The Daily bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Hawaii]) 1882-1895, 1895-03-16
WHY SAMOA Is UNEASY,
Official Correspondence Lays the
Blame on the Consuls.

Blame on the COnsuls.
WASHINGTON, February 26.-The
President to day lent to the Senate,
in response Ia a resolution, copies of
all the commr .c ations relating to
Samoa receive since the ratification
OF the Berlin treaty by Judge Henry
g. Ide aud ex-Consul Blackjack.
Secretary Gresbam's report, which
accompanies I h papers, is brief.
He says that in order to make the
account OF political events in Samoa
complete copies of the correspon-
dence OF Harold NJ. Sewall and Of
James H. Mulligan (the principal
consular officers in Samoa during
the period since Mr.. Blacklock's APP
pointment as Vice. Consul GeneraD
and OF the fiual report OF Mr.. Cham
bers, late Land Commissioner on the
part OF the United States, are also
included.
Copies Of the correspondence be-
tween the department and the Bri-
tish and German embassies since
July 10, 1894, the date OF the last
transmission OF information in re-
gard to Samoan affairs, are also
transmitted, though not specifically
called for by the resolution, as the
Secretary says they throw light
upon the situation in the Samoan
islands.
The correspondence is volumin-
Gus, covering a period since 1889
and embracing between $50 and 200
documents. Writing on December
18th last Mr.. Mulligau says: "The
condition here continues to be of
profound peace. No outbreak of
any kind has occurred and no pre-
parations for such an event are dis
cernible, Notwithstanding there is a
general belief that the prevailing
peace is to be OF but short dura-
ton. Reports are in circulation
that conflict has taken place and
war actually inaugurated in Tavy,
but these happily proved to be un-
true. 1t is certain that the native
population is in state of unrest
As far as l understand the general
dissatisfaction among the rebellious-
ly inclined is directed against Malie-
toa, not alone through tribal and
local prejudices, but Tor the reason
that he is mere fgure-head in the
hands vt foreigners, and really repre-
sents a foreign domination"
Further along in the same COM
munication he says: of the natives
were in part satisfied, il we'll dispos-
ed to peace, it is plainly my opinion
that they would not be suffered
to SO continue. The interests and
elements sought under the treaty to
be harmonized are so indirectly con-
Aicting that cordial cooperation is
not to be expected. So long as the
present arrangements continue to
exist, no permanent policy will be
permitted"
Mr.. Mulligan's last communities
ton is dated January ID, and in this
he says there are no appearances OF
war, but repeats that but little con-
fidence is felt in the existing peace.
He reports that Malietoa has issued
an address to other chiefs inviting
them to attend reconciliation
meeting, but no response has been
made.
In communication OF September
10th last, Judge Ide complains bit
terly OF the efforts of the consuls to
administer the affairs OF the islands
without consultation OF the treaty,
but by prior determination to die
tate to the President and himself.
He closes thus:
"In the midst OF tho difficulties OF
the situation here, it seems to me
far wiser not to spend our time in
discussing the original treaties on
the question OF abstract right, but
for all to join together to try to &C.
complish something for this wretch
ed country.