The Temuka Leader THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1889. THE SAMOAN QUESTION.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1850, 7 February 1889, Page 2

The Temuka Leader THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1889. THE SAMOAN QUESTION.

The Samoan question is assuming an importance out of all proportion to the interests involved, and may yet lead to very serious complications. Indeed, the action of Gfermany so far has given England and America sufficient grounds for a quarrel, but, notwithstanding this, it is to be hoped that it will not result in a triangular war. Such a war would be a very serious matter, and it would cost more in money, without taking into consideration its other evil effects, than would be sufficient to buy out Samoa altogether. The three Powers involved are rich in all that is necessary to maintain a fierce war — they have men and money—and if the disagreement leads to strife they will doubtless fight to the bitter end. The prospect of such an event occurring in such close proximity to our own shores is not altogether cheering. There is nothing in it to rejoice at, and consequently we hope that war will be averted, and the whole question settled by peaceable arbitration. At present, however, the outlook is not promising. Germany has proclaimed msrtial law in Samoa, fcha has suppressed the only newspaper published in the country (which is the property of an American), arrested an Englishman, and searched English vessels, with the view of preventing arms and ammunition being conveyed to the army of Mataafa, who is opposed to German interests. Thus Germany has actually committed an outrage on both American and English subjects, and if these Powers conform with the traditions of international etiquette they will require a full explanation of all this, and insist on the wrongs inflicted on their subjects being righted. It is only a few years ago since Germany acted with almost equal violence in Samoa, and after all nothing came of it. The dispute was settled amicably then, but at ; that time America took very little interest in the affair, and consequently it was only natural that England should think three times before making a matter of such insignificance the subject of a war with perhaps the most powerful nation in Europe, . The position is now reversed. Erom all accounts, America is at present disposed to assert her rights, and maintain them at any cost, but England seems to look upon the affair with complaisance—in fact, Americans accuse Lord Salisbury of being in league with. Prince Bismarck We may say that we do not believe this. There is no reason why England should connive at the supremacy of Germany in Samoa; on the contrary, there is every reason why she should be anxious to prevent Germany getting a footing in the Southern Hemisphere. It is, therefore, very unlikely that England will tolerate the arrogance of Germany with regard to Samoa much longer. The present is only one of many outrages of which Germany’s representatives in Samoa have been guilty; they have broken treaty after treaty, and agreement after agreement, and if they are allowed to continue) virtual, if not actual, dictators in the country we shall indeed be surprised. The original compact was that England, Germany, and America should hold equal power in Samoa; that the country should be governed by a King and Native Parliament, and that the interests of the subjects of the three Powers should be respected. This compact has been broken by Germany before now, and the offence has been condoned, but it is not at all likely she will be allowed to repeat the offence with impunity. What Germany wants is to gain a preponderance of power in these islands that will enable her to exclude others, and in the end secure the islands altogether. England and America cannot allow her to do that; they have a community of interest in preventing it. Samoa lies on the high road between San Francisco and New Zealand, and it would be very disadvantageous to either of them that another t Power should occupy the position. The proposed lino of cable will, if laid, pass through Samoa, and

this is another reason why the Powers named should object to Germany obtaining supreme power _ there. England has greater interests involved than auy o£ the other Powers, for, in addition to other considerations, she has to consult the wishes of the Australian colonies, and, of course, they are strongly opposed to any other Power securing a footing anywhere south of the equator. The actual interest involved is very small at present to make the matter the subject of such a terrible war as it would prove should war result, but if Germany insists on a continuance of her high-handed and arrogant policy it must lead to war sooner or later. Germany is the cause of all the strife that has taken placed in Samoa. King Malietoa was a kind and generous ruler, and had the interests of his people thoroughly at heart. The Germans wanted to buy up all the land, but he would not allow them to acquire more than a certain portion of it"; consequently they deposed him, and placed Tatnasese on the throne. Tamasese was willing to sell the -land to them as fast as they wanted it, but the people refused to do so, and hence the the rebellion against Tamasese’s authority. This is the cause of all the trouble, and we are much mistaken if it does not lead to the discomfiture of Germany ultimately. If she provokes John Bull and Uncle Sam to fight, she will regret it.