The Pacific commercial advertiser., 1897-04-06
MORE FIGHTING
French Attempting to
Hold Possessions.
South Sea Island Episode Ends in
Loss of Life-French
Victorious

According 10 dispatches, the French
are experiencing some difficulties in
retaining their holdings in the South
Sea Islands The following account of
one Of their recent struggles is taken
from the Samoa Herald:
BY the s. $ Richmond, which ar
rived here from the South Sea Islands
Ell Saturday night, news was received
from Tahiti Of military operations by
the French in the Island Of Raiatea,
one Of the Society Group, the natives
Of which have. for the last eight years,
held out steadily against French an
Rexation The natives have a great
dislike for the French. but the latter,
having planted their flag on the island
some years ago. are determined to hold
il in spite of the natives. The inhabit-
ants Of Raiatea. who number some 500,
have. on several occasions, petitioned
for British protection, and recently the
Queen of Raiatea went to RarOtonga
and interviewed Mr.. Moss, the British
Resident. asking for British annexa-
ton The Resident advised her to sub
NIT to the French but the Raiatea peO-
pie. however. hoisted the British flag
in the vain hope that "Peritania"
would come to their assistance. They
entTenched themselves near the center
of Raiatea. which is mountainous,
foTest-cIad island, 40 miles in circuit.
The French authorities in the Paci
fc decided TO take summary measures
against their unwilling subjects at
the beginning of this year, and, ac-
TCr6fpuIv tho oh
flagship Duguay Trouin (Which was in
Auckland harbor some time ago. and
the Aube. a French cruiser left Pa
peete harbOr and steamed down 10 Raj
atea. On January 4th. after calling on'l
the natives to surrender, force of 200
French troops, who had been brought
from New Caledonia, accompanied by
about 80 native volunteers from Ia |
hiti. were landed on Raiatea. under |
Commander Beyll. and marched on the |
sntrechments of the insurgent leader |
a chief named Tou Rapi. whose camp |
was in the center of the island. The |
four days notice given had the effect |
of causing some friendly-disposed ma
tives TO come in, but Tou Rapi's men
held out. and the force attacked his
stronghold The natives had dug a
rife trench in front of their camp, in
which they lay in ambush-about 100
men all armed with rifles.
The insurgents. however, made a
mistake for they allowed the column
to pass the trench until the rear-guard
was abreast of it, the defenders not
knowing the exact strength of the at
tacking party. Their flank was by this
time turned by the French, and when
the natives at last opened fire. they
were too late to oppose the soldiers
The French charged the
entrenchments. and shot and bayon-
neted a number of the defenders. about
II of whom were killed. Several of
the French were wounded. Tou Rapi
and about 90 or 30 followers took to
the bush and were being pursued by
the French soldiers at latest advices.
The strength Of the native defenders
was completely broken by the engage
ment. and a large number of people.
several hundred in all. surrendered to
the French force after the fight \
force was landed at Tahaa Island.
small isIet about one and a half miles
from Raiatea. where the natives held
a strong position. and burned all their
About $50 prisoners OF war
were sent TO the Marquesas. with their
wives and children. and the-feSt OF the
prisoners were temporarily deported to
a small island close TO Raiatea. The
Duouay Trouin then returned to Tahiti
with the news of the French victory.