Evening bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1895-1912, 1895-10-03
THE SAMOA QUESTION.

N''''S ~ Nt'llC tbOul
samoa by the three Powers
Germany, the United States and
Great Britain-that made a treaty
about the group several years ago
which has proved to be failure.
1t was reported some time ago
shat the large German firm, whose
property interests gave Germany
paramount foreign interests in the
islands, was. going to sell out to
British capitalists. The United
states has a national stake in the
country from its treaty privilege
Of a ealing station at Pago-Pago,
1u, it would seem that the splen-
lid harbor so named belongs
lominally to a British estate.
we say nominally " be-
eause it is doubtful if
a harbor used by commerce and
frequented by national vessels
an be held in private hands.
However, an interview has been
published in London, which has
oeen had with DR.. Lempsiere,
represented as "the agent Of the
late Mr.. Sherwood, the owner of
Pago-PagO, the largest harbor of
Samoa and the only one secure
rom cycIonic disturbances" DR..
Lempsiere is reported to have
said:
There have been con-
slant communication between
British, German and American
Governments regarding the future
Of Samoa. The present situation
is an impossible one and can only
result in the absolute destruction
Of trade and the gradual extinc-
zion of the natives. According to
last accounts trade is at a stand
still and the natives are in con-
dition of turbulence.
New Zealand being the nearest
British possession and largely in
Eerested in the development Of
Polynesian trade, is the proper
quarter from which the question
C an be pressed best on the atten-
lion Of the imperial government.
/ have the greatest confidence in
Mr.. Ward, the Colonial Treasurer
Of New Zealand, laying before his
government some scheme having
an view the alteration of the pres
snt ndition of affairs.
The Pacific cable having been
decided on and the money qua
ranteed is u matter of vital i'm
portance to America as we'll as to
Great Britain and the colonies.
Fiji which was first proposed as a
central station for coaling and for
station for repairing steamers,
has been found unfit, being stu
ated in the center of cyclonic dis
.urbances. Only last winter a
storm there leveled all the. build
irgs in its track. Samoa, which
is in the postal union and in di-
-cect steam connection with San
Francisco, New Zealand aud Aus
;;traia, has a harbor three miles
: )ng by one-fourth Of a mile wide |
and with safe anchorage.
THAT America and Great Bri. |
coin are both anxious to have the |
samoan question settled is GER
tain. Both countries desire to
nave an end put to the present
deadlock, and it is hoped that some
means may soon be found to
settle the German claims and buy
Them ont if not at too eX brilliant
figure
There can be no question but
That in international affairs Brit
ish interests are ahead of all
others. n t imperial interests,
iCr Great Britain is not badly off
for naval st, tons in the South
y aclfic, hut the young lion New
Zealand cannot but have nervous
npprehensions over the possibility
If any but the mother country
liking p session or even control
IF samoa. Whether or not the
United States would lightly re-
s;gn her prs-emption upon the
of Papo-Pago is one Of