WAR IN SAMOA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 9490, 20 April 1894, Page 3 (Supplement)

WAR IN SAMOA.

ORIGIN OP THE OUTBREAK.

THREE ENGAGEMENTS FOUGHT.

LOSS OF LIFE. GOVERNMENT TROOPS REPULSED. [FROM our own correspondent.] Apia, March 22. In my last two letter I stated that though actual hostilities had up to that time been averted, war was liable to break out at any moment. The general opinion here was that if nothing occurred to precipitate matters, the discontent which is chronic in Samoa would not assume an acute phase for some weeks at least,; pnd probably for some months. Something, however, did happen, and now the country is once more plunged into a fraticidal Btrife, the end of which is not yet to be seen, though some over sanguine individuals have hastily concluded that the war is practically over. CAUSES OF THE WAR. Many different reasons are assigned for the present trouble. Some "old hands" assert that it is the revival of an ancient quarrel between the Island of Savaii, and the district of Aana in Upolu. Others think that it has its origin in a desire on the part of young Tamasese to drive Malietoa Laupepa from the throne, and restore the Tupua dynasty. Others consider that the old Mataafa • party have fomented the strife, as one of the demands made is that Mataafa .and his fellow exiles at Jaluit should be brought back to Samoa. Still others assert bliaib the Aana people were much incensed at what they deem the unjust punishment of their most prominent chief a few weeks ago. It is roundly asserted that they were decoyed to Mulinuu, under the pretext of a safe conduct, it being understood that their differences with the Government were to be the subject of arbitration only. There is little doubt that, had it not been for this belief, they would nover have voluntarily submitted themselves. Bub when their own case against the Government failed, they were arraigned criminally and heavily punished by the Supreme Court. I understand that a petition was presented to the King, same little bimo ago, on behalf of the convicts. It seems that a number of them were fined, and sentenced to imprisonment until the fines were paid. It is claimed in their behalf that this sentence is bad in s>iw, as being indefinite. What was done with the petition I do nob know, but the prisoners have not been pardoned or released, and they are in constant fear lest, in revenge for losses sustained on the Government side, they should some day be massacred in their cells by their Savaii foes. I am inclined to believe that all things 1 have mentioned have contributed to tho present trouble, another element being the obnoxious polltax. Tho natives have contributed large sums to the Government, and they have all been swallowed up without their receiving a particle of benefit from the money paid by them. GOVERNMENT FORCES REPULSED. The first conflict took place at Sallemoa on Saturday, the 10th inst. A few weeks ago the attitude of Aana became so bellicose that the Government sent to Savaii for a number of its adherents. It is said that this step was approved by the King's European advisers, but it) is now seen that it was a mistake. The Savaii contingent arrived and took up its position at Sallemoa, the boundary between Aana and Tuam«saga districts, and ore charged with irritating the Aana people by making raids on tfceir plantations, and insulting and deriding them on every possible occasion. On the day in question a Savaii chief, accompanied by two boys, trespassed beyond the boundary line into the Aana district in search either of wood or fruit, and was shot at and killed, his head being taken as a trophy , according to ancient Saraoan custom. The boys managed to escape. This incident was naturally followed immediately by a skirmish, in which another Savaii man lost his life and his head. On tho other hand an Aana chief was wounded and captured by the Government forces, and 'after solemn deliberation his head was taken, and his arms hacked off. This, of course, was in direct violation of the ordinance recently passed at the instance of the Chief Justice forbidding the practice, but no one ever expected that any attention would be paid bo the measure, The Government forces retired with four wounded. There were five or six wounded on tha other side. GOVERNMENT FORCES AGAIN REPULSED. On the following Mondayanother encounter took place. A combined attack of the Tuamaaaga, Savaii, and Manono forces on the Aanu rebels had been arranged. They were to have been attacked from the sea and inland simultaneously, but the plan miscarried. A premature attack was made at Vasitoo by Savaii and Manono. Landing from their boats they found only a small force opposed to them. The rebels retreating inland the others hastily followed, to find that they wero led into an ambush. They were compelled to return to their boats, having lost four killed. Of these three were decapitated. A large number were wounded, eight of whom were brought to Apia and taken charge of by the London Mission Society. THE REBELS RKTIRE TO SAT APUALA. Early the next morning the rebels knowing that the Government forces were being massed in great strength round their position quietly retired to Satapuala, about 5 miles further down the coast, and distant about 20 miles from Apia. Here they erected several forts and awaited attack, In the meantime the portion of the district they had evacuated wAs being ravaged by the Government forces, houses being burned, plantations destroyed, and cocoanuts cut down. ANXIETY OF FOREIGN RESIDENTS. The reverses sustained by the Government created a very unoasy feeling in town. The district of Atua was nominally loyal, and had announced its intention of sending a force to guard the municipality, while the Vaimanga living round Apia, and upon whose fidelity the Government can absolutely rely, were to go to the front. The sincerity of Atua was greatly doubted, and by the advice of the Consuls, the Vaimauga were instructed bo romain at home. The Consuls then issued a proclamation forbidding any bodies of Sainoan warriors to pass through the municipality. The suspicions entertained concerning Atua wero justified two days later, when the district sent a formal message to the Government, stating its intention, to unite with Aanu. The Government WasTilso notified that Atua would Bend an armod contingent to Mulinuu to make certain demands, and if these were not complied with, an attack was to be made immediately, thus bringing the war into Apia. Ab the same time it was ascertained that that) Falealili had also declared against the Government. There was naturally very grave anxiety felb here. It is nob likely that any of the rebels, even if they entered Apia, would deliberately attack the white residents, bub some of them have Undoubtedly uttered threats in this direction, and the attitude generally of the natives towards Europeans is far different from what ib was in former years. For the first time on reoord they have during the conflict now going on shown a lack of respect for mission property, and the disaster at Vnilele in December, 1888, when the Germans were defeated, has had a lasting and most unfortunate effect. We are all very anxiously waiting for warships to come here. PARLEYING WITH ATUA. , It was felb that the attitude of Atua renderod the state of affairs very critical. Although, no direct attack on white people was feared, many believed thab if fighting took place in Apia there would ab least be a possibility of looting of hotels and stores, and if the natives obtained drink we might expect anything. The Consuls and the President therefore, evidently with a view to temporising, sent) a message to Atua requesting a postponement of their intended movements until they had interviewed them. This was agreed to, and the interview took place on Tuesday last. The Consuls proceeded to Lufi Lufi, and Atua promised never to fight against the Government any more, but to send a force againsb Aanu. . Not much reliance is 1 placed on the promise, bub if the effscb is only to create

a delay of two or three weeks till the men-of-war arrive here we shall all feel immensely relieved. THE REBELS DRIVEN BACK. When the meeting with Atua and the Consuls was arranged, it was understood that all hostilities were to be suspended bill the result of the interview was known. The Rev, S. J, Whitmee therefore took a letter to the front on Sunday lasb, containing the Government's directions and the Consul's wishes on this point. His mission was of no avail. He returned on Monday morning reporting that everything was ready for a fight that day, and that the Government forces were already advancing to the attack, In the evening ib was learned thab the rebels had been attacked, and bad been driven from two of their forts to their main fort, which they still held. The Government forces lost seven men, whose heads were taken, and 11 wounded. Eight rebel heads were secured, bub the number of wouuded is unknown. The Governmen wounded were brought to Atua, and there are now 22 lying in the London Mission Hospital, one of whom is fatally injured. On the following day the rebels were said to have evacuated their position at Satapuala, and some premature congratulations were exchanged on the apEarenb practical termination of the war, ut later intelligence is to the effect that the rebels are not only unbroken in spirit and undiminished in numbers, bub they have been materially strengthened by a contingent from Palauli, Savaii. I fully expect that more fighting will take place very shortly. SUPPLY OF AMMUNITION. The Government supply of ammunition is very small, and will soon be exhausted. There are no funds available for the purchase of a fresh supply. The rebels are apparently well furnished, and it is said tney have been able to purchase large quantities from white traders. This is a violation of the treaty, and has caused great indignation here. The Consuls, in view of possible contingencies in the municipality, have obtained from the foreign residents in Apia declarations as to the arms and ammunition in their possession. Later. THE SITUATION VERY CRITICAL. I have now authoritative information as to the present position, which is extremely critical, if not actually alarming. The Atua people have not given in their adhesion to the Government. On the contrary, they informed the Consuls that they intended to enter Apia, unless the Government withdraws its forces from Aanu and ceases fighting. The Consuls and President have endeavoured to persuade the Government to adopt this course but have not yet succeeded, as the Savaii contingent is eager to continue its ravages in Aanu, and the Government appears afraid to issue the necessary orders, as Savaii would probably be offended and renounce its allegiance. It is now definitely ascertained that the rebels have retired to Samatau and Falelatai, west of Mulifanua. They have placed their women and children on the island of Manono, and intend, if attacked again, to work round the southern side of Upolu eastward to Atua. A GERMAN STORE ENTERED. The rebels in retreating entered the store of the German firm at Mulifanua, and demanded ammunition. Captain Kruger, manager of the plantation, saw tbab resistance would be worse than useless, and reluctantly gave over whab little ammunition he had, about 100 rounds. The rebels did nob attempt to take anything else. Their behaviour was respectful, but firm. THE BRITISH FLAG INSULTED. The conduct of the Aanu rebels contrasts very favourably with the behaviour of the Savaii allies of tho Governmenb. Their lawlessless and license is unbounded. A half-caste trader named James Frost, a British subject had his live stock stolon, his own life threatened, the British flag which he had hoisted for protective purposes over his store at Fasitootai was torn down, and he was compelled to close his premises, and, for a time, discontinue business. These two incidents amply justify the anxiety which is now felt amontrsb the foreign residents here, and I am convinced that it is absolutely necessary for warships to be dispatched here immediately. Two of the wounded men in the London Mission Hospital have died. The Land Commission has been compelled to suspend its work owing to the war, as the Samoan objectors to lands claimed by foreigners are unable to attend, being under arms. THE GOVERNMENT YIELDS. Friday, March 23. The Government has yielded to the appeal of the Consuls, and consented to withdraw its forces from Aanu if tho rebels submit. No definite reply has yet come from the rebel camp, but ib is expected the overtures of the Government will be accepted. In the meantime a general suspension of hostilities has been agreed upon. Ib is not likely, however, thab even if peace be concluded ib will be of very long duration.