The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1896-09-06

Goa and the Geman corvette Bussard-Iay off
shore, sent messenger to Tamasese COM
handing him to come on board and crawl
to the feet of Malietoa' and give up 100 rides
and disband his army ''or take the conse-
quences." Herr Schmidt who was laboring
with Tamasese as a mediator induced him
to accept these terms and to deliver up some
escaped convicts Accordingly he went on
board and made his submission as gracefully
as he could under the circumstances.
But the people of the disturbed districts
were not submissive. They would pay
taxes, and when the land commissioners
went to Aana to survey claims they were not
allowed to do their work
The claims filed with the land commission
amounted to $4,000 acres more than the ac-
claim titles to 2S3, 600 acres; Americans 276 600
acres, and Germany, 135 122 acres The war
vessels remained in Samoan waters because
both factions armed themselves for a fresh
struggle. The only sources of income were
the municipal rates OF Apia after the people
refused to pay the poll tax, amounting to
more than half their gross revenues, for the
support Of foreign officials.
The American interests at Samoa are prob
ably larger than is generally believed. Tween
ty years ago the Germans all-powerful
in Samoa. They controlled all the trade and
had numerous plantations in working order.
About this time few Americans and Eng
lishmen were attracted to the country, and,
finding openings, commenced business. From
small beginnings they grew strong, and last
year the bulk Of the trade was in their hands.
lands In Samoa amounting to 10000 acres.
investments OF the Americans and English
combined vastly exceed those of the subjects
Of Germany.
King Malietoa has not the royal dignity and
the masterful qualities that distinguished
Mataafa, but he is known for his patriotism
his high sense Of honor and for the sweet
ness OF his nature Weak in many things
he is still strong to suffer, and to save blood
shed he. kept his word in once surrender
ing to the German authorities. But he sur
rendered as a king, his herald crying out
before him. the people mourning and crouch
ing on their knees as he passed. And with
the knowledge thath he was sacrificing him
self for his country's good the triumph was
to Maletoa and not to the Germans.
1t is UNREASONABLE that without German
support Tamaseses standard would really
have no adherents. The Maietoa family has
some historical claims to legitimacy, and
Mataafa, the deported king asserts his rights
In the Malietoa name Tamasese is the rep
resentative OF the rival family of Tupua,
whose rights were recognized in a native ar
rangement which was concluded In 1876.
under the Steniberger influence but over
thrown in 1875, when Malietoa was deposed
The special agent of the state department
Mr.. Bates. reported In 1886 that Mataafa
who was as matter OF fact himself of the
Tupua family, was the only person to be
recognized as king. He is not only higher
chief than Tamasese. but man of great in
nuencs and ability. The late Robert Louis
Stevenson. in suggesting a remedy for the
troubles in Samoa. said that the chief au-
thority should be given to Mataafa, the abIest
Of the natives
Although President Cleveland has in two
messages to congress announced 1t to be the
policy OF the United States to preserve au-
tonomy In Samoa, the probability is that the
state department will endeavor as far as
possible, to turn over the question to the new
administration In such form as will enabel
1t to be dealt with in It's entirety, rather than
as a legacy.