The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-09-05

tanning of special privileges in Samoa for
the United States proved very notifying to
the German government, and were made
the subject of discussions by the foreign
minister and Prince Bismarck in the Reichs-
tag. They regarded the action Of the United
States in Samoa with much the same jeal-
ousy that they have shown in the Philip
pines, and from that time to the present the
German government has been trying to gain
political ascendency and control in the ISL
ands. AS Germany and Great Britain both
had commercial interests and some treaty
rights in the islands, their control became
matter of concern to all three of the gov
ernments, but that of Germany has shown
the most greed and aggressiveness of either.
President Cleveland. in his annual message
of 1886. said:
Civil perturbations in the Samoan islands
have during the past four years, been
source Of extreme embarrassment to three
governments, Germany Great Britain and
the United States. whose relations and
exua-terrltorial rights in that important sea
group are granted by treaties. The weak
ness OF the native administration and the
confiict of opposing interests in the islands
had Teu King MalietOa to seek alliance or
protection in some quarter, regardless of
the distinct requirement that no one of the
three treaty powers may acquire any per-
manent or exclusive interest. In May last
Malietoa offered to place Samoa under the
protection of the United States. ard the late
consul, without authority assumed to grant
1t. This proceeding was promptly disavowed
and the overzealous official recalled. Special
agents OF the three governments having
Deen deputed to examine the situation in
the islands. with a change in the represent
atives OF al the powers and a harmonious
prosperity of the autonomous administra-
ton and the neutrality of Samoa can hard
ly fail to be secured.
In spite of this arrangement Germany
continued to scheme for special advantages
in the islands. and on Sept s, 1886, it was
announced in the British House of Com
mons, by the secretary of the Foreign Of
flee, that the government had received ad-
vices that the Germans had deposed the
King of Samoa, and that the English and
American consuls at Apia had protested
against the action of the Germans AS a
matter of fact, Germany declared war
against King Maietoa, the German flag was
raised over the government house. martial
law was proclaimed. some native towns
were burned, and the King was for time
made prisoner. all in plain defiance of treaty
stipulations and against British and Amer
and warfare followed. when, in June 1889.
Germany, Great Britain and the United
States signed an act at Berlin guaranteeing
the neutrality of the islands, the citizens
of the three powers to have equal rights
and protection, the independence of the
Samoan government to be recognized and
the natives to choose their own King. A
supreme court was created to secura the
rights of foreigners. to consist of single
judge, called the chief justice, to be ap-
pointed in rotation as agreed by the three
powers. King Malietoa, who had been de-
posed by Germany, was reinstated by the
people. The mixed form of government thus
created has continued ever since. but it has
not worked smoothly nor satisfactorily in
any respect. Germany has continued to in
trigue for advantages. and there has been
much friction and more or less fighting
among the natives. The death of King
Malietoa will give new impetus to these in.
trigues and probably precipitate native
revolution Malietoa was a steady and loyal
friend of the United States According to
the terms of the treaty the chief justice,
now an American, should have the appoint
ing of new King, but probably his au-
thority will not be recognized. Americans
have considerable property interests in the
islands, but their chief interest is the har-
Dor of Pago-Pago. which is valuable as
coaling station. That has been ours by
treaty for many years and we should hold
it. With that exception we have no inter-
ests in the islands worth fighting over, ex-
cept that we cannot submit to be bullied by
Germany. The death of King Malietoa
may bring on new trouble with Germany,
or it may furnish the United States a good
opportunity to propose a partition of the
islands and thus put an end to the tri-
partte form of government, which is not
at all satisfactory.