Fighting at Samoa

Feilding Star, Volume X, Issue 48, 29 September 1888, Page 2

Fighting at Samoa

AN ENGLISHMAN KILLED. By Electrio Telegraph!— Copyright (PER UNITED PBEBS ASSOCIATION.) Stdnkt, September 27. Arrived — Lubeck, from Samoa, where she left on the 15th instant. Latest files to hand show that hard fighting has taken place between the adherents of Malietoa, the deposed king of Samoa, and those of Tamasese. The latter have suffered an overwhelming defeat, and Apia has been occupied by the opposing force, who have elected Mataafa King of Samoa. During the night of the 12th Mataafa made an attack on one of the most strongly fortified positions of Tamasese, which he captured.' The defenders of the fort made a plucky resistance, and it in computed they lost 50 or 60 men in the engagement. Captain Bissett, of the schooner Vindex, while proceeding to the British Consulate, was struck in the head by a stray bullet and killed instantaneously. An attack ou Mulinuu Point by the followers of Mataafa is believed to be imminent. When the Lubeck left five German warships were expected daily at Apia. When the Lubeck left Apia affairs there were quieting down, but fighting was still going on inland. The German authorities have taken no part in the disturbance beyond protecting the property of the German residents. Many private houses were riddled with bullets. It is estimated that the casualties ou the Government side were 90 killed and wounded. The latter are being attended to by the surgeons from the German and American warships. September 28. Further details of the Samoan civil war show that both parties are well armed with needle guns and Sniders, and that each man is equipped with from 300 to 400 rounds of ammunition. The adherents of Malietoa num - ber 5000, and are camped at Upolu. After the attacks on the Government soldiers on the nights of the 12th and 14th, Mataafa, the king elect, was annointed under the title of Malietoa 11. A strong feeling prevails that Germany will eventually annex Samoa, unless America steps in and offers protection to the country.