The Samoan group covers only 2,500 square miles—half as big
again as the Isle of Wight—and has only 60,000 people ; but we are likely to hear a good deal about it. The Germans are trying to acquire it by appointing a King of their own, and maintaining him by force; but the English and Americans declare this to be a breach of specific treaties, under which they agree to maintain perfect neutrality, leaving the island to its native possessors. The English, hampered by European complications, are disinclined to move in the affair ; but the Americans are more free, and they have despatched Admiral Kimberley, with two war-ships, to Samoa, with orders to defend American citizens, and "to protest against the subjugation and displacement of the native Government of Samoa by Germany, as in violation of the positive agreement and understanding between the Treaty Powers." He is directed to inform his Government whether Germany is acting impartially, and there is a curious little remark in the last paragraph of his instructions which Prince Bismarck will do well to ponder. It means business. "There is no obscurity in the several Treaties, and none whatever in the understanding proposed by the United States, and first arrived at between the Treaty Powers in June, 1886." It is possible that Prince Bismarck will be as much irritated by German naval proceedings as the Americans are ; but he will need a different kind of diplomatic skill from that which he employs in dealing with small Powers to escape their conse- quences. The American defencelessness at sea is ending.
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