Washing
ton ne would have found fresh illustration of
the correctness OF the Chancellor's remark
During the Administration of President Hayes
there came to the Department of State two en-
voys from the Samoan Islands. one was an
American resident there. and the other hne-
looking. intelligent native, who had held place
in the island Government corresponding to that
of Minister Of Foreign Affairs. When II Tell
within the scope Of my official duties to receive
and converse with him. remarked the purity
and correctness Of the English he spoke, and
asked how he had learned 1t. He replied that
his chief textbook for the study of the language
had been the Bible, and that his instructors
were the American missionaries He and MS
colleague had come with friendly overtures from
the islanders, and were ready to profrer or ac-
cede to whatever would best promote closer COM
mercial and political relations with the United
States; even to the extent of protectorate or d
cession The Samoans had found the American
Government just, liberal and kind in its dealings
with them. They dreaded the encroachments of
European merchants and adventures, which
might. sooner or later obtain the backing of the
British and German Governments.
The President Secretary of State, Mr.. Evarts.
and other members of his Administration re-
garded the Samoan overtures with favor Inc
Navy Department had long perceived the desira-
bty and Importance of naval station anon" nS
the Pacific islands for coaling and repairs Oh
United States vessels and the protecuoh OIL
American commerce. Lacking such stations they
had seen American commerce swept OUT Oh .ne
nv Rrit fish
Confederate flag .
Public sentiment however. was at that PERIOD
strongly averse to the acquisition of any island
territory and had so manifested itself IN lesaru
10 ST. Thomas and San Domingo. inquiry among
Senators and Congressman showed that no trea.s
would be approved that should can ioi Wy "a!
States TO exert its naval or military force TO pro-
tect the privileges acquired.
The ENJOYS were reasonable ana practiitai, am"
were soon led to comprehend the situauTh'
After many conferences, they agreed thdt NV
islands would cede TO the United states 'hei,
finest harbor that of Pago-Pago lol , La a.
and coaling station, and would ASK hothlhE III
return except the mutual good VIII ana lhteiI'a-
tiona, intercourse that might reasohaDiy De "
nected TO follow such transaction. IL Is among
The nIeasant memories OF my official life that
participated in the preparation OF Inat ucd,2
II was duly signed-the respective fienlp"tehu-
ar,es being Mr. Evarts, the Secretary OF state IN
hebalf NJ the United States and the Samoan
Envoy in behalf OF his Government 1t was CON
frmed and ratified without serious opposluon'
Naval vessels sent out to faso-fas" l"
make surveys and take possession.
The DELAY excited much less comment or
criticism in the United states than II dld III hu-
rone-for European statesmen were quick 10 per
ceiye the advantage our country had game
Efforts were Immediately begun TO acquire SIM
liar or counterbalancing advantages ior We, ,
many and Great Britain. This proved dlhcuI-
for the Samoans had already given us their
hest harbor and besides were apprehenslNe ana
distrustful Of European domination.
II IS needless to detail the subsequent negouA-
lions intrigues and wars. during successive
wears. in which the European residents or rep
resentatives sought TO get even win 'h'
United States Finally the Berlin treaty pro
viding for a tripartite prctectorate. was acc'ce'
to by our Government, in the hope ana beIiel
that IL would be for the benefit Of the Sainoahs
and would preserve peace among them. whiie re-
tanning Pago-Pago Harbor for the United states
Now IT seems. IL is proposed that we sha'i
withdraw entirely and give up the iong-coNrI'd
ADVANTAGES to Germany and Great Britain Ihe
exultatlon manifested by the press In those
countries shows that they regard the proposal
in its true light IT will be weak ana foohsh
surrender Of a valuable vested right We shali
desert a friendly people. who have placed thelr
confidence in this Republic, and shall turn them
over 10 the tender mercies OF a couple OF Euro
pean monarchies, intent upon the extension OF
their Imperial" power. We snail 9et no thdhhs
for our surrender. and will deserve none:
FREDERICK w. SEWARD.
Montrose- the Hudson May q, 1884