The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1887. THE GERMANS AT SAMOA.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1668, 21 September 1887, Page 2

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1887. THE GERMANS AT SAMOA.

Although no intelligence has been received of any correspondence having taken place between the Governments , of England. America, and Germany it - is very evident, as further details come i to hand, that Germany's high handed i action at Samoa can not be allowed to 1 pass without remonstrance, if not something more on the part of the two ; first named nations. The American Consul was at the time of the occupation of the town by men from the German squadron, returning to his office from the far end ot the town he was stopped by the first guard, and after being detained for a short time, 'was allowed to proceed. He was, however, again stopped by the second guard, although he informed the officers present of his high official position. After some further delay the officers m question allowed him to proceed and apologised for having interfered with him. Their apologies were not accepted, and no doubt long ere this the Counsul has informed the authorities at Washington of the affiair. The wire yesterday informed our readers that among the houses burnt by the Germans at Samoa were a numter built on land which recently formed the subject of dispute between Maneama, and Messrs Mac/irthur and Company, and that thbse houses were owned and leased by British subjects. We were also made aware that preliminary notices and claims had been prepared for service on the German Consul-General m Australia, and the Commodoreat Samoa. Now, although the British Consul at Samoa has been instructed to remain neutral, we fancy that the British Government will not be more tardy m exacting subs antial compensation for injury done to the properly of British subjects m Samoa, than will the American Government m resenting the insnlt offered to tbe nations representative at Samoa. The further developments of this erabroglio will be awarded with interest by the colonies generally.