SAMOAN AFFAIRS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1453, 11 February 1885, Page 3

SAMOAN AFFAIRS.

Auckland, Yesterday. Samoan advices dated January 23 .'d state that S tuber t, the German Consul

has issued the following proclamation ; “ Be it known unto all Samoans that for a long time past the Government of King Maheto has done that which produces bad feeling and disrespect towards the German Government, and has repeatedly broken the agreement between the German and Samoan Governments. In this account I have thought fit to take steps

for the protection of the persons and property of Germans, and consider it proper to take possession of (Foamua) town and district of Apia and the harbor of Apia and to hold Mahitoa for the German Government. In proof of which the flig of the Em'peror of Germany Has been hoisted at Mahua to declare that the German Government only has at this time has authority in the places before mentioned. Samoans, I state distinctly to you that only the land called the Eleeresa (neutral territory) has been taken possession of, and that no other part of Samoa has been taken possession of. It is well for you to know that what has been done has not been done in un-

kindness to Samoa. The German Government is desirous that the Samoan Government should be strong and continue friendly towards the German Government. After the present difficulties have been removed the land at present taken possession of will be given up again (tarantsra). I request you not to be anxious but to put confidence in the German Government and in me, in which case Samoa will prosper." The English and American Consuls at once issusd the following protest—“ We, Consuls of the United States and Great Britain, do hereby make known that we will insist upon the rights of convention being observed, and deprecate force being used. (Signed) —T. Oanissus, United States Consul; W, Churchward, Consul for Great Britain."