Office of the Historian

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,

Malietoa,
King of Samoa.

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,

Tamasese.

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.
T. Vitale,
Failautusi.