THE SAMOAN TROUBLE.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXVII, Issue 14, 6 April 1899, Page 6

THE SAMOAN TROUBLE.

Berlix newspapers deny the statement that Prince Houenlohe, the Imperial Chancellor, has abandoned the support of Mataafa. They accuse Mr. Chamberlain of underrating the preponderance of German interests in Samoa.

The Amerioan Government has assured Germany that Rearadmiral Krantz, who is in command of the cruiser Philadelphia in Samoan waters, will act only, if an emergency arises, in accordance with the decision of the majority of the officials representing the Treaty Powers in Samoa.

A London cable, of Saturday last, reports that Great Britain and America are inclined to accept Germany's proposals to appoint a joint high commission to investigate and settle everything in connection with Samoa, with King Oscar of Sweden as umpire.

A Press message from Auckland, under date April 1 , stated that Major Murray, in command of the volunteers then in camp, had offered the services of the Auckland battalion for Samoa. The Government steamer Tutanekai was being held in readiness at Auckland to convey despatches to Samoa, and, if the above offer was aocepted would take the force down.

A message received from Auckland on Monday, was to the effect that 11.M.5. Mildura and Tutanekai were both ready to proceed to Samoa with volunteers, but so far the necessary instructions had not arrived from the Imperial Government. In the meantime there was a good deal of excitement in the volunteer camp and in town.

The Zealandia Rifles, Wellington, and East and West Coas' battalions, have offered a contingent for Samoa, and Colonel NcwaL has offered the services of the cavalry.

The iYt w Zealand Time-, condemns the Jingoistic spirit exhibited in the eagerness of certain volunteers to kill naked, detenceless Samoans, who have been driven into their present attitude by the criminal intrigues of civilised Powers, and condemns as atrocious the proposal to send Maoris to fight men of their own race. The paper declares that the offer from New Zealand is a piece of \iiin pretence, and that the element of militarism is inimical to the welfare of democracy.

Major-General French, Commandant of the New South Wales forces, questioned with reference to New Zealand's offer of aid at Samoa, said he felt sure many New South Wales troops would volunteer if needed. He considered a field force would be of great assistance, as the sailors were too weak in number to do work in addition to their other duties.

Some of the English newspapers express their warm approval o: New Zealand's patriotism in offering troopa for Samoa.

The Otago Mounted Rifles have also intimated to the Govern ment their willingness to proceed to Samoa.

Up to a late hour on Tuesday no information had been received from the Imperial authorities as to the acceptance of the oiler of the New Zealand Government to send volunteers to Samoa, but the prevalent opinion was that it would not be accepted.