Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, Transmitted to Congress, With the Annual Message of the President, December 3, 1888, Part I

No. 537.
Mr. Bayard to Mr. Phelps.

[Telegram.]

Department of State,
Washington, October 1, 1888.

Phelps, Minister, London:

It is reported by a telegram of the 14th instant that Tamasese has been overthrown by Mataafa. The latter has been declared King by nearly the whole population and is constantly gaining strength. Ascertain whether the foreign office has received the news. The choice of the Samoan people will be respected, it is assumed, by the treaty powers, in accordance with the understanding. This Government intends to do so. Similar instructions have been sent to our minister at Berlin.

Bayard.