THE SAMOAN WAR.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1839, 10 January 1889, Page 3

THE SAMOAN WAR.

Auckland, January 7. The Star says the news from Samoa sounds the death knell of Samoan independence. It characterises as wildly absurd the captain of the Olga’s pacific mission, and adds “ Erom the whole history of German interference in Samoa there is only too good reason to conclude that the recent incident was deliberately planned by Germany, with a view to giving a pretext for their active participation in the war, 1 which was going decidedly against their puppet King, Tamasese. The captain of the Olga was but a tool of others more astute, and was led into sacrificing scores of brave fellows in an enterprise which those who connived at must have known could end only in disaster. Of course there will be diplomatic remonstrances, mild from England and energetic from America, but neither will, we fear, raise a little finger to save the devoted Samoans from their impending doom.” A semi-official German letter, published by the Star, says: whites and Samoans are anxious to know what will be the final results. The next movement must be a forward one. It is impossible to go back to the old state of things. The action already commenced by Germany must ie carried through to a successful termination.” Regarding future movements of the squadron now in Auckland, there is no change from the intended departure for the South on the 12tb. Admiral Fairfax received official intimation of German aggression in Samoa from Captain Hand, of H.M.S. Royalist, and forwarded the news by Gable to the Admiralty. The Royalist is to remain at Samoa to protect British interests until relieved.