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Manifesto By the Consuls

Following the German proclamation of war and the incidents related in our last issue, the following was circulated by the Biitish and American Consuls :—: — " Whereas the Government of Germany has this day proclaimed Tamabe c c King ot fcamoa, "Now, therefore, we, the undersigned Repiesentuthes of the United State* of Ameiica and Great Britain, hereby gi\o notice that we, and our Governments, do not and never hav3 recognised Tamasese as King of Samoa, but continue as heietofoio to recognise Malietoa. "We advice all Samoans to submit quietly to what they cannot help, not to light., whatever the pro\ocation, but to iiwait peaceably the result of deliberations now in progios^, which alone can determine the future of Kamoa. " Hakoj/D Maksh Skwall, "Consul-General of the United States of Anoeiica, "W. H. Wilsov, "Biitish Pro-Consul. " Apia, Samoa, August 25th, 1887." The despatches foi warded by the Lily urged the High Commissioner to send an English war vessel to Samoa at once.

The Rival Kings of Samoa. Malietoa is a chief of the highest caste in Samoa. The name signifies " great warrior," and its present bearer is the descendant in direct line from the ancient chief who first obtained the high and honourable title for his bravery in wars against the Tongans. He is still a comparatively young man, bub the " cares of State " have been many and have left their marks upon his forehead, and his features wear a habitual expression of anxious deliberation. Ho was recognised as King of Samoa by England, Germany, and the United States, and, so far as is known, is still entitled to be looked upon in that capacity. His rival, Tamasese, who has been proclaimed King by the German Commodore, is not of such high caste, though., like Malietoa, he was a chief cjf standing and authority. By recent advices, the Germans had succeeded in bringing forward a third claimant to Samoan sovreignty, but his claims appeal 1 to have been dropped. These throe " Kings," so-called, no doubt represent the three districts into which the Island of Upolu used to be divided, each having its chief with the title of "TuL" Malietoa was ruler of the central part of the island, Tuamasaga, in which the town and port of Apia is Located, and nearly the whole of the European population being in his territory caused him to be look upon as of superior authority. In point of fact, however, his native following has always been in the minority. The result of foreign interference in Samoa was the creation of a " King " with supposed jurisdiction over all the islands, but Malietoa's authority was not recognised outside of Upolu, and even in that island his party was styled " rebels " by those who adhered to the ancient Samoan form of government — the federal rule of the chiefs, as administered by the two legislative bodies called the Taimua and Faipule. The idea of a king is foreign to Samoan ideas — the natives being strictly republican in their views, and the titles of chiefs not being hereditary, bub being bestowed by election of the governing body. Love of war has always distinguished the Samoans, and now, although Christianity and education are all-embracing, the natives find it difficult to give up their old pracj tices, Some fifteen years ago, the adherents of young Malietoa, being led to believe that his uncle — also a Malietoa — had formed a scheme to usurp the functions of chief, declared war; but young Malietoa, who has ever been prone to place himself under tho guidance of the missionaiies, withdrew into privacy for a time. The war was carried on for some years with varying results— the whole of the islands being dragged into the strife j and tho upshot

was the settlement effected by Sir Arthur Gordon, and the elevation of young Malietoa to the position of King. Aa showing the esteem in which Malietoa is held by the Sam oans generally, it is worthy of note that during >fcho war hi« person was held sacred and nd "atterc \)b was made to attack liim or make him prisoner. Tamasese claims to be the real owner of the land at Mulinuu Point, where King Malietoa had established the soat of his government. A portion of this" land had been acquired by an American named Ccc, v \,o sold ie to the German Plantation Company, and the latter erected a flagstaff" upon it, and hoisted the Imperial German ilag. This flag was a continual annoyance to the Malietoat party, and had latterly been removed by force— the flag of Samoa under that of the United States being affixed in its stead.

The American Consul Inter J viewed. A representative of the Star to day interviewed Mr Campbell, the American Consul for New Zealand, with referenec to the ttamoan affair, it being thought) that he might have received despatches from the United States Consul-General at Apia. Mr Campbell, who courteously received our reporter, stated that though he had expected advices none had come to-day. A comersation then took place leearding the American connection with Samoa and the conference that was to have been held in Washington in July last between representatives of dear; Biitnin, Ameiiea and Germany on Samoan attain. Mr Campbell s>aid that the policy of the; present administration of the United States was adverse to the annexation of outside tenitory, and America's fcolc interest in the Na-dgator Group was the maintenance of a coaling station there. This was secured to her by treaty many years ago, which, however, expiied by etlluxion of timo at the end oi last year, but was renewed. Mr Campbell, inieply to a question, said he had not yet received any communication from his Government rd.iti\e to the Washington Conference. This conference, as our readers are aware, met at the American capital in July la«t, Sir John Thurston representing Great Britain, Mr G. C. Bate 3 the United States and a German oflicial the German Gosciiiincnt.

H.M.S. Opal' 4 Destination. When H.M.S. Opal Mi Auckland the other day it was given out that her dcbtin.iticm was Samoa and thu New Hebrides. We have reason for believing that .she v.n-= bound for neither of these places, but that her bows uere pointed direct for Tonga. We .shall not be surprised to hear rlioi tly that the Friendly Wands have been taken under British protection.

Sending: News to Fiji. The schooner which brought the news of the German annexation to Fiji was the Lily, a vessel chartered by the Biiti^h Consul and residents of Samoa to convey despatches to the High Commissioner of the Pacific at Fiji. When she left Samn.i the gravest fears were entertained that* the followers of King Malietoa would foicibly resist the action of the Germans, and that bloodshed would follow. The Ueimans were reported to be doing everything in their power to enrage the naihes and the British and American Consuls wimo us«ing their utmost endeavours to induce them to submit to the inevitable until such time as a British war ves.se! arrh cd.

Permanent link to this item
Hononga pūmau ki tēnei tūemi

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/TAN18870917.2.33

Bibliographic details
Ngā taipitopito pukapuka

Te Aroha News, Volume V, Issue 220, 17 September 1887, Page 2

Word count
Tapeke kupu
1,177

Manifesto By the Consuls Te Aroha News, Volume V, Issue 220, 17 September 1887, Page 2

Manifesto By the Consuls Te Aroha News, Volume V, Issue 220, 17 September 1887, Page 2

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