The Samoan Troubles.

Samoa Times and South Sea Advertiser, Volume I, Issue 23, 23 March 1889, Page 3

The Samoan Troubles.

(From the Auckland firming Star, February 15// i.) Sir George Grey, true to his humane instincts and statesmanlike breadth of view, took occasion at tho Presbyterian Assembly's eonversnziono last night to utter an eloquent appeal for justice to King Malietoa, of Samoa, who has been forcibly deported by the Germans. In the course of-negotiations with the United States Government, the Germnn Minister has expressed surprise that America should propose the observance of a truce in Samoa before Mataafa has evacuated German property. We fancy that Mr. Bayard must have expressed even greater " surprise" at Germany proposing a return to tho »taiui gao Ante bellum without stipulating for the reinstatement of Malietoa in the position from which ho was so arbitrarily removed. Apparently the modut\ vitendi agreed upoa so far by Germany and tho United States is baaed upon tho recall of Herr Brandon;, Tamasose's Premier, by the former Power, and the withdrawal of Consul So wall by the latter. A hitch has been caused by the refusal of Mr. Sewall to resign hia po»t--a ooarte In which be will graeAhiAjrfpdlejrW^piottaJm^

-t I 1 ; tfj iflU&Jtlg n fatfa I a proclamation were issued, the »J -S.uuouus under Mataafa would pro- ', bal»ly disband and return to their homes, thus facilitating thcrcstora- , lion of. permanent tranquUity ; but , under the worrying process to which j they are l»tiing subjected, and the | necessity of finding supplies, they : may be goaded on into assuming the offensive, nn<l inflicting further reverses on the German forces. The necessary provocation may be supplied by the arrest of ft Samoan on the charm of setting lire to tho , German <! insulate, or by outrages on the part of Taumscse's followers, before the latter are finally converted into loyal Samoans hy tho news that Brandcis is to be withl drawn. A rising in the island of j'Tutuila is now feared, and this ! would probably lead to more active ; interference by the United States j Government, on account of their interests there.

The views of Sir George Grey j with regard to the future control of I Samoa and the Pacific Islands generally, as set forth in his address ; last night, may not meet the re- ' quirementa of practical politicians. hut they are marked by breadth of ! view and sympathy, and deserve to receive careful consideration in high quarters. Tho European , Powers have, we fear, gone too far i to permit of Australia or New Zea-

land proclaiming a Monroe doctrine in the South Pacific and saying that no further annexation should take place. Still, the success of the protest, against the seizure of the New Hebrides by France ought to inspire colonists with hope and confidence in their power to direct the future destiny of the many smiling isles and in the adjacent seas. They ought assuredly to show their warm appreciation of the efforts of the United States Government to preserve the independence of Samoa and secure justice to her people. These ends attained, the larger question would not bo so difficult to tackle.