A.—2.

day, the Vossische Zeitung says it would be a mistake to attach no importance to the measures taken by President Cleveland merely because he will shortly be succeeded by General Harrison, and goes on to point out that in America the authority in foreign affairs rests with the Committee of the Senate, qn which sits Mr. Elaine, one of the most pronounced of annexation and Jingo politicians. It is therefore, adds the journal, scarcely expedient to appease the German public with fallacious illusions.

[Extract from the Times, Saturday, 26th January, 1889.] The Germans in the Pacific. Sin,— 24th January, 1889. t . Advices have been received by me yesterday from Boston, Massachusetts, United States, as follows : " Word comes to us (the American Board of Foreign Missions) by advices from Mikronesia that a German man-of-war has interfered at Butaritari, in the Gilbert Islands, seizing a native on the allegation that he interfered with the trade of Germany, and an announcement was made by the commander that the German flag would be hoisted on the Gilbert Islands. This occurred in October last." The Gilbert and Marshall Islands have for many years been the scene of the peaceful labours of the American missionaries. A short time ago a heavy fine was imposed upon the inhabitants of one island because they protested against the import of spirituous liquors into the island, against which, they had been warned by their religious teachers. The Germans may expect fresh trouble and complications from the game of " grab " which they have been playing in many remote parts of the world. Yours, The Editor of the Times. B. N. C.

No. 6. The Peemibk, Victoria, to the Peemiee, New Zealand. Federal Council. —The question of the Samoan difficulty has been discussed privately. Have you any special information which has not appeared in the Press ? What are your views ? Can we help by expressing opinion that in the interests of Australasia the independence of Samoa should be maintained ; and if necessary, insist that no foreign Power should be allowed to interfere with its freedom ? Hobart, 28th January, 1889. D. Gillies.

No. 7. The Peemiee, New Zealand, to the Peemihe, Victoria. We have no information respecting Samoa. We think it important in the interests of the Australasian Colonies that its independence should be maintained. Such a resolution passed by Federal Council would be desirable. 29thJanuary, 1889. H. A. Atkinson.

No. 8. The Agent-Genebal to the Pkejiier. Sir, — 7, Westminster Chambers, London, S.W., Bth February, 1889. I beg leave to enclose some further extracts from the Times in relation to the affairs of Samoa, and the action of the United States Government. It seems that Prince Bismarck has proposed to have a Conference at Berlin on the subject; but the answer of the President is not yet known. I have, &c, The Hon. the Premier, Wellington. F. D. Bell.

Enclosures. [Extract from the Times, Monday, 28th January, 1889.] The Samoan Question. Philadelphia, 26th January. American feeling on the Samoan question grows stronger every day. The Naval Committee of the House has invited suggestions from the Secretary of the Navy, the House being ready to vote ships, men, and money whenever it is asked. The Secretary is reported to be negotiating for the purchase of a large steamer now on the Pacific Ocean as a cruiser. 27th -January. The Secretary of the Navy, replying to an inquiry of Mr. Herbert, Chairman of the House. Naval Committee on the Samoan question, asking whether a further enlargement of supplies should be made, writes: "Until a decision is reached upon the Government policy regarding the independence of the Samoan group of islands no judgment can be formed upon the subject of possible expenditure. Up to the present time the department is not aware that we have had. any national policy upon the subject. Neither the Monroe doctrine nor any other expression of national policy is understood to apply to the islands of the Pacific. One by one they have been taken without interference from us. If there is to be no new departure affecting this group of islands I conceive that this department is quite 'able now to perform every dirty arising out of existing conditions. Unless there is a conflict between the policy of this Government and that of some other Power differences "will doubtless be harmonized and no extraordinary expenditures he called for. Having brought to the attention of the appropriate department the circumstances specially within the

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