WAR IN SAMOA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9179, 8 October 1888, Page 11

WAR IN SAMOA.

FULL PARTICULARS.

ROUT OF TAMASESE'S MEN.

GREAT SLAUGHTER.

. ACTION OF THE GERMAN 3 AUTHORITIES. [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] Apia (Samoa), September 3. I Civil war has at last broken out in these i islands. One engagement has already taken ' place, and several have been killed and wounded on both sides. And now, while I . write, the forces are mustering from all directions, and a deadly struggle for supre- ; macy is now inevitable. The principal source of this rebellion against the present ■ German-Samoan Go- ! vernment was no doubt their brutal con- . duct towards Malietoa and his party about i twelve months ago, the heavy taxes imposed, and the restrictive and unjust laws 1 hat the people have been lately subjected to. This Government has never been popular with the great majority of the people, who have hitherto been prevented from openly rebelling by the threats of the former to call in the aid of German soldiers to repress ■ it. For some time past there has been a small party in Upolu who have refused to pay the heavy taxes imposed, and who openly took to the bush and defied tho Government. Several parties of armed men have been sent out from time to time to try and capture them, but were never successful in doing so. Lately this party in the bush have been gradually increasing in number, and the other day they had made all arrangements for an attack on Mulinuu, with the avowed intention of killing Taniasese and his principal advisers. This was frustrated by some traitor in their camp, who informed Tamaseso and his Government of the intended raid. The next night the Government scuta strong party into the bush to capture and disperse the rebels. Towards morning this . party came across a small outpost, of the rebels, and, it is stated, at once fired into ■ them. The fire was quickly returned, and kept up for some time, the result being several killed and wounded on both sides. The Government party then returned to Apia, and the rebels remained in the bush. Both sides claim a victory, but the advantage is decidedly on tho side of the insurgents, who had only about 40 men to about 500 on the Government side. The Government, instead of following up the so-called rebels, calls a halt, and sends word to all men in Samoa who are prepared to follow Tamasese to proceed at. once armed to Mulinuu, and all those who do not go there will be looked upon and proceeded against as rebels. The result is that at present they are mustering in all directions. The followers of Malietoa and many of the late followers of Tamasese, it is said, arc going to join the party in the bush, and the righting is to begin in earnest the day after to-morrow. The natives have got an impression, whether true or not, that the German man-of-war will not interfere so long as Germans and German property are not molested. This removes the fear that kept the Malietoa party from lighting long ago. Probably the greatest cause of dissatisfaction has been the attempt lately made by Tamaseseto obtain the name of Malietoa. He lias had bestowed upon him lately nearly all the royal names of consequence in the island, but all these count as nothing alongside the one name Malietoa ; hence the strenuous effort he and his advisers are i making to obtain it. It has been long known by those intimate with Malietoa's people that if Taniasese dared to assume the name of Malietoa they would break out at once in open rebellion. Tamasese has not yet assumed that name, but thereare strong indications that he intends doing so soon, and this is one reason why the Malietoa party have taken advantage of the ill-advised action of the present Government in provoking a war in the way they have done. Rebellion was sure to come sooner or later, because it was impossible the people could stand the heavy taxes that were being imposed upon them, and that for no apparent benefit to themselves, but for the purpose of supporting a lot of German officials in the Samoan Government. There are seven of these Germans running the Government, and doing so solely for their own benefit and that of the big German firm. September 17. Since writing my last the revolting party in Samoa have chosen a high chief, Mataafa, of the Malietoa family by the mother's side, as their king, and notified the foreign Consuls to that effect. They also prepared at once to fight the troops of the Taraasese Government. When they declared Mataafa Malietoa as their king their head-quarters were at a place called Patiula, about seven miles westward of Mulinuu, the present seat of government. The Tamasese or German-Samoan Government party had in the meantime strongly entrenched them selves in and around Apia, their strongest forts being at Matautu, within the township, and at Matafagatall, situated about one and a-half miles east of Apia. Before attacking the Taniasese troops, who were entrenched in and around Apia, Malietoa-Mataafa sent a notification to the three Consuls asking them if they wished a zone of neutral territory to be observed round Apia, and if so, to drive out the armed troops of Tamasese, and they on their part would strictly observe the neutral boundary agreed upon. The United States and British Consuls were anxious that this arrangement should be made in order to protect the lives and property of their respective subjects; but when the German Consul was interviewed on the matter, he stated that no neutral territory existed since the abolition of the convention (which secured municipal right and neutral territory to the inhabitants of all nations), and that he would not be a party to declaring any such territory during the present troubles. So on the shoulders of the German Consul and on him alone rests tho responsibility of subjecting the lives and property of peaceful citizens to the danger and inconvenience of a war carried on between two sections of an exasperated, and hitherto-considered barbarous people. After hearing that their overtures for neutral territory were rejected, and seeing that the Tamaseso troops were strongly entrenched in the immediate neighbourhood of Apia, they had no other alternative than to attack them in their forts. This they did on the 12th instant, at about one o'clock p.m. On the morning of tho 12th large num- j bers of Malietoa's men were seen wending their way round Apia, with the evident intention of attacking the fort held by the Tamasese men on Matautu Point, and at about one o'clock a terrific rattle of musketry showed that the combatants were at it in earnest. The Malietoa men wore a white band round their heads, and are no doubt composed of the flower of the youth of Samoa. Their attack was made in the most skilful manner, and in less than two

hours they hud turned the flank of their enemies, chased them out of their forts at Matautu into the sea, where many of them were shot before they could reach their boats or a place of safety. The skirmishing of the Malietoa soldiers, and the skill that was displayed in taking advantage of every bit of cover, and completely outmameuvering the enemy, was worthy the best trained soldiers in Europe. These men go into a deadly fight with a smile on the face, and. to all appearance, without a spark of fear in their hearts. During the conflict in Matautu, which was carried on along the seabeach and among the houses, great risk was run by the white residents in the immediate neighbourhood, as rifle bullets were flying in all directions. But Malietoa's party were especially careful to respect the persons and the houses of foreigners, and in no case was any intentional outrage committed. While tho fighting was taking place at Matautu, several boats put off from Mulinuu—Tamasese's headquarters—rilled with men to reinforce tho defenders of the forts. These boats came as far as the German muin-o'-war Adler, and after consulting apparently with the authorities there, made for the Matautu shore. A small detachment of Malietoa men saw them, and immediately threw themselves out in skirmishing order, and opened fire on the crowded boats. This fire was so well directed and effectual that the boats were soon compelled to retire to Mulinuu, where they came from. Before dark half of the Tamasese forts were captured, and the occupants driven on to the reef, where eventually they cob away in their boats. There still remained

in the Tamasese party's possession the Strong forts they had constructed at Matafagatill. About nine o'clock at night a terrific roll of musketry was heard, and it was surmised that Malietoa's people were then attacking that fort. The morn- ' ing's information showed that this was the case. It seems they attacked the forts, and, after a desperate resistance, completely routed the Tamase.se troop, who ' rushed to their boats and cleaved for their homes as fast as their paddles could take them. On the morning of the 12th the whole beach along from Apia to Matafagatill was ' swarming with Tamasese men. On the i morning of the 13th no one was there but I men who wore the white band of Malietoa. King Malietoa and his soldiers now occupy the ground formerly held by his enemies. L His victory is complete, and it is an overwhelming defeat for the Qerman-Tamasese party. The German Commissioner, in his official report to his Government on the position of affairs in Samoa, states that four-fifths of the populace 'are followers of Taniasese. No doubt this information was got from the German Consulate. British , and Americans maintained that the followers of Malietoa were by far the most numerous and powerful. Outsiders will now see who were telling the truth and who were spreading false reports. I pret siime the German Government expect that men whom they send on a high international mission will be supplied by their local authorities with reliable data upon which to base their reports and offer suggestions. Their Special Commissioner (Mr. Travers) information has been far from correct in this particular matter ; and if so, what reliance can bo placed on the other statements made ? The whole of Tamasese's people arc now shut up in Mulinuu. They have little foo, here, and less water, and must soon d 0 something to get out of the trap they are in. The German Consul, Becker, I understand, asked for and obtained an interview with Malietoa-Mataafa yesterday. He objected to any of the other Consuls being present; but so far as I can gather the gist of his proposals wero that as Malietoa-Mataafa was evidently the choice of the majority of the people of Samoa, he would recognise him as King only that lie could not do so until he communicated with his Government. . In the meantime he wished a neutral territory declared, excluding Mulinuu, in which no lighting would be allowed to take place. He would cause the Tamasese (lag to be lowered on the Mulinuu Point, and as there is a German fort there, put the German Hag up in its stead. Malietoa-Mataafa said he would consider the matter in conjunction with the other Consuls and then give his decision. The German Consul is anxious for a neutral territory now that their puppet King is beaten, but would not consent to it. before because a neutral territory would have compelled Taniasese to go out and tight away from the protection of German guns. The German Consul caused troops to be landed from the man-of-war ostensibly for the purpose of protecting German property, but during the whole time of the conflict the premises of the largo German, house of H. M. Kuge and Co. was left entirely unprotected, although right in the middle of the light. During all this time German troops were guarding Tamasese's tlag on Mulinuu, and the Adler had taken up a position and trained the whole of her battery on the same point. When Malietoa's party first collected at Faleulu, Brandeis, Tamasese's premier, notified them that, if they did not disperse and go to their homes the German man-of-war, assisted by his soldiers, would go round tho island and burn down all their villages. No notice was taken of this communication by the Malietoa party, and a few days after the German man-of-war started away from Apia with a largo number of Samoan boats in tow, with the avowed intention of burning down all the houses and other property they could find on the island of Monona, because they had declared for the Malietoa party. Although they knew perfectly well that all the Manona warriors were at the headquarters, Faleulu, they nevertheless went and fired shot and shell amongst defenceless women and children. After bombarding the place for a little while they then sent the Samoans to burn the place, aiftl then left for Apia. The Samoans were more humane, however, than their highly civilised German friends, for they refused to execute this barbarous order. They waited till the man-of-war was out of sight, and then quietly returned during the night to Mulunuu, living the whole honour to be derived from lighting with women and children to the soldiers of the great German nation. I hear that the captain of the U.S.S. Adams wrote a strong protest to the captain of the Adler, on behalf of the United States and humanity in general, against using a warship of a great nation for the purpose of shelling defenceless women and children. This protest has evidently prevented the Adler from repeating such cowardly acts, and Captain Leary, of the Adams, deserves the thanks of the whole community for the action he took in the matter. During the fight on the 13th, and since, the greatest attention has been paid to the wounded by the American and British residents. The doctor of the U.S.S. Adams has been unremitting in his attentions to the poor sufferers. There is a young English tourist here just now, a Mr. Smith, who has a good knowledge of surgery, and . who freely offered his services, which were accepted, and lie has proved an invaluable assistant during the whole affair. He is, I believe, perfectly independent in means, but, I hope some testimonial will be got up and presented to him in recognition of his valuable services. The majority of the people have now declared, for Malietoa-Mataafa, but there are still a few towns holding out. They have not definitely joined either side, but want to remain neutral until they see which proves themselves the stronger. It is most likely that after the complete defeat of Tamasese's forces these towns will declare themselves for Malietoa. If they don't, I understand the troops of the latter will attack them immediately. The Germans are looking anxiously for the coming of their licet, when they think matters will be put straight for them again. But so far as I see there is no use in trying to keep Tamasese on the throne of Samoa, for without the assistance of German troops lie will never be able to carry on his Government. Germany must cither annex or allow Samoa to be governed by a King who is the choice of the people. The British rosidents expect, nothing from the British Government. They send anew Consul who knows nothing about the situation, and of course send him with his hands completely tied. Our only hope of securing liberty and justice for these people rests on America. That Government has never acknowledged Tamaseso as even de facto King, and arc free to take an indepenpendent course. Let us hope that Uncle Sam will make a firm stand for humanity's sake.

ANOTHER ACCOUNT. We take the following additional particulars of tho encounter from the Samoa Times : — Mataafa's party are well supplied with really efficient rifles and ammunition. Their arrangements for war preparation seemed to be of a superior description. They erected forts of a formidable nature, which some of the men-of-war officers in harbour declared to he impregnable to attack from their present opponents. They also erected several small fortifications, but the fort of Faleulu was evidently intended to be their stronghold. Numbers were daily pouring in to increase their ranks, i ood was constantly sent for and received, their women being particularly active in procuring supplies. The strength of their fighting men may be fairly estimated at not under 4000 or 6000. They then notified their desire to fight the Government soldiers, and made no secret of the time they intended for the attack. Captain Leary, of the U.S.A. warship Adams, visited their stronghold, some four or five miles from the town, and seemed surprised at such a number of wellconducted men, their war arrangements in so short a time and under difficult circumstances being really good. He held a talk with their chief, who seemed determined to fight, and in fact told Captain Leary that they would die before they would give in to Tamasese. The action commenced by an attack on one of Tamasese's forts, the rifle roar being distinctly heard through the city, some of the bullets striking the vessels in the harbour, and it was reported that one of the crew of H.I.M.S. Adler was wounded in the mouth by an erratic bullet. Such a roll of musketry was never before heard in Samoa. It was really terrific. From the commencement of the attack—ten minutes to one o'clock—the firing was continuous until about two o'clock,

when there was a comparative lull, but at intervals, while storming other forts, the roar was as furious as ever. We have great pleasure iii stating that during the conllict not a single act of violence was committed. The lives and property of foreign residents were held sacred by the combatants; and, with the exception of the shooting of Captain Bissett, which was uncpiestionably accidental, no other mishap occurred. Indeed, the city is particularly quiet since the fight. We can give no information as to the actual number of dead and wounded. It will be some time before that is known'; but from what we can learn, some 50 men and two or three women would be about the number. We are informed that the proclaimed King, Mataafa, has sent a despatch to the German Consul or the Captain of H.I.M.S. Adler, asking them to remove the marines from Mulinuu Point, and also a request to haul down Tamasese's Hag, which is still flying at the Point. We have not heard what answer, if any, has been returned. The two war-ships in the harbour (German and American) maintained perfect neutrality during the conflict. The wounded who were brought in to Apia were attended by the surgeons of H.I.M.S. Adler, U.S.A. warship Adams, and Mr. Smith, a medical gentleman who is here on a visit. Their valuable services were willingly given, and many lives have probably Seen saved by them. We also noticed that the Brothers of the Catholic Mission were industrious in rendering all the assistance in their power to the poor sufferers. THE DEATH OF CAPTAIN BISSETT. A little before three o'clock, Captain Bissett, of the schooner Vindex, expressed a desire to go to the British Consulate, which is situate at the east end of Apia, and immediately in front of the position taken up by the war party. Mataafa's army were manoeuvring to cut off the Government soldiers; the firing on both sides was necessarily of a straggling character, the ground being of a scrubby nature ; the bullets were flying in all directions, some penetrating the dwelling houses of Mr. Carruthers, Mr. Chatfield, Mr. Smith (Harbourmaster), and others, all of which are within a few hundred yards of the British Consulate. When near the residence of Mr. Carruthers several shots passed close to where Captain Bissett and his companions were travelling. They hurried to the dwelling-house, and as soon as Captain Bissett placed his foot on the steps of Mr. Carruthers' verandah, he received a bullet in his temple, which passed out through his brain. He was seen to raise his hand to his head, and then fall on his back. His death must have been almost instantaneous. Mr. Bayorlen, one of the persons who accompanied Captain Bissett in his attempt to reach the Consulate, hastened to Apia to convey the intelligence of Captain Bissett's death. His other companion, Mr. Adam Main, with the assistance of Mr. Carruthers and Mr. Lawrence, conveyed the body under cover, and as quickly as possible procured a boat and carried the body to the schooner Vindex. which was at anchor some 400 or 500 yards off. The funeral of the late captain took place at half-past ten o'clock next morning, about 100 white residents of all nations, and about 50 half-castes attending. The burial services were conducted by the Rev. W. H. Wilson, in a most impressive manner. Captain Bissett was hold in great respect by the people of Samoa. He was of a most obliging disposition, ami well known in Fiji, where lie was some years master of the schooners Falcon and Albatross. There remains no doubt in the minds of the white population of the town that Captain Bissett met his death solely by accident. By which party the bullet was fired it is impossible to tell. THE ELECTION OF KING MATAAFA. The following is a copy of the letter sent to the consuls by the Samoan chiefs, announcing the election of Mataafa as king :— We, the Laumia and Taipuli chiefs and rulers of Samoa respectfully beg to notify your Excellency that we have this day, with the consent of a majority of the Samoan people, elected as our king i lana afioga Maleatoa Mataafa. Further, we wish to notify Your Excellency that it is the desire of all the Samoan people that Taniasese ceases to be King of Samoa; and Brandeis's connection with the Government also ceases from this date. After careful consideration we are determined to abide the action we have now taken to defend our right to elect what king we, the united people of Samoa, may choose to rule over us. We feel confident that peace and good order will be maintained in Samoa, and for our future guidance we wish to have the privilege of selecting three gentlemen representing the three great nations having commercial interests in Samoa to advise us in our endeavours to rule impartially and justly.