Evening star., 1927-08-14
Fifty Years Ago
In The Star

Fifty years ago report reached
this country that the American flag
had been hoisted in Samoa
samoan in token of the sover
Islands. eighty of this country
A'AooS' over those islands. This
was not true. though steps had been
taken toward n closer relationship
which later developed into the assign
ment of one of the islands to the
United States in protectorate. The
Star of August 10, 1877, says:
Although our Government has re-
ceived no official advices on the sub
ject there Is reason to believe that
there is some truth in the report that
the American flag has been hoisted at
Samoa and allegiance rendered to the
United States. Commodore Wilkes of
the United States Navy surveyed the
islands in 1889 and by arrangements
with the native chiefs took the harbor
of Pango Pango, one Of the safest and
best harbors in the Pacific, under the
protection of this country. In 1876
President Grant sent a special agent
named A. B. Steinburger to the
islands, who represented that the
chiefs were desirous that the whole
group should be protected by the
United States. but in 1875 a native
KING was PI6CLoQ ana SCelnDurSGr De-
came his prime minister.
"The annexation of these islands to
the United States might be very de-
sirable in a commercial point Of view.
since the valley lands are said to be
remarkably fertile and adapted to the
culture of tobacco, cotton, sugar and
fruits Of various kinds. The timber
10 AlN0 said to be very valuable. If
the question of annexation comes up
we may expect to hear the politicians
inquiring how the natives will vote
at elections and how political repre-
sentation in Congress will be affected
thereby"
Some time after the Custer mas
sacre Sitting Bull and his braves fled
Sitting Bull of reach of the aveng. M
in Canada ing forces of the United
III 0"Ao' States. The Star of
August II, 1877. has the following
about the problem that resulted
Our Canadian friends are restive |
owing to the presence of Sitting Bul:
and his band, who have squatted |
within their territory and whose |
future movements and acts are a !
matter of conjecture. Sitting Bull !
brought with him over the border |
rather an unsavory reputation and, |
according to a late report. his war |
riors make no secret of their intention !
to return to the Yellowstone Valley |
after they have recuperated and re- J
new their war against the whites. |
The trouble seems to be that there |
Is no treaty stipulation which pro- |,
hibits the Indians from either side |
crossing the border at will. and con. |
moral suasion is the only |
means that can be employed to effect |
the removal of Sitting Bull from his |
present camping ground. Gen. Sher- /
man Is represented as saying that he |
thinks the Canadian government will |
be responsible for depredations which |
they may commit IL they effect a |
1odgment on British terri |
tory and make raids across the border,
which is rather rough on the Cana. |
dians, considering that Sitting Bull |
and his band are unwelcome guests. |
The Commissioner of Indian Affairs |
looks upon the presence of these |
Indians just over the boundary line /
as standing menace, and perhaps 1t |
Is best, In justice to our Canadian |
with whom we are on
friendly terms, that a commission be |
sent out to induce them to return to I
their reservation - the United States"