Introductory Note
From very early days, Samoan affairs have been of peculiar interest to America.
At Samoa, in 1874, the United States first stepped out of continental barriers and into the entanglements which inevitably attend close foreign contacts. In 1889, because of Samoan interests, our government involved itself, through the medium of the Berlin Treaty, in a “League of Nations” which soon failed, despite the best endeavors of the three associated powers.
Hawaii and Samoa, as strategic points important in the adjustment of international problems of the Pacific, were for years focal points of naval activity. The incident described herein probably marked the end of an old form of naval service, in which responsibility for decision and results was vested in local authority. In the future the nerve channels of a world-wide communication service will compel home governments to deny to naval commanders the liberty of action that was exercised in this instance.
The Samoan Islands. The Navigator or Samoan Archipelago, roughly consisting of a dozen small islands, lies well within the tropics, yet, thanks to the influence of the trade winds, has a climate that is both mild and delightful. Visitors soon become bewitched by the charm of their surroundings and can never forget the spell of the beauty that lurks on the steep green hillsides, in the beautiful valleys, and along the shores of these far-off islands.
From the earliest days of which we have record, romance and tragedy are found together on every page of the history of this locality. LaPerouse was the first foreigner to suffer in an encounter with its stalwart inhabitants, he losing eleven of his people in a skirmish with warriors better acquainted than himself with the tactics best .adapted for jungle warfare.
The Interest of Three Powers
For many years the control of the Samoan group supplied a problem for the governments of Great Britain, Germany and the United States. For long each one of the three powers had considered that it held special interests in this group of fertile islands, lying in mid-Pacific near the direct route between the narrow neck at Panama and Australasia and containing several anchorages besides the fine harbor of Pago Pago, where the American Government had been given special privileges.
Judge Mulligan, one time United States consul in Apia, states in an early account of Samoa:
On the arrival of the missionaries, about 1833, Malietoa, who was christened Davita, was found to be a most powerful chief, his rule extending over the greater part of Savaii and a part of Upolu, but beyond those districts he had little or no influence. In 1872 the natives of the island applied to General Grant to appoint Colonel A. B. Steinberger, of New York, who had already visited the islands, as a special agent and their general adviser. In 1874, Colonel Steinberger arrived in Samoa with letters of recommendation from General Grant and also with a considerable supply of firearms and a fine steam launch.
National jealousies likewise figured largely in the case, and after a short reign, not exceeding one year in duration, the Colonel was forcibly deported by a British warship, the United States Consul and King Malietoa Laupepa assisting and approving. The result of these measures was an insurrection in favor of the Colonel, then a prisoner on board the Barracouta. The king was deposed and compelled to flee to Savaii, and an attempt by Captain Stevens and an active and intriguing missionary to reinstate him resulted in a conflict at Mulinuu, during which a number of British sailors and some Samoans lost their lives. Malietoa Laupepa’s deposition was confirmed and he was succeeded by his uncle, Talavau. For several years the faithful natives waited in vain for the return of the Colonel, to whom they were greatly attached.
During this time another British warship visited the place and, on a most fanciful pretext, gave the unoffending natives the option of paying a fine of $5,000, or submitting to a bombardment. Previous to this the harbor of Pago Pago had been ceded to the United States as a coaling and supply station for naval purposes, and in 1879 the Samoan ambassador, Le Mamea, returned to the islands from Washington, bearing with him a treaty of peace and amity. This was duly ratified by the Samoan Government, which sought in every way to express its gratitude toward the first of the great powers that treated it with courtesy. Feasts were prepared for the officers of the Adams, which vessel had returned Le Mamea to the islands, and it is safe to estimate that more than two thousand pigs and an immense number of fowl, fish and other native productions were presented to the ship.
Upon the death of Talavau, Laupepa again succeeded, and he in turn was again deposed and exiled by a German fleet, in 1888, on grounds as valid as those which had formerly served the British. An insurrection, under the leadership of Malietoa Mataafa and the active interference of the United States in the matter, resulted in the bringing about of the Berlin Conference, which declared in favor of Laupepa. The return of Laupepa and his reinstatement was in opposition to the wishes of most of the natives, who were heartily tired of him, and who were strongly in favor of the retention of Mataafa, who had defeated the German forces at Vailele. This gave rise to the troubles which have since operated disastrously upon the general welfare of the group.
In 1893, Laupepa, with the assistance of a German and a British warship, defeated Mataafa, near Apia, and shortly afterward, that brave chieftain surrendered to the British ship rather than continue the struggle against the odds opposed to him. Together with some twenty of his principal chiefs, he was deported to the Island of Jaluit in the Marshall group. On the return of Laupepa, after his deportation by the Germans to the pestilential coast of Africa, his first official act was to abdicate in favor of the great chief Mataafa, who had practically won his release. The Berlin Treaty having provided that an election for king should take place, Mataafa had been induced to waive his claim until such time as the free choice of his countrymen should seat him upon the throne. . . . .
Trouble Over Succession
The Treaty of Berlin, regarding the supervision of Samoa, drawn up in 1889 and subscribed to by the three great world powers, created a “League of Nations.” and as a member of it, the United States first departed from the recommended policy of avoiding “foreign entanglements.” It brought into existence a tripartite arrangement for the supervision of the Samoan group, but, in accordance with the terms of this treaty, self-government was given the Samoans, together with the right of selecting their own king. The three powers having interests in the Islands engaged, each in turn, to maintain at Apia an officer, to be known as the chief justice and to this official were to be referred all local questions involving serious dispute. He constituted, in fact, a court of high and last appeal, and in accordance with the treaty the signatory powers were pledged to abide by his decision.
After the death of the old king, Malietoa, the question of his successor had arisen. Two candidates entered the field—one his son, Malietoa Tanu, then a youth of about eighteen years; the other the venerable Mataafa, for many years one of the stormy petrels of Samoa. Might finally asserted itself and Malietoa adherents were driven into the bush by the better-armed Mataafa faction.
For a while Samoan affairs were in a hopeless tangle. Then an arrangement was made by which the English, German and American consuls, together with Mataafa and thirteen of his chiefs, formed a provisional government. This did not last long. The Germans, who had all along supported Mataafa, claimed that the formation of this provisional government broke up the Tripartite agreement. The English and Americans were equally positive that the agreement still held. The trouble came when Chief Justice Chambers, America’s representative, and Consul Maxse, representing England, resolved to open the courthouse in Apia, in order to try certain prisoners. Mr. Rose, the German consul, acting on behalf of Mataafa, refused to give up the keys to the courthouse, and a deadlock issued. H.M.S. Porpoise had arrived in Apia, and Commander (now Admiral) Sturdee, who was in command, landed a body of marines and marched them to the courthouse, where he was met by Consul Rose and Mataafa, backed by a large number of warriors. Captain Sturdee demanded the keys, and said that if they were not produced, he would order his armorer to break down the door.
For a while matters were very serious, and it looked as if there would be a fight, but finally the keys were produced. It is not generally known that the Porpoise and the German cruiser Falke cleared for action on that particular occasion, as it was expected that the German consul would call upon the German warship to uphold him in his refusal to permit the court being opened.1
Conditions had become very complicated because of the fact that, acting under general instructions from their respective governments, the senior German naval officer on the ground had shown strong partisanship for the Mataafa party in direct violation of the spirit and the terms of the treaty, while the senior British naval officer present had definitely indicated his support of the decisions of the chief justice, which favored the claims of Malietoa.
1 From Forty Years on the Pacific, by Frank Coffee.
The Arrival of the “Philadelphia”
Rumors of a clash at Apia having filtered through to Washington, the Commander-in- Chief of our floating forces in the Pacific was directed to investigate conditions and to guard American interests at this port.
On the morning of Saturday, February 11, 1899, the U.S.S. Philadelphia, flying the flag of Rear Admiral Albert Kautz, U. S. Navy, and commanded by Captain Edwin White, U. S. Navy, and under orders to proceed to Samoa, entered the port of Honolulu, dropped both anchors and secured stern to reef with wire hawsers as was the custom in that restricted harbor.
Reports of conditions to the southward were disturbing and the stay of the ship in Hawaii was short. On the morning of February 22, President Dole and his staff visited the flagship. At noon the Philadelphia fired a national salute in honor of the day, and at 2 :20 p.m. weighed her anchors and left the quiet shelter of Honolulu for Apia, Samoa.
In this far off spot, her admiral was destined to assume leadership in an operation of which today but little is known. In modern times with easy and direct communications, the Navy cannot expect to act with the freedom enjoyed by the Philadelphia and her consorts in Samoa upon this occasion. Home governments, in the future, will make the decisions formerly demanded of naval officers.
Attached to the Philadelphia, flagship of the Pacific Fleet, at this time were the following officers:
Rear Admiral Albert Kautz
Lieutenant (jg) W. G. Miller, Flag Lieutenant.
Ensign D. F. Sellers, Flag Secretary.
Captain Edwin White, Commanding
Lieutenant P. V. Lansdale, Executive.
Lieutenant G. W. Brown, Navigator.
Lieutenant H. A. Field, Watch Officer.
Lieutenant (jg) F. H. Brown, Watch Officer.
Ensign J. R. Monaghan, Watch Officer.
Ensign T. T. Craven, Watch Officer.
Chief Engineer A. B. Bates.
Passed Assistant Engineer W. W. Bush.
Assistant Engineer B. K. McMorris.
Passed Assistant Surgeon G. A. Lung.
Assistant Surgeon H. E. Odell.
Paymaster J. R. Stanton.
Chaplain A. A. McAllister.
First Lieutenant C. M. Perkins (Marine).
Naval Cadet J. F. Babcock.
Naval Cadet G. C. Sweet.
Naval Cadet G. T. Pettingill.
Pay Clerk O. G. Haskett.
Pay Clerk J. J. Doyle.
Boatswain J. S. Crogan.
Gunner C. E. Jaffe.
Carpenter J. A. Barton.
The routine of the ship proceeded in accordance with the practices for naval vessels cruising independently, and during the days which followed departure from Honolulu, all hands were exercised at quarters and drilled at the battery in compliance with custom but with no special preparation for the unexpected events which soon were destined to command attention.
On the afternoon of March 1 a target was put over the side and both main and secondary batteries were exercised at practice, conducted in the fashion when good line shots, though often “a little” high or low, were considered to be satisfactory. After completing the firing the ship was swung for compass errors and continued on her way. On Saturday, March 4, the marine detachment was exercised in firing a Colt gun, a new arm which had not been on board the ship for long and with which there was no great familiarity.
Shortly after daylight on Sunday, March 5, land was sighted ahead and the Philadelphia rounded the Island of Tutuila, picked up a pilot, and anchored in the harbor of Pago Pago. Here her stay was very brief, but time was well occupied. We note in the log that the ship’s company, in the morning, “mustered at quarters,” and then held “a general muster,” which was followed by “divine service.” These were forms of rest in which there was once frequent indulgence on Sunday forenoons on board naval vessels. Later, the ship got underway for Apia, on the Island of Upolu, where she arrived shortly after dawn the next day and found H.B.M.S. Porpoise, commanded by Commander F- C. D. Sturdee, and the old square-rigged British sloop Royalist.
Anchored not far away from these two craft was the trim, neat and modern looking German gunboat Falke. With these men-of-war, the Philadelphia was destined to have numerous contacts during the following weeks.
As soon as the anchor struck bottom, the ship was surrounded by Samoan canoes, the latter staunchly constructed from logs hollowed out and fitted with a single outrigger on one side. Considering their size, it seemed remarkable that these small craft should be capable of carrying so many persons, but as we grew to know the Samoans we discovered their superiority as boatmen. The canoes that surrounded the ships were filled with men and women, boys and girls. With them they brought fruit and flowers, articles made of wood carved in various ways, fans, mats, and tapa cloth; things for which Samoa had always been celebrated. The fascinating and distinctive odor of the tropics was in the air. Evidences of cocoanut oil used on the bare shoulders and bodies of the natives was strongly noticeable. Hair of considerable length, standing out in a style considered by the Samoan as most imposing, and bleached with lime was common. All men were tatooed in a uniform fashion, each adult male wearing a variegated lace-work pattern extending from waist to knees. The lava lava or breech cloth of tapa was the dress worn by the men. Women dressed in a single garment of cotton, built on the lines of a Roman toga, though shorter. The officers and men of the Philadelphia regarded these representatives of an old and stalwart line of sea-faring people with the keenest interest for the wonderful physique and beautiful figures so plainly exposed, belonged to a race containing the finest physical specimens to be found anywhere in the world.
The Samoans were keen to trade food stuffs and various articles of native manufacture for foreign commodities. Matches, soap and tobacco were in far greater demand than money. Each one of our many visitors seemed intent on securing a patron from amongst the crew and knowing the needs of those who lived in ships, they presented documents testifying as to their abilities as washman or washwoman and all were insistent upon taking on laundry responsibilities.
Apia and the Surrounding Country-
The harbor of Apia is formed by a fissure in the reef of sharp coral which completely surrounds the island. Such breaks occur where fresh water streams, flowing into the sea, destroy the life of the tiny builders of the coral fringe. In this exposed anchorage, ten years before, had occurred a dreadful
naval tragedy in which there was a considerable loss of life in a fleet assembled in Samoa, because of international and political unrest.
From the deck of the Philadelphia, and not far away, one saw the wreck of the Adler, one of the German vessels lost in the hurricane of the previous decade, and the sight of the reddish members of the wreck, close in by the beach and lying on its beam ends, had a depressing effect.
The settlement was scattered along the waterfront, and behind it and high in the hills, one could see Vailima, where Robert Louis Stevenson had lived and died. To the right of the house, as viewed from the anchorage, could be distinguished the green eminence of the almost inaccessible summit to which his body was taken with great difficulty by his Samoan friends and laid to rest.
To the left, as viewed from the ship, and on the flank of the town, was the American Consulate, home of our representative, Mr. Osborne, and his wife. At this place, the marine detachment from the U.S.S. Philadelphia, under the command of Lieutenant C. M. Perkins, was soon to be posted behind the ramparts of sandbags and a small amount of barbed wire, employed to strengthen the defenses of the wooden building standing on the point forming the eastern side of the harbor. To the right, and separated from this building by a distance of about 200 yards, stood the house of the British consular representative. Here during the entire period of active hostilities lived Mr. Maxse and his courageous and devoted wife. This small household, which declined to leave its post, held the unqualified admiration of the allied contingents, for bullets flew very frequently thereabouts. Protection was being afforded their consul by men from the British ships and after our arrival a machine gun and crew from the Philadelphia assisted at this point. To the westward of the British Consulate, the buildings of the town began and were scattered along both sides of a road paralleling the beach for a distance of a mile or two. About the center of this line was the Tivoli Hotel, the “Ritz” of Apia. The British lines extended on beyond their consulate and into the town to the neighborhood of the “Tivoli.” Some distance to the westward of the Tivoli Hotel stood the German Consulate and the buildings containing the offices for the management of the German commercial enterprises. The Germans for long had controlled numerous plantations in the Samoan archipelago on which large quantities of copra was produced. The cultivation of the cocoanut resulted in the building up of a very considerable trade with the consequence that Teutonic business interests in Samoa predominated at this time.
A little farther on and beyond the German settlement the American lines later began and were commanded in this neighborhood by Lieutenant Lansdale, assisted by Ensign Monaghan and Naval Cadet Sweet. Farther on by half or three quarters of a mile, an American line was soon to be stretched across the neck of the Mulinuu peninsula. Here were posted American sailors under Lieutenant Ford Brown. This officer first had command of Mulinuu, the seat of government, and to him belonged the responsibility for the protection of the thousands of natives occupying this settlement. He was assisted by Naval Cadet J. F. Babcock and Gunner Jaffe. Lieutenant Brown’s health failed him after a time and he was then relieved by Ensign T. T. Craven.
The extremity of Mulinuu Point was destined to become a British outpost at which a machine gun was situated. This post, intended to prevent invasion from the rear by boats of unfriendly natives, was placed under the command of the American officer controlling the defenses of the peninsula.
There being no docks at Apia, the flat coral reef at Mulinuu, extending for some distance off shore and exposed at low tide, supplied what seemed a serious obstacle to the landing of a British 4.7-inch gun for service at this place. The matter was given attention finally in a good old-fashioned Samoan way. The boat containing the ordnance was brought in at high tide until she grounded. The gun was then slung under the middle of a nest of bamboo poles, and when all preparations had been completed to their satisfaction, the piece was picked up and carried ashore on the shoulders of a couple of hundred stalwart aborigines to the accompaniment of grunts and native chanties.
During the latter days of the war and after the ambush at Vailele a native contingent consisting of several hundred Samoans, armed with British rifles from New Zealand, and commanded by Acting Lieutenant Guy Gaunt, R.N., were quartered at Mulinuu. Gaunt, who later became a vice admiral, was taken into the regular British service as a lieutenant because of his activity here in Samoa. Subsequently, during the World War, destiny took him to Washington, where he served his country ably as its naval attache and became the successful underrunner of the German system of espionage in the United States. The warriors actively commanded by the British lieutenant soon took on an air of smartness and pride in their organization and began the boat expeditions along the coast and the forays into the jungle back of Apia, undertaken almost daily with the view of keeping the followers of Mataafa at a distance.
Some Samoan Customs
Mulinuu, at this time housing a population of between four and five thousand followers of Malietoa gathered from many sources, was a particularly interesting place for those not familiar with South Sea life. Here the typical Samoan houses, consisting of circular thatched roofs supported by posts, were scattered about without any particular plan of arrangement. In passing, when the matted side screens had not been lowered, one might acquaint himself completely with every detail, however intimate, of housekeeping. In Samoa, as unhappily is not uncommon in other parts of the world, women did most of the work and labor, which, insofar as man was concerned, ended when the food supply for the day had been provided.
The best authorities are in agreement as to the importance of food in times of war and we soon learned to like the various and simple articles of fare to be found in the islands. Baking and roasting was done in a pit lined with stones, raised to a very high temperature by a fire of dry dead wood. The wood coals having been raked aside, a chicken, fish, or pig wrapped in leaves, placed in the pit and then covered over and left in this primitive oven until cooked retained its flavor remarkably and became truly delicious. While their women were occupied with household duties, the men slept or sat together puffing native cigarettes of curious appearance and odor while discussing details of Samoan politics. The fly was ever present and the bare backs of the Samoans, coated freely with cocoanut oil, seemed to be especially inviting to these troublesome insects. To brush them off, the native supplied himself with a fui, or sort of switch, of horse hair or cocoanut fiber, which he waved about over his shoulders.
There were but very few horses in the island and horse hair fuis were at a premium. It was reported that shortly before our appearance a steam propelled “merry- go-round” had visited Apia. This novel apparatus had greatly pleased the natives but the tails soon disappeared from the rears of the wooden horses and an immediate improvement became noticeable in the style of the fuis belonging to many of the best native families.
The Samoan was not addicted to the use of alcohol, but in each house kava, a concoction in high favor, was brewed. If taken in excess, the legs were affected by the drink and walking might become impossible, though the mental faculties remained unimpaired.
The Samoans attached great importance to the number of legs belonging to their curiously carved bowls, in which the refreshment was prepared. To the lowly in station, a kava bowl with few props sufficed, but to the vessel of the chief, many supports were necessary.
The same dictates seemed also to apply to the umbrella, an appliance greatly in demand in a country where the sun beat furiously and tropical downpours were common. The first stock of umbrellas taken to Samoa as substitutes for the broad leaves of the banana tree was of the conventional type, but the desire for an increase in the number of ribs by native dignitaries met with prompt response on the part of foreign manufacturers and imported multi-ribbed umbrellas soon ceased to be of more than very casual interest.
Estimating the Situation
Upon the arrival of the Philadelphia, the newly arrived admiral and the captains of the different ships were soon busily engaged in exchanging salutes, calls and information. The situation on shore manifestly was acute and armed natives of the Mataafa faction everywhere were strongly in evidence.
At this time, their chief was living in a hut near the eastern edge of Mulinuu in a region where the residence of other Samoan high chiefs were found and in a vicinity where, a short time later, the trenches were dug for the protection of the Samoan town located behind them. Some of the younger officers of the Philadelphia visited Mataafa and were received in a very cordial and dignified way and, through the medium of an interpreter, he talked with them regarding Samoan problems for half an hour or more.
While the youngsters were engaged in making a preliminary survey of the town and in speculation as to the outcome of the controversy, the admiral and the captains, together with the consular representatives and Judge Chambers, met in conference and sought a remedy for the unhappy condition and outlook prevailing in Samoa. All the circumstances leading up to the situation were carefully gone over and finally the admiral definitely reached the decision that he must place himself beside the British in supporting the terms of the treaty under which the government presumed to operate.
Soon after the adjournment of this conference, the following proclamation in both the English and Samoan languages appeared and was given to the natives of Samoa:
To High Chief Mataafa and the thirteen chiefs associated with him, in particular, and to all the people of Samoa, both foreign and native, in general:
- Whereas at a meeting held this day on board the U. S. Flagship Philadelphia, at anchor in the harbor of Apia, at which were present the Consular representatives of the three signatory powers of the Berlin Treaty of 1889, and the three senior naval officers of the same powers, it was agreed that the so-called Provisional Government under High Chief Mataafa and thirteen other chiefs can have no legal status under the Berlin Treaty, and can therefore not be recognized by the consular and naval representatives. It is hereby ordered that the High Chief and the thirteen other chiefs aforesaid go quietly to their respective homes and obey the laws of Samoa, and respect the Berlin Treaty.
- It is further ordered that all the chiefs and their people who have been ejected from their homes and who have been sent to different points in the Samoan Islands return quietly to their aforesaid homes without molestation.
- The guarantee of protection, as far as lies within the power of the Naval Force now in this harbor, is given to all who quietly obey this order. On the other hand, it will be used against all who disregard it or the rights of quiet and peaceably disposed people.
- The Treaty of Berlin recognizes the Chief Justice of Samoa as the highest officer under the existing government and as long as he holds his office his authority must be respected and the decree of the Court must be carried out.
- Trusting that all residents of Samoa will have the good sense to observe the requirement of this proclamation, which is issued in the interests of peace, with an earnest regard for the rights of all, both foreign and native, and that there may be no occasion to use military power to enforce it,
I am respectfully,
Albert Kautz Rear Admiral, U. S. Navy
Commander-in-Chief, U. S. Naval Forces
on Pacific Station
March 11, 1899
It being evident that the well armed Mataafa contingent had decided upon a plan of action not in agreement with our proposal, preparations were made to land in support of the British armed party then posted as a guard at their consulate and in the town for the preservation of peace.
Cooperation
Unity of command on shore was recognized as a prerequisite to success and in Samoa, in 1899, American sailors served under the direct command of a British officer and a party of British bluejackets was commanded by a young American.
The direction of operations of both the British and Americans on shore was placed under the immediate charge of Commander Sturdee, already well known in his own service as an officer remarkable for his activity and zeal. Years later, he was destined to serve his country with distinction as an admiral during the World War. It was a satisfaction to all of those in that landing party of nearly thirty years ago to feel that the keen eye and live supervision of Commander Sturdee continuously watched and guarded their interests and we were pleased to learn of his government giving him a decoration for his services shortly after the close of this affair.
Some weeks later, upon the arrival of Captain Stuart in the Tauranga, that officer relieved Commander Sturdee of the general control of the situation on shore.
Fitness of Personnel
The crew of the Philadelphia, made up largely of men enlisted for service during the Spanish-American war, contained a far larger percentage of native-born Americans than had been usually found on board our vessels. They were a splendid lot, very formidable in boats and beach trenches, but in the jungles of the tropics they labored under serious disadvantages because of un- familiarity with a form of conflict for which the Samoan warrior had been bred and in which he was a practiced adept.
The ship had been busily employed in covering the large area comprising her station and there had been no opportunity for drilling the landing force on shore—always an inconvenient exercise for a cruising unit.
Many of the crew had never fired a rifle and they were entirely without information of the art of bush warfare which they were now to be called upon to practice. Nevertheless, they responded cheerfully and willingly to the demands now made upon them, as has always been true of the American seaman. During the many days and nights that followed, fraught with danger and discomfort, they carried on without a murmur or complaint.
Our naval uniforms were poorly adapted for tropical service on shore. White clothes were too conspicuous and blues far too warm for a war conducted under a tropical sun, and there was no khaki available. The white caps for both officers and men are no better today as tropical headpieces than they were twenty-eight years ago. Our sailors envied the British seamen their dressy flannel undershirts while straw hats and the pith helmets worn by the British officers seemed very satisfactory for warm weather service. Our people had no tents and so had to improvise abodes in which the different contingents lived very primitively, supplementing the standard rations sent from the ships with fruits and other articles obtainable ashore.
The Landing Force
On the morning of Monday, March 13, numbers of boats filled with the Mataafa warriors left Mulinuu and disappeared to the westward while natives of the Malietoa party were seen to be coming into town from the bush. It being evident that the Samoans, who with some success in past years had opposed foreign interference, once again had determined to resist the demands of their self-appointed directors, preparations were made to land. Twenty-five men under the command of Ensign John H. Monaghan, with Naval Cadet Sweet as his junior officer, left the ship and proceeded to the American Consulate. This detail was relieved by the marines the following morning.
The next day a landing party consisting of the full guard of marines under Lieutenant Perkins, proceeded to the consulate and sixty-seven men under Lieutenant H. A. Field, with Ensign Monaghan as junior officer, then occupied lines beginning at and extending to the westward of the German settlement. Lieutenant Lansdale subsequently took over this command. A detachment under Lieutenant Brown and Cadet Babcock took up their residence at Mulinuu Point. Trenches were dug and walls of coral and sand erected where such were deemed necessary for protection from the bullets which the Mataafa snipers freely sprayed about, and shelters were built over these to furnish protection from sun and the frequent and violent showers.
Hostilities Begin
The Mataafa warriors having actively begun hostilities, on the afternoon of March 15, the Philadelphia and the Royalist, from their anchorages, bombarded localities over and behind Apia designated as in the possession of our opponents. The Porpoise left the harbor upon this occasion to fire on the woods back of Vailoa.
The Philadelphia wallowed deeply in the heavy swell, and in obedience to the orders of the captain, all guns were aimed and fired personally by the junior watch officer. Shells were not infrequently defective in those days when naval gunnery was neglected, and a premature burst from one, exploding over the U. S. Consulate, inflicted a severe injury to the leg of Private J. E. Mudge, U.S.M.C., who subsequently died as a result of this wound. A warm rifle fire was directed into the town by the Mataafa warriors which was continued after dark when, as subsequently became the practice, the ships’ searchlights were brought into service. Numerous refugees—men, women and children—came to the Philadelphia for safety, and at about nine o’clock in the evening a party of twenty-two bluejackets, and marines under the command of Lieutenant Lansdale was sent on shore to reenforce our lines.
The next afternoon, the Porpoise stood out and buried the bodies of her men killed during the engagement of the previous day. During the afternoon the areas behind Apia were once more bombarded with unhappy results for the Ensign who again directed the artillery from the Philadelphia. A portion of a defective shrapnel fired from No. 7 six-inch gun, and exploding prematurely, went through the German Consulate, while other fragments struck the German gunboat Falke, anchored nearly in line. Apologies were promptly tendered to the Germans for this unfortunate episode, the responsibility for which our captain appeared to consider as possibly belonging to his young gunner.
The little war continued day and night in a very lively fashion. Mataafa natives posted in the brush back of the town constantly amused themselves by firing into the settlement, and their activities were particularly troublesome during the hours of darkness when rest was frequently broken by the sharp flashes and reports of musketry and the blast and concussion of shell fire. It being evident that foreign influence was to be strongly arrayed with them, the Mali- etoa forces were augmented from time to time by parties of warriors eager to participate in the excitement and brought from Savaii and outlying villages in Upolu by the Royalist and Porpoise.
On the morning of March 17, Private Thomas Holloway, U.S.M.C., was killed near our consulate. His body was buried at Mulinuu, together with that of a man from the Royalist also slain this same day. The Philadelphia, being the largest ship present, seemed a very popular refuge, though, as already mentioned, the vessel rolled deeply in the heavy swell sweeping through the reef.
Guard Trips
The paymaster of the British sloop Royalist, a splendid young fellow, acted as boat officer and once every day made a round of ships and camps in order to distribute mail and messages. An amusing incident occurred in connection with one of his cruises and on an occasion upon which he undertook to bring several missionaries who were desirous of seeking refuge to the Philadelphia. Upon approaching the ship, the gallant paymaster was observed to be seated in the stern sheets of his small dinghy and holding a pink parasol over the fairest member of his convoy. So engrossing was his pleasant occupation that he failed to care for his boat, which managed to get itself under the lower grating of the Philadelphia’s gangway, and, the ship, taking a heavy roll, the officer of the deck was horrified to see the boat, crew, and all passengers disappear beneath the waves. As there were numerous children embarked in the small dinghy, the situation was serious, but it seemed to the officer of the watch that at least half the men remaining on board ship immediately went over the side and the danger of the children drowning became less than that of having them injured in handling. Mothers were seen holding firmly to one end of a child while a bluejacket pulled with frantic eagerness at the other. Which part of the youngster remained above water was of minor importance to either of the would-be rescuers. Soon, however, the stronger efforts of the bluejacket prevailed and all of the shipwrecked party were recovered and brought aboard, wet but otherwise none the worse for their brief experience in the warm waters of the Pacific.
The Coronation of Malietoa
In order to impress upon the natives the fact that the governments of Great Britain and the United States were together in accepting and in recognizing Malietoa Tanu as the sovereign of Samoa, it was manifestly desirable to induct the king into office with due pomp and ceremony. March 23 was the day decided upon for the momentous occasion, which was one of splendor for the Samoans. In the proceedings, comedy was so intimately mingled with dignity that it was very difficult for youth to suppress smiles at times when such would have given offense to our serious-minded allies, to whom the ceremony meant much.
Malietoa, for some weeks, had been given refuge on board of one of the British ships, but it now seemed timely to place him in the house of the high chief and in the seat of government at Mulinuu. There he would be a neighbor of Tamasese, who, surrounded by his warriors, was looked upon and accepted as a leading figure in Samoan affairs.
The full dress uniforms of French and British naval officers, which had been discarded here years before and adopted by the Samoan high chiefs as imperial regalia, were located and these were donned by the two dusky monarchs. A search had been made for shoes which their majesties, the King and the Vice King, might wear. None of sufficient size to fit the vice regal foot of Tamasese could be found, but a pair of white canvas low cut shoes was unearthed into which would go the younger feet of Malietoa. Needless to state, to us their majesties looked neither comfortable nor imposing in their unaccustomed garments, and the eye of the observer could not but occasionally wander from the pair of huge brown feet belonging to the Vice King and protruding from the bottom of his gold laced trouser legs to the white canvas covering on the feet of Malietoa. An incongruity was apparent which to the western eye did not at all harmonize with the other splendors of the royal costumes.
The King and Vice King, perspiring freely and manifestly self-conscious, were conveyed to Mulinuu, seated on chairs placed in an ancient wagon drawn by a single bony and weather-beaten horse, preceded by a band and escort of British and American sailors. There the administration became formally recognized and, as the Samoan flag was raised at this point, the British and American ships anchored off Apia fired national salutes. Probably this is the only occasion where the sailors of the Navy of the United States have assisted so directly in the coronation of a king. The ceremony partook of the ridiculous but was carried through with dignity and solemnity, and probably it was deeply impressive to the Samoans. To me a detail particularly amusing and which closed the proceedings was the alacrity with which the giant Tamasese rid himself of his tight trousers and confining coat and resumed the comforts of his native lava lava. The young Malietoa, however, was manifestly pleased with the high honors shown him. He appeared to fancy his gorgeous apparel and while clad in it posed for his picture while attended by his bodyguard.
On the Conduct of War
The South Pacific is the area where today better than elsewhere in the world, effects of the penetration of western ideas can be definitely pointed out. There until very recently, strife constituted a normal and usual feature of everyday life. War between islands or communities being a commonplace incident a very slight reason was generally sufficient to result in a resort to arms.
Martial affairs, in which, usually, the loss of life was not great, generally took the place of the heated political controversies, and probably they replaced as stimulators the present day football games or the automobile or air races in a more advanced society. Battles have seemingly often supplied the zest to life in warm latitudes where other forms of diversion and excitement are not common.
From earliest times, in the South Seas, quite definite rules of war have existed, which, though unwritten, have been nevertheless scrupulously observed as regular and customary features of combat.
One rule observed in Samoa was that a chief could not be attacked, except by an enemy of his own rank. He, on the other hand, might attack any and all of his adversaries. If he fell, his head was taken as a trophy, while the ears of those slain of lesser rank were removed as souvenirs of victory.
A surprise assault was considered as entirely unethical and due warning was always given before battle. Generally, the assailant heartened himself and disturbed his victims by prolonged and loud chants, yells, and jibes, and by pounding on native drums.
The “Haka” as practiced in far off New Zealand is a type of an organized and wonderful prologue to battle, which was used probably for the last time in war by the Anzac-Maori contingent to bring terror to the hearts of the Turk in the trenches at Gallipoli. The efforts of our opponents, the Samoans, were less finished but along the same lines as those followed by the belligerent first tenants of the islands farther to the south.
One evening at Mulinuu, where an attack was expected at any time after darkness, the air was pierced by the penetrating blasts of a bugle. The author of the sounds evidently was not a master of music but he nevertheless understood noise making.
The British and American tars stood “to arms,” trenches were manned at once, and weapons prepared. The noises continued to come from a point not far away in a cluster of palm trees and in the general direction of where a native sentinel had been posted.
The officer in command stole forth to investigate. He approached the spot with care and finally sprung upon a native youth who, seated behind a palm, blew lustily into a mouthpiece of a dilapidated bugle.
When dragged into camp, the native stated in reply to a demand for an explanation as to why he should disturb the quiet of the night when everyone was intent on listening for the enemy, that his friend had been posted as a sentry and that he and his boon companion understood that if a sentry slept, he. would be killed, in accordance with American custom. Fie therefore had arranged a plan by which his bugle would insure the wakefulness of his “buddy.”
H.M.S. “Tauranga” Arrives
In the early afternoon of March 24, H.M.S. Tauranga, under the command of Captain Stuart, arrived at Apia and Captain Stuart became the senior British naval officer present. The Tauranga immediately landed a party of men to reenforce the British lines, bringing up to about two hundred and fifty the strength of the allied white forces on shore.
Assisting British Landing Party
On March 31, Ensign Sellers with a cutter from the Philadelphia accompanied a landing party embarked in five British boats and three native canoes in an expedition against the natives to the westward of Apia.
Health Conditions
Fear of an epidemic among our men due to exposure, or among the natives because of the congested conditions at Mulinuu, gave constant and grave concern. The Samoans had very little knowledge of either surgery or medicine and were seriously opposed to losing a leg or arm, preferring death to mutilation. As a result of the close attention given to sanitation, health conditions remained normal. In this connection, the efficient and devoted services rendered by Passed Assistant Surgeon G. A. Lung and Assistant Surgeon H. E. Odell should be recorded. Both these officers were tireless and by them all camps and the native settlements were visited daily. They relieved much suffering and saved the lives of numerous natives who must have died of gunshot wounds had they not been given surgical attention. Thanks to them, Samoan ideas of what could be done for the unfortunate victims of illness or injury were almost completely changed, and as a result, the work of these two officers was continuously augmented in response to ever-growing demands.
The Expedition of April i
For some time the investigation of the situation to the eastward of Apia had been under consideration, as the Mataafa warriors were reported to be encamped near Vailele and in the neighborhood of the German plantation.
Early Saturday morning, April x, a column of British and Americans, accompanied by natives, conducted a reconnaissance in this direction for the purpose of discovering and breaking up the camp of the Mataafa natives.
Shortly before the departure of the expedition, H.M.S. Royalist weighed and stood to the eastward, close to the reef, with a view to keeping the party under the cover of her guns. The American sailors and marines were led by Lieutenant P. V. Lansdale, Ensign Monaghan, Lieutenant Perkins, U.S.M.C., and Passed Assistant Surgeon Lung. The British detachment was in charge of Lieutenant Cave and Lieutenant Hickman, R.N., of H.M.S. Porpoise, and all were commanded by Lieutenant Freeman, R.N., first lieutenant of H.M.S. Tauranga. The American force was made up of sixty officers and men, including twenty marines. The British force was composed of sixty-two officers, seamen, and marines. The friendly natives present numbered between 100 and 150, indifferently armed and without discipline.
With the column went interpreters Mackie, Scanlon, George Reid, MacDonald, Missionaries Wright and Hendrickson, of the Mormon mission, and the secretary to the consul general, who had volunteered as an aid.
The expedition proceeded eastward for about a mile and approached a village called Matafagatele, where it halted. H.M.S. Royalist was then shelling the village and upon signal from the shore her fire ceased and the column then advanced farther along the beach.
Reaching Fagalii it stopped for fifteen or twenty minutes, while the friendlies recon- noitered the higher ground in advance. The party then forded the Fagalii River, and took the road leading into the Vailele plantation, which brought the column, after a march of about a mile, to the village of Letenga held by the Mataafa faction. The forces did not go to this village, but halted a short distance away at a point where the road suddenly drops into the ravine in which the village is located. Freshly cooked food, still warm, was found in the houses, showing that the villagers had suddenly and shortly before been driven away by the firing of the Royalist.
Here at about 3:00 p.m., not a single hostile having been seen, it was decided to return by the same road and the movement was begun with the troops in reverse order.
As the column was passing the first crossroad, hostile natives were discovered on the left flank about 300 yards distant. Our people immediately opened fire and about a dozen hostiles scurried across the road apparently uninjured. The Colt gun failed to operate and was taken apart, readjusted, and successfully tested.
The route of return was then changed. Instead of going back immediately to the beach it was decided to return by a road half a mile or more back from the sea and running more or less parallel with the shore line. This road led through extensive cocoa- nut plantations, and extended along the lower levels of the foothills, interrupted in three places by deep ravines through which ran small streams. It was the intention to follow this road to a point where it swung to the north and thence march back into the town of Apia.
The column continued to the west by the road parallel to the sea, and proceeded until reaching the Fagalii River. As the road leads through the ravine at this place it winds in several curves, thus making easy grades on both slopes. Using great caution against a surprise, the party passed through this depression and up, on double time, to the next level stretch of road, where the natives had prepared an ambush.
The Ambush
On the left the terrain in this vicinity sloped gently upward for a distance of fifty or seventy-five yards, where it formed a crest extending parallel with the road. On the right and towards the shore line it was a little more level, extending back from the road about fifty yards, where it dropped off abruptly, for forty or fifty feet, into a swampy patch nearly level with the sea. Both sides of the road were lined with a barbed wire fence about five feet high of six or eight strands of wire very securely fastened to trees and posts. This obstruction could not be readily broken down and our men were not equipped with instruments for cutting the wires. A similar fence fringed the edge of the level land where it dropped off into the swamp. The trap was well prepared and the situation was a most unfavorable one for our small column.
Suddenly, as the leaders reached the level road and before the rear guard of British marines and friendlies had emerged from the ravine, fire was opened on the left of the column. The hostiles behind a ridge were well intrenched and could fire at will, resting their rifles on the crest of the ridge and being concealed by short grass. Our people, first apprised of the presence of the enemy by the reports and smoke of rifles extending the entire length of the left flank, a distance of 100 yards or more, dropped into the ditch at the side of the road and promptly returned the volleys. The Colt gun failed again and this fact helped to bring on the disaster that followed. Our men continued their fire, while endeavoring to advance down the road to the westward. It was soon noticed that the enemy was closing around the rear of the formation and a few minutes later they began to appear around the head of the column, all the while maintaining a very vigorous fire. A retirement became imperative and, accordingly, a retreat in good order was accomplished toward the beach through the barbed wire fence on the right and into the field on the north side of the road.
A stand was now undertaken but the enemy, concealed by natural ridges, closed in while our party was exposed on a level spot, where but poor protection was afforded by scattered cocoanut trees. Here within a few minutes two of our sailors, two British bluejackets, and two friendly natives were killed and at this place, Lieutenant Freeman was slain and Lansdale struck by a bullet which broke his leg below the knee.
The Colt gun had been employed extensively on the several excursions into the bush back of Apia made during the last ten days of March. Very few natives had been observed on these occasions, but when seen and fired upon with the Colt automatic they fled in terror. Lieutenant Lansdale had great reliance in the gun, frequently operating it himself. Valuable time had been lost in overhauling the piece and in trying to get it through the wire fence. Lieutenant Lansdale, however, was loath to abandon it, but the fire was so galling that before he was wounded he was compelled to scatter important parts and leave it behind.
Death of Lansdale and Monaghan
Lansdale, unable to march, was assisted by his men, one of whom, N. E. Edsall (ordinary seaman), was mortally wounded while so doing. It is not clear when Lieutenant Lansdale received the wound later discovered in his chest, but it is certain that when Ensign Monaghan observed that his senior was wounded he used his best endeavors to convey him to the rear, and seizing a rifle from a disabled man, made a brave defense. Undoubtedly Monaghan fell very shortly thereafter when hostile natives, flushed with success, bore down on our men in his vicinity. To quote from Captain White’s report: “The men were not in sufficient numbers to hold out any longer, and they were forced along by a fire which it was impossible to withstand. Ensign Monaghan did stand. He stood steadfast by his wounded superior and friend—one rifle against many, one brave man against a score of savages. He knew he was doomed. He could not yield. He died in heroic performance of duty.”
The Retreat
In a short time everybody remaining on the high ground came through the second wire fence in a confused retreat, floundering, staggering, and falling in the deep mud, tangled grass, and trees. The enemy followed persistently and poured in a terrific fire.
The retreat continued for a quarter of a mile until the beach was reached, and here Lieutenant Perkins gathered together his and a few British marines. This officer did not know of the loss of the officers in command of the bluejackets until arrival at the beach, and he therefore did not assume command of the entire American force during the latter part of the action. “He commanded his own detachment in a creditable manner.” Upon reaching the shore Surgeon Lung assumed command of the bluejackets.
H.M.S. Royalist had remained nearly abreast of Fagalii and the place where the party emerged from the jungle. She now fired several shells into the ravine just left of our people, whereupon the fire of the enemy ceased. Just after resuming the march a British bluejacket ran down from the ravine, made straight for the sea and was picked up by two boats containing reenforcements from the Royalist. It was discovered that the man had lost his right ear and from appearances, it had been cut off, though he insisted that it had been shot away. He was very much dazed and evidently had been hit by a grazing shot and stunned. The enemy, thinking him dead, had then cut off his ear. At that moment a shell arriving from the Royalist, the natives ran, the bluejacket then happily recovered consciousness and fled.
Casualties
Upon this unfortunate occasion the following were killed:
Lieutenant Freeman, R.N., and two British bluejackets.
Lieutenant Lansdale, U.S.N.
Ensign Monaghan, U.S.N.
J. Butler, coxswain, U.S.N.
N. E. Edsall, ordinary seaman, U.S.N.
The British had two men wounded and the five following named men from the Philadelphia, suffered injuries from rifle fire:
E. Andrews, fireman second class.
J. C. Johns, landsman.
J. W. Laird, landsman.
J. H. Wellington, coxswain.
J. F. McCarthy, private, U.S.M.C.
There were also numerous casualties in the friendly Samoan contingent.
The enemy beheaded all the officers killed, and in the case of the enlisted men they cut off the right ears of the British and both ears of the Americans. Lieutenant Freeman’s ears were also removed.
Enemy Forces
The best information available was to the effect that there were several hundred natives in the party which conducted the ambush and from sources that appeared reliable it was reported that about forty were killed and some fifty wounded.
Commendations
With regard to the services of Dr. Lung, Captain White states the following in his report of this affair:
From conversations with British officers and our own men I am gratified to be able to commend in the strongest terms the work of Passed Assistant Surgeon G. A. Lung. At times when the fire from the concealed natives was thickest, and at all times, by his example, he encouraged the young and inexperienced men to the proper performance of duty. On the completion of the work of his profession he assumed command of our bluejackets and marched them to the United States Consulate and reported to me, reaching there at dusk.
Captain White further states:
I have to commend the steadiness of E. D. Fisher, gunner’s mate first class, in charge of the Colt automatic gun, for coolness and steadiness in twice dismantling and overhauling the gun under fire. J. S. Ranlet, ordinary seaman, assisted Ensign Monaghan in binding up Lieutenant Lansdale’s leg with a neckerchief belonging to B. Callaghan, blacksmith, and assisted in carrying him when first wounded.
Burying the Dead
At daylight Sunday morning, April 2, Chief Tamasese, with a strong contingent of natives, visited the scene of the ambush of the day before and brought in the seven bodies of the British and American dead. During the afternoon, these were buried with customary honors beside those in our little cemetery at Mulinuu. Later in the day, the heads of the three officers were brought in and the bodies were exhumed and the heads placed in the caskets.
Hard service forms close attachments and it was a very sad Easter Sunday for the associates of those who had made the supreme sacrifice in this far-off place. The memory of the still, hot morning, of the air laden with the scent of cocoanut oil and of tropical vegetation, of the flies and the general depression, incident to the loss of friends and shipmates, must always last in the minds of those present.
Reprisals
The Americans and British were keen to punish their enemies for this disastrous encounter. It was reported that before the ambush occurred, the column had met and interviewed the manager of the German plantation and that he had informed Lieutenants Lansdale and Freeman to the effect that no natives were about. The idea that the Germans had been concerned in the affair, directly or indirectly, stirred a feeling of intense resentment on the part of the Americans and British and this feeling of bitterness had not been softened by the attitude of aloofness assumed from the first and since continued by the German element ashore and on board the Falke.
On Monday, April 3, an extensive bombardment was carried on, the British ships getting underway for the purpose; the Porpoise proceeding to the westward while the Royalist and Tauranga operated to the eastward of the port. These vessels, together with the Philadelphia, shelled areas back of the town but damages could only have been slight as the ships fired at points where the natives were supposed to be but where precise targets were not well defined.
During the next few days the British vessels were active in moving along the coast and attacking the villages of the Mataafa party. The Philadelphia’s steam launch accompanied these expeditions and her one-pounder gun was used in covering landings.
Bad Weather The barometer began to give indications of unsettled weather, and on April 5, the Philadelphia was swung around and headed to sea and a stern anchor carried out to hold her in this direction. Conditions remained somewhat ominous with rain and wind for several days and all ships prepared to weigh and leave their anchorages, untenable in a gale. The Falke finally stood out and was absent for several days and until the weather cleared.
The Last Sortie On April 12, the junior watch in command of the first steamer of the Philadelphia accompanied H.M.S. Porpoise to the eastward and covered a landing by a native contingent under the command of Lieutenant Guy Gaunt. On this occasion a native village was burned after opposition in which two or three of our friendly natives were wounded.
Coaling
On April 13, the Philadelphia got underway to coal from the small supply maintained at Pago Pago. Remaining in that port until the evening of April 17, the ship again departed, taking with her a party of fifty native warriors from Tutuila, who, under the command of their chief Mauga, had decided to participate in the war at Apia on the side of Malietoa.
Proclamations to the Natives
On April 21, H.M.S. Torch arrived with news from the outside world and instructions as to future proceedings.
In compliance with the latter, the following proclamation was issued:
Apia, Samoa, April 23, 1899
To High Chief Mataafa and all other chiefs acting with him:
Whereas we have received official information from our respective governments that a commission, representing the three signatory powers, will sail from San Francisco in a few days for Apia, with power to adjust existing difficulties in Samoa, we therefore, in the interest of peace, direct that you and your people keep beyond the following limits, to-wit: A line drawn from Falcula, the western limit, in a southern direction to the Tuasivi, and on the east of a line drawn from Laulii in a southerly direction of the Tuasivi.
By complying with this order you will avoid conflict with our forces. A prompt compliance with the conditions herein set forth will be required.
We await your reply.
Albert Kautz
Rear Admiral, U. S. Navy
Commander-in-Chief, U. S. Naval Forces
on Pacific Station
Leslie C. Stuart
Captain, Royal Navy
Commanding Her Majesty’s Ship "Tauranga”
and Senior Naval Officer
On this same day a skirmish of considerable extent took place in the rear of the town between our native contingent and the Mataafa forces.
On April 25 the senior American and British naval officers issued the following proclamation to the natives who apparently were not desirous of considering favorably the proposition extended to them two days before:
Apia, Samoa, April 25, 1899
To High Chief Mataafa and the chiefs acting with him:
We have received your letter of yesterday and regret that you seem to have no appreciation of the generous proposition made to you and that you oblige us to use force.
We now give you notice that if you and your people are not outside the limits prescribed in our letter of the twenty-third instant, we will open fire on your forces wherever they can be reached in Samoa, after 8:00 a.m., April 26.
Albert Kautz
Rear Admiral, U. S. Navy
Commander-in-Chief, U. S. Naval Forces
on Pacific Station
Leslie C. Stuart
Captain, Royal Navy
Commanding Her Majesty’s Ship “Tauranga”
and Senior Naval Officer
The natives complied with the order of the Commander-in-Chief and active hostilities now practically ceased.
A Farewell Dinner
On the evening of April 28, Lieutenant Guy Gaunt gave a remarkable farewell dinner to the senior British and American officers and to the others who had served with him at Mulinuu, the setting of which could not be equalled on any stage. The party was seated about a long table set on the grass among the cocoanut trees and thatched native huts at Mulinuu. Illumination was supplied from huge bonfires. Hundreds of natives in gala attire gathered around to observe the ceremonies, and at the close of the dinner competitive siva dances took place. Highly trained dancing teams of many settlements, not only from the Island of Upolu but from Savii and Tutuila, participated in what was probably the largest and most spectacular performance of its kind ever given in Samoa.
Ship Movements
On April 29, the collier Brutus, commanded by Captain Cottman, arrived with much needed fuel.
On Tuesday, May 2, we witnessed the departure of H.M.S. Royalist. The Philadelphia manned the rigging and cheered ship as she passed, all hands regretting the end of association with those of this old sloop who had served with us so well during many trying days. The arrival of the Mariposa during the evening of this same day brought five much needed officers to the Philadelphia.
The End of the Work
On May 3, the command of Mulinuu was turned over to the British, and the American party at that place moved into the town of Samoa and was merged into the command of Lieutenant H. A. Field, who had succeeded Lieutenant Lansdale in command in Apia.
The arrival of the vessel assigned to transport the commission detailed to investigate the situation was eagerly awaited. Early in the morning of Saturday, May 13, the U.S.S. Badger, a naval auxiliary, arrived bringing the expected delegates from the German, British and American governments.
With the arrival of the peace commissioners, the pacification of the natives became a problem for that body. The Philadelphia’s work was ended. Our landing force was withdrawn from the beach and, on May 16, coaling from the Brutus was begun in preparation for a return to Honolulu.
On the afternoon of Saturday, May 20, a party was sent ashore to disinter the remains of Lieutenant Lansdale and Ensign Monaghan and to bring them back to their shipmates for transportation to San Francisco. After the accomplishment of this sad duty, on the morning of May 21, the flagship departed on her homeward voyage to the northward, heartily cheered by her consorts remaining at Apia.
Honors to the Marines
The Marine Corps included the Samoan affair as among those to be marked by their campaign badge.
Sergeants B. A. Forsterer and M. J. McNally and Private Henry L. Hulbert were given letters of commendation by the Secretary of the Navy, and each received the Congressional Medal of Honor for distinguished conduct in the presence of the enemy.
Private Hulbert, an outstanding figure in the affair of April 1, was made a noncommissioned officer immediately and this splendid soldier, after a magnificent exhibition of gallantry and devotion to duty, ended his long career under the colors, on the fields of France in 1918 as a first lieutenant of marines.
Conclusion
The cooperative effort of the Philadelphia upon this occasion was passed by the Navy as a mere incident of service and since has dropped from the recollection of all except those who were participants therein.
The years that have passed since 1899 have seen radical alterations in the management of Samoa.
The three governments that then had concerned themselves with conditions thereabouts promptly decided that a change from the “tripartite” plan was necessary. By the Anglo-German agreement, ratified in Washington in January, 1900, Great Britain withdrew from the Islands, and Germany was given Savaii and Upolu, with the smaller islands nearby. Germany relinquished to England her claim to the harbor of Vavau in Tonga and made other concessions in the Solomon Group and in Zanzibar. The United States acquired Tutuila and the smaller islands to the eastward, the 171st meridian being decided upon as separating the United States and Germany in the Pacific. The Samoan affair then was closed insofar as the United States was concerned.
During the World War, years later, for the first time in the history of the British Empire, one of its dominions provided the invading force sent overseas to capture foreign territory, and on August 30, 1914, an expedition from New Zealand took possession of German Samoa so that today Great Britain and the United States are close neighbors in this remote and now peaceful corner of the Pacific.