The King Who Wasn't: How Seattle Watched a Pacific Empire Betray Its Own

The Samoan question is beginning to receive marked attention at Washington, and it is not that the Harrison will inherit a diploma corps which will so far place the new secretary of state as to his little. The investigations of the Senate committee on foreign relations and the documents laid before Congress by the executive of recent troubles in the Pacific Islands reach a more forceful tone here than has hitherto been seen. It must be admitted that this history is not a one for American readers, for it is an almost unbroken series of betrayal of American interests and disregard for the rights of American citizens.

What interest has the United States in Samoa, and how do the troubles of that island concern the Washington government? This is a pertinent question and one that is not infrequently asked. In order to answer it properly one must go back about seventeen years. In 1872 the United States first entered into relations with Samoa; and under the protection and friendship of this country the Samoan government was established.

The natives of the islands were generally in favor of annexation to the United States, but our government would not listen to proposals of this nature, preferring to establish an Independent government which should be friendly to American interests. Malietoa, a native chief, was accordingly raised to the dignity of king of Samoa, two American war vessels having gone to the islands to take part in his coronation, and the Samoan government entered upon its career with an American citizen as prime minister.

When Prince Bismarck decided that Germany should have a colonial policy and began to cast about for little kingdoms and unclaimed islands which the German empire might safely gather to, his attention was speedily drawn to the fruitful and prosperous islands of Samoa. Several German trading houses had already been established there and these, it was clear, might be made the pretext for the inauguration of a Samoan policy entirely to His March's liking.

All at once the German merchants began to grumble at a condition of affairs which they had previously deemed highly satisfactory. Malietoa could do nothing to please them and they were soon in a condition of chronic dissatisfaction with his government. The German consul assumed dictatorial airs and a German war vessel was sent to Samoa 'to protect German interests.'

The Germans soon unearthed a rival claim, to Malietoa's throne, in the person of Taimasee... They diligently fomented dissatisfaction among the natives, and before long openly rebelled against the government of Malietoa... The American consul was, doubtless, sincere in giving this assurance, but, as afterwards became known, the government was acting in accordance with a secret understanding with Germany and had no intention other than to betray Malietoa.

As Malietoa offered no opposition to Taimasee he soon became holder and the recognized government. The German merchants became more and more insolent and overbearing... The United States government also solemnly declared that it had no intention of doing anything which it had already done, as Secretary of State explained his satisfaction at the honorable and pacific intentions of the Germans.

The upshot of the whole matter was that one foreign force of German naval power landed in Samoa, Malietoa was sent to a German war vessel as prisoner, and Taimasee was placed on the throne supported by German guns. Malietoa was taken first to Samoa, and then to Germany where he now remains a prisoner.

From the beginning Germany has acted in utter disregard of American interests. The seizure and imprisonment of Malietoa, a friendly sovereign under American protection, was an act of provoked hostility. The intention of the German government to annex the islands is evident... A firm and decided stand by our government will save the independence of the Islands without bloodshed, and prevent Germany from carrying out her unfriendly intentions.