SAMOAN TROUBLES.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume I, Issue 40, 13 September 1887, Page 2

SAMOAN TROUBLES.

GERMAN EXCUSES. London, Sept. 12. In an article on the Samoan qu< stion the North German Gazette declares as an excuse tor the Commodore’s action, that King Malietoa insulted the Emperor WiUiam and ill-treated a number of Germans at Apia. It adds that a large majority of the Samoans have long recognised Tamasee as King. Auckund, last night. Further details of the Samoan embroglio alate that the Germans have been carrying on high-handed proceedings ftr some time past. After the arrival of the German equadron at Apia, on the 18th August, they landed an armed party opposite the Samoan Govern ment House, ostensibly for gun practice, bu n reality to try and goad the natives to some act which would give the Germane pretext to make some reprisals, and dther take possession or place Tamatee at the head of affairs A row which occurred on the birthday of the German Emperor afforded an opportunity for German interference. 700 men were landed from the war vessels. They took possession >f the Samoan Government house, and broke into several iioutes. The German flag having been hoisted, a lo.ee ol 400 men, with bayonets fixed, nareh-d through the town. A massacre is f. ared, and tha choouer Lily, which arrived in Suva, woe despatched by the Eug.ish and American residents cf Samoa at the cost o 1 OOdols, to secure a man-of war.-