GERMANY AND SAMOA.

Samoa Times and South Sea Gazette, Volume 2, Issue 77, 26 April 1879, Page 3

GERMANY AND SAMOA.

The Pall Mall Gazette points to an article in the German Gazette as one that should be read in connexion with lucent news from the South Pacific. According to the Berlin journal, the German Government wishes to come to some arrangement with England with regard to the interest of both countries in Samoa. The Gormans have, it appears, determined upon taking a high hand with the Samoan Government, anil insisting that a treaty of commerce should bo concluded willi them on the basis of the most favoured nation. They propose now that wo should make common cause with them on the same footing. This has, no doubt, been suggested by the Treaty which is stated to nave been entered into between Samoa and the United States, whereby the Americans obtain special privileges, and gain, moreover, the right to establish a coaling and naval station at the harbour of l'angoPango. By way of ascertaining their claim to similar consideration, the German! are stated to have occupied two other harbours. Now certainly the Germans and ourselves have more interest in Samoa than the Americans ; and the Germans in particular made tho South Sea trade a specialty long before our merchants thought of giving ueiy continuous attention to it. f here is, therefore, every reason why we should consider the matter, together. The Saiuoau group in itself is of very little value ; but that is no reason why here, as well as in the Sandwich Islands, we should permit the United States to have exceptional advantages. Islands which lie almost in the track of any considerable trade that may spring up between Australia and New Zealand and North America should not be overlooked at tho present time.. Tho Berlin Official Gazette says : The French newspapers publish intelligence that the German Government has taken possession of tho Sumuan Island, and intends converting them into a Geruum colony. It has been repeatedly doulnred iu an authorita(ive manner that Germany does not contemplate acquiring or founding Transatlantic colonies. In regard to thoKunioan one--! ion, the North German Gazette of the 10th November gavo a complete explanation of the state of affairs, showing that in tho South Sou Islands tho Gerunui

floTiii nnwnl Ims no othwt object hi via* than that •>! MotMtisi Umtreaty rights of subjects »l ilif OenMß Empire who have M-ltlcl in Sannm, ami tin? peOOSahle development of daman emmrM The present crisis in tin- B*mooii Islands will, ot' course, ba settled by tin-1 tarornmeut of the country determining to sonoluda with the static iateraeted a treaty which will gnat and guarantee to them ami Germany the already promised ignition injoyiil uuder tlii? most favoured nation clause.