Evening Post. FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 1889).

Evening Post, Volume XXXVII, Issue 15, 18 January 1889, Page 2

Evening Post. FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 1889).

SAMOA. -♦- Samoa n affairs are assuming a very grave aspect indeed, and America and England appear to hive both i n some degree awakened to an appreciation of the serious issues involved, and of Germany's most unfair and aggressive action. The attitude of America is the most decided, and it is apparent that a determination exists at Washington that Germany Bhall not be allowed to annex Samoa, or even establish a protectorate over it. The despatch of Admiral Kirn to Samoa shows that the Government i- in earnest, and we are exceedingly glad to find that H M.S. Calliopo is also to be sent to Samoa without delay, as her Commander, Captain Kane, is not only a distinguished naval officer, but also an experienced diplomatist. Hg may bo thoroughly trusted to look aftor English interests in tho_ Islinds, aDd, in conjunction with tho Admiral, to counteract the ambitious and Tinjuat designs of Germany. If the result be, as is not improbable, to establish the complete independence of Samoa under the joint and co-ordinate protection of tho three Powers and a Sovereign elected by and acceptable to the native people, poor Malietoa'B sufferings will not have been unproductive of good. For Germany to characterise the present disturbances in Samoa as rebellion is, however, the very height of impudence. By an act of deliberate illegality and treachery, Qormany deposed the Uwful Sovereign of Samoa and deported him to the Cameroons. It did this in defiance of its treaty obligations both towardß the natives and towards England and America, and against the earnest protests and remonstrances of the representatives of tho latter Powera. It is entirely due to Germany's own tyrannical and unjust action that all the recent trouble in _ Samoa is due, and no one can sympathise with the Government of Germany in the check it has experienced, however we may pity those who have suffered while performing the duties imposed upon them. It was not, of course, for the German officers and men who were exposed to and suffered from the native fire in the recent encounter, to reason why. As soldiers their duty was to do or die, and with tho usual bravery of their race they performed it. That so many should have fallen in bo bad a cause is naturally a matter for personal regret, but that German ambition received a well-deserved check is equally a matter for public congratulation. We hope that tho active interposition of America and England will now result in the restoration of peace on a secure and permanent basis. There are, however, some elomonts of danger oven yet in the position, and the course of events during the next few months will bo watched with considerable anxiety as well as interest.