The Pioche weekly record. [volume] (Pioche, Nev.) 1877-1900, 1897-08-25
READY TOGRAB SAMOA
German Officials Virtual Rulers
of the Islands.
KING MALIETOA WAS THREATENED.
Contracts Broken and Even the SUI
Preme Court Subject to the Die
tates OF OmcIOus Foreigner.

Vancouver (B. c. The CORE.
spondent of the Sydney Herald says
Germany's interference in Samoan
affairs aroused many of the British
and American residents from the state
of lethargy they had fallen into, and
they begin to realize that the pretend
ed friendship is but cloak for the
intrigues Of the German section of
the community, and that their Teuton
friends are gradually maturing their
schemes for taking possession OF the
islands, irrespective of the solemn
treaty bonds with which the German
Government is united with Great
Britain and the United States.
In the municipality of Apia, where
many Germans are settled, the repre-
sentatiyes desire and attempt TO run
the whole country as if they had SOW
ereign rights granted to them by the
great powers over King Malietoa and
his people. The freedom and lnde-
pendence Of the Samoans was granted
in the German settlement but heavy
yoke is being thrust upon them, which,
like any ordinary intelligent being,
the Samoan resents.
The German treasurer is watching
with jealousy every act of Samoan
Government man in his private home
as well as in Office, and is insisting
that nothing can be done without the
matter passing through his hands first.
Many have been the conflicts between
the Samoan Government and the presi-
dent of the municipality on account OF
! the latter's usurpation of authority.
The treaty does not empower him to
control the Government, yet he is do
ing so in defiance of treaty rights.
The islands are slowly but surely fall
ing into the hands of the ever polite,
smiling and insinuating Germans.
An Englishman and an American
applied for the exclusive right of ship
ping coral, not interfering with any
Saoman right. King Malietoa and the
Government agreed, in consideration
of large sum paid. When the Ger
mans heard Of it they petitioned the
German President to interfere, which
he did. The King was threatened
until he retracted and cancelled the
cast-rion agreement made to the
American and the Englishman. The
British and American Consuls have
taken the matter up and the affair is
to be protested.
The English Postmaster General has
been forced out by the German Presi-
dent, who told the King to retire him
or his reign would be at an end, and
now the Postoffice of the islands is all
German, several Americans also being
retired. The Americans have applied
to the American Consul in this in
stance as we'll. They had been serv-
ing for twelve years. Before the Brit
ish Postmaster-G General and the Amer
lean deputies gave up they fought for
the mails on board the steamers With
the Germans, and disgraceful scenes
!. took place. The correspondent SAYS
the only hope that remains for these
unfortunate people is in the Supreme
Court of Samoa, but even here Ger
many has stultified justice. 1t is sim
ply the effect of British and American
indifference. Although the indepen-
dence of the Samoan Government is
recognized by them, they allow this
German despot to choke the Govern
ment, or so throttle it that its mem
beers will be forced to act under his
will entirely and to obey him in all
respects.
The Germans expect the annexation
OF the Samoan islands to Germany
within two years, and freely say so.
When told of the hundreds of wrongs
suffered by the Americans and British,
they say: wait little. Annexation
to the Fatherland will fix it ALL"
The natives prefer the British and
Americans, and any day bloody con-
fiict may be precipitated.