COLONEL STEINBERGER.

Western Star, Issue 142, 27 May 1876, Page 6

COLONEL STEINBERGER.

This gentleman, whose name has been heard mentioned so often lately in connection with Samoa, was (says the Auckland Star) a passenger to this port by the City of San Francisco last night, and intends to remain here for some time, pending the settlement of his affairs. In response to a gentleman of our staff who waited on him this morning, the Colonel, who is a squarely built man of about 35, with a distinctively American type of countenance, made a statement to the following effect: —The interruption of cable communication with Wasliingfcan rendered his plans of action uncertain at present. Ho bad great grievances against certain persons which would be submitted to the proper tribunals; at present it would do no good to particularise. He believes that few people will entertain the opinion that the United States would give important documents, the disposal of a ship of wav, and presents to a large amount to a mere adventurer, The inhabitants of the various districts of Samoa at the time he was arrested all expressed the greatest sympathy for him, and their universal cry was that Captain Stevens should give them back their white man. Of Captain Stevens Colonel Steinberger declines to speak, but for the other officers of the Barraeouta ho expresses the highest esteem. He comes here with the fullest confidence in English justice, and he would submit his case to a British tribunal with just the same conviction of receiving fair play as if de appealed to the American authorities. He is much afraid that serious outbreaks are imminent in Samoa. At present he wishes us to suspend our judgment on his conduct. We have only heard one side, but the other side will come out in due time. In regard to the Peerless he states that he is convinced the title is not worth a rush, but he does not intend to interfere with her, at any rate till the great question is gone into, and poi’haps not at all. Upon one part of his story the Colonel speaks very bitterly, and that is the way in which he was arrested. He says he was seized by about 140 men, and depi'ivod of all his possessions and papers, leaving him only the clothes he stood in. Some sealed boxes he had among his effects which contained private letters, photographs, the marriage certificate of his late wife, and other private documents and relics he alleges were torn from him, put up at auction, and knocked down for a few cents to anyone who chose to buy. His parole was not taken on board the Barraeouta, but he was kept under guard for 63 days. Of course it would be premature to mate any comments on Colonel Sloinbergcr’s statements, scanty as they are. If he has been wronged we share his confidence that English justice will right him.