The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-01-21

walls there Nowhere else in the world is
there such an odd mixture of civilized and
semi-civilized rule, of tribal and interna-
tional relations as there is in those islands.
The interest of the United States in the ISL
ands began in the year 1872. when Commo-
dore Meade u. S. N, made a treaty with
the chief Of the principal island, by which
the port of Pago-Pago was given up to the
Americans on condition that a friendly
alliance be made between that island and
the United States. In sending this treaty
to the Senate in 1872 President Grant said:
The advantages of the concessions which
II processes to make are so great in view
of the advantageous position of PagO-Pago
as a coaling station for steamers between
San Francisco and Australia, that | should
not hesitate to recommend it's adoption but
for the obligation of protection on the part
of the United States, which it seems to i'm
ply.
This obligation of protection was modified
by the Senate and the treaty was then rati-
fed. In accordance with this treaty Presi-
dent Hayes sent a naval vessel to the ISL
ands Ito make surveys and to take pos
session of the privileges conceded to the
United States by Samoa in the harbor of
Pago-Pago" United States coaling sta
ton was also established there. This treaty
gave the United States priority of rights
in Samoa, and we have never reinquished
the harbor of Pago-Pago, which the Lon
don Times says is "incomparably the SAT-
est in the entire Pacific" and the possess
sion of which when the Nicaraguan canal
is completed, will become a worldwide
question" Germany already had con-
siderable interests in the islands,
and the acquisition of Pago-Pago
harbor by the United States aroused
her jealousy. In 1879 Germany OBJ
tanned treaty with the Samoans. securing
certain privileges, and soon afterwards Great
Britain and the United States made similar
treaties From that time to the pres
ext there has been more or less dis
turbance there, owing mainly to re-
peated efforts by Germany to get
supreme control. These efforts have
been thwarted, sometimes by the ma
tives, and sometimes by the British
or United States consuls, but they have been
renewed at every favorable opportunity. In
1886 they came very near succeeding, through
and a native claimant to the throne but
the United States consul at Apia raised the
American flag over the Samoan flag. on the
same staff, and declared a temporary pro-
tectorate over the islands by the United
States The action of the consul led to fur
Their negotiations and a temporary settle
ment, but it was disapproved by the State
n. ~ ono1lQ G
for having overstepped the limits of his
functions in declaring an American protec-
torate in the islands without authority from
the United States government.
In June, 1889, plenipotentiaries of the
United States, Great Britain and Germany
met at Berlin and agreed on a joint pro-
tectorate for the islands, by. which the in
dependence of the native Samoan govern
ment was recognized and the Samoans were
secured in their right to elect a king and
govern themselves according to their native
laws and customs. A Supreme Court was
created to secure the rights of foreigners.
This court consists of a single judge, called
the chief Justice who is appointed by agree
ment among the three powers, and who is
and a German. The present chief justice
is an American. William L. Chambers, for
merly United States land commissioner to
Samoa, who was appointed in the last days
of the Cleveland administration. Having
been appointed by the joint action of the
American, British and German consuls his
title to the office under the Berlin agree
I'D; nd off nf
German official, who claimed to be chief
justice, was totally unauthorized His at
tempt to pose as the Supreme Court was
revolutionary. As has happened several
times before, he was thwarted by the Brit
ish and American consuls
The main point of interest in the matter
for the United States is the possession of
the harbor of Pago-Pago. That harbor IS
ours, secured after years of exertion and
expense, and for nearly twenty years occu-
pied as a naval station. In 1889 Congress APP
propriated "for the execution of the obliga-
tons and the protection of the interests OF
the United States existing under the treaty
between the United States and the govern
ment of the Samoan islands, 100000, and
for the survey, improvement and occupation
of the bay and harbor of Pago-Pago and
for the construction of the necessary
wharves and buildings for such occupation
and for a coaling station therein $1OO,OOO."
1t will be seen, therefore, that we have
real. substantial interests in Samoa. In a
naval, as well as a commercial point of view,
the harbor of Pago-Pago is of great value,
and we must not allow ourselves to be bull
lied or cheated out of it. The present form
of government in Samoa is very unsatisfac-
tory and productive of friction, but what
ever change may be made. the United States
should hold on to Pago-Pago and unite with
Great Britain in preventing Germany from
seizing the entire group of islands British
and American interests together in Samoa
greatly outweigh German interests, and
whatever form of government may be
adopted the English-speaking nations should
stand together for their joint interests. Our
trade with Samoa is considerable and in
creasing, and there are number of Amer
lean residents there who must be protected.
WISE DEMOCRAT.
A Democratic member of the House. on