Report of the commander of the U. S. S. Adams, with
annexes, including the proclamation of the consular representatives of
the United States, Germany, and Great Britain, dated December 5,
1889, recognizing Malietoa Laupepa as elected King of
Samoa.
U. S. S.
Adams (3rd rate),
Apia,
Samoa, December 5,
1889.
Hon. B. F. Tracy,
Secretary of the Navy:
Sir: I have the honor to inform yon that accredited
representatives from all the different districts of the Samoan group met
yesterday, December 4th, and formally elected Malietoa Laupepa King of
Samoa.
He hoisted his flag over his residence and assumed control this morning at 8
o’clock.
I considered the event of sufficient importance to justify me in dressing the
ship with mast-head flags, Malietoa’s flag at the main, and firing a royal
salute.
I notified Captain Herbing, commanding H. I. C. M. S. Sophie, of my intention to salute the King, and he informed me
that he could not salute the King without authority from his government.
The consuls representing the United States, England, and Germany held a
meeting at the American consulate this afternoon and issued a joint
proclamation to the effect that the Governments of the United States, Great
Britain, and Germany recognize Malietoa Laupepa King of Samoa, with an
appeal to the two opposing parties to reconcile their differences and to
contribute to a peaceable management of the Samoan Government under King
Malietoa.
I enclose copy (translated) of Malietoa’s letter, notifying the consuls of
the three great powers of his intention to hoist his flag, a copy and
translation of the result of the election signed by the electors, a copy
(translation) of Tamasese’s letter announcing his allegiance to Malietoa,
and a copy of the proclamation of the three consuls.
I understand that the election of Malietoa is soon to be ratified by public
meetings of the people in all the districts of the group.
Very respectfully, etc.,
J. J. Hunker,
Lieut. Commander U. S. N., Commanding U. S. S.
Adams.
A.
proclamation.
Having been acquainted that, in compliance with the invitation contained
in our proclamation of the 8th last, Malietoa Laupepa has been
reinstated as King of Samoa by his own party, and being also aware by
letters received from the chiefs at present assembled in Lufilufi,
bearing the date of the 1st last, and by a letter of the 12th last,
signed by the High Chief Tainasese, that they too are willing to accept
Malietoa Laupepa as King of Samoa, we, the undersigned representatives
of Germany, Great Britain, and the United States of America, availing
ourselves of the instructions sent us for the purpose by our respective
governments, hereby proclaim:
That the Governments of Germany, Great Britain, and the United States of
America from this time recognize Malietoa Laupepa to be King of
Samoa.
We also earnestly desire the two parties that have been hitherto opposed
to each other to effect, as soon as possible, an ultimate
reconciliation, and to contribute both [Page 422] of them, to the best of their endeavors, to the
peaceable management of the Samoan Government under King Malietoa.
Apia, the 5th of Decr.,
1889.
(Signed)
- Dr. Stuebel,
Imp. Ger. Consul-General.
- H. De Coetlogon,
H. B. M. Consul.
- W. Blacklock,
U. S. Vice-Consul.
B.
[Translation.]
Palace of the
King,
Matautu, December 4, 1889.
Your highness W.
Blacklock,
U. S. Vice-Consul:
Your Highness: I have the honour to inform you
that to-morrow morning at eight o’clock the flag of my government will
be hoisted in Apia.
Sir, I am,
C.
[Translation.]
Lufilufi, 12 November,
1889.
To your excellencies, the consuls of
Germany, Great Britain, and the United States of America:
Your Excellencies: I wish humbly to inform you
that I received your letter of the 8th inst., together with a copy which
all of you have received, informing all people that it was the mind of
the three governments that Laupepa should again be placed upon the
throne.
I should like you, gentlemen, to know that this is also the mind of this
war party.
It is our mind that this is the best way to smooth the minds of all
people if the three governments will settle all such questions and bring
peace to the new government.
I am, your excellencies, your humble servant,
D.
[Copy of translation.]
Take notice all people:
There has been a meeting held by the rulers of Samoa, at Lelepa, 4
December, 1889. It has been decided that Malietoa Laupepa shall be King;
the Samoans are unanimous in this.
The following people are the rulers of Samoa:
(Here follow the names of the chiefs and the districts which they
represent.)
- Tuamasaga.—Agapu, Tui’au, Telea, Mati,
Tofaeono, Samoa, Asi, Tele, Afoa, Te’o, Tuia, Manu’a, Ama, Sasevo,
Tagutugutu, Uluigia, Nn’u, Mulitalo, Tuatagaloa, Taliava, Toelupe,
Tautiauli, Numia, Seumanutafa, Fuatimau.
- Aana.—Aiono, Saga, Taefu, Lemalu, Vaafusu,
Muai, Mamea.
- Savaii.—Faasaleleaga, Lauaki, Pa’u, Pauli,
Tofilau, Leauanae, Tofa, Tia, Malaenlu, Vui.
- Itu O Tane.—Semau, Laufou, Leota,
Lealaiauloto, Suisala, Tuala, Sala, Tevaga, Utumapu, Lavea, Malaiti,
Tu’n, Moafanua, Taulealea, Leasi.
- Itu O Fafine.—Lagaaia, Su, Tapusoa, Asiata,
Seve, Tagaloa, Laulu, Toleafoa, Tuato, Talovaa, Loli, Matautia,
Toomata, Fualan, Folassa, Ili, Pe’a.
- Manono.—Leiataua, Tuimalealilfano, Aupaau,
Fut’i, Taupau, Mnlipola.
- Atua.—Leota, Lemusu, Salanoa, Taofiloa,
Pu’epu’emai, Tafua, Tuisila, Tuiauii, Tauiliili, Meleisea, Tuataga,
Fiame, Lemauga, Tupuola.
- Tutuila.—Taiivae, Letuli, Satele, Toomata,
Tana, Tauiliili, Noa, Alapa, Olo, Salavea, Mauga, Leiato, Alo,
Taumuina, Pele, Savea.
