TWO TOWNS BURNED. Unexplained Action of Germany In West Africa.

Te Aroha News, Volume II, Issue 97, 11 April 1885, Page 5

TWO TOWNS BURNED. Unexplained Action of Germany In West Africa.

London, February 3.— Advices from the Cameroons country state that on December 18th two German men-of-war arrived at the mouth of the river, and onjfoe 20th the steamers Fan and Dualla, which belong to German firms, towed launches whioh contained 300 fully armed men up the river to Hickory. Upon reaching there, the German | troops opened fire upon the natives, who gathered and returned it. The Germans landed and set fir« to the villages. The chiefs at Fosstown, on the opposite side of the river, therefore seized Woermonn's factory, and threatened to kill Sub-Agent Pontanics if any of the Inhabitants of Fosstown were killed. The other German agents, evidently forwarned, had left Cameroons and joined the invaders. On hearing of the seizure of Pontanics, the boats attacked Fosstown, the natives returning the fire until the Germans landed. Many of the latter were killed. The Germans were obliged to retire, but being re-enforced, again charged and drove the natives from the town, Chief Calabar Joss being killed in the encounter. The natives beheaded Pontanics, carried his head through the town on a pole, and retired to the bush. The Germans set fire to the town. Hamilton's English factory was destroyed by shells, and the agent injured. Another factory waa damaged, and the agent compelled to take refuge upon a hulk in the river, narrowly escaping with his life. The Germans next day occupied Cameroons, A German treder searched all the English ships, ostensibly for two Fosstown chiefs who escaped in the bush. The German vessel Adler completed the destruction of Hickory. The Baptist mission station, erected at great cost, was destroyed by fire. The missionaries complain bitterly because they were not warned. Many women and children were killed. The number of natives killed is not known, as all the bodies were carried into the bush. The natives now trade only with the English. It is feared that the Germans, who accuse the English of using undue influence, will drive the English traders away. The action of the Germans in 'making an attack without declaring war and searching British ships in really neutral territory, Germany having annexed only the Fosstown side of tho river, is considered a flagrant violation of international law.