The Samoan Complication. PRESIDENT CLEVELAND ON THE DIFFICULTY.

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

The Samoan Complication. PRESIDENT CLEVELAND ON THE DIFFICULTY.

ADMIRAL KIMBERLEY'S INSTRUCTIONS. BAYARD TO BISMARCK, GREETING. LATEST REPORT OF THE SITUATION. [united press association.] Wabhington, 16th January. President Cleveland has addressed a message to Congress in relation to the dispute between the United States Government and Germany on the Samoan question. The message sets forth that while Germany prof esses to have no intention or desire to overturn the native Government of Samoa, or to ignore her troity obligations, her actions in Samoa indicate a desire to obtain a preponderenoe of power in that country which is quite inconsistent with the existing agreements between the United States and the European Powers. The message further refers to the treatment received by the Samoan natives at the hands of the German officials and residents of Samoa, a treatment which certainly gives colour to the suspicion that Germany is not content to occupy a merely neutral position in Samoa. Admiral Kimberley, who is under orders to proceed to Samoa with the U.S. corvette Triton, has been instructed to afford all possible protection in his power to the Americans residing at Samoa and their property, and to report at once if in his opinion the German officials are acting with impartiality in their dealings with the natives. The Admiral is also instructed to protest against the overthrow of the native government at Samoa. Mr. Bayard, U.S. Secretary of State, has informed Count Herbert Bismarck that he has no knowledge of the proceedings of Mr. Klein, one of the Americans who is accused by Germany with instigating the rebellion m Samoa, and that if there is any truth in the statement, Mr. Klein is acting without authority. Mr. Bayard adds that the American officials in Samoa have been instructed to observe strict neutrality in dealing with native affairs. He suggests that the present time is opportune for the Samoan s to eleot a king, in accordance with the agreement arrived at at the Washington Conference on the Samoan question, and Bays that bis Government will be willing to co-operate with Germany and Great Britain to restore order in Samoa, on the basis of a Samoan independence. Sydney, 17th January. Arrived — S.S. Lubeck, from Samoa. She reports that no further fighting has taken place. Lieutenant Spingel, who was wounded in the recent fight, has succumbed to his injuries. Mataafa has taken up a new position, and is strongly fortifying his camp. It is reported that his troops have committed extensive depredations on the cultivations of the residents in the vicinity, to provide food snpplies for the camp. Tamasese is quietly recruiting. The Rhipments of ammunition which have come to hand were eagerly purchased by both Bides. Numbers of the natives are mortgaging their lands in order to proenre fighting material.