214 AMERICAN DIPLOMATIC QUESTIONS 



mission, it is alleged that Mr. Steinberger proceeded directly 

 to Hamburg, and there entered into contract relations with 

 the president of the great trading firm of Godeffroy and 

 Company, pledging himself to their interests. Mr. Stein- 

 berger, who seems therefore to have become an adventurer, 

 and unfaithful to his trust, proceeded thence to Samoa under 

 the mask of United States Commissioner, but in reality to 

 carry out the terms of his Godeffroy contract. He arrived 

 in Samoa in the early part of 1875, and devoted his energies 

 to the interests of his new business. He soon became in- 

 volved in Samoan politics. Internal dissensions con- 

 vulsed the islands, the primary cause of disturbance being 

 the rivalry of two members of one family, who olaimed each 

 the coveted title of "Malietoa." Under a new form of gov- 

 ernment, but recently adopted, Malietoa Laupepa, the "king" 

 was in retirement, and the country was ruled by Councils of 

 State. Mr. Steinberger gained great favor among the natives; 

 and with the aid of some other white men, who were in 

 sympathy with his projects, he prevailed upon the Samoans 

 so to alter their constitution that Malietoa Laupepa should 

 become, for a limited number of years, the recognized king, 

 and he, Steinberger, should be made Prime Minister. While 

 acting in such a capacity, he represented to the Samoans that 

 their islands were under the protection of the United States. 

 In course of time rumors of this condition of affairs reached 

 Washington, and Congress speedily called for information in 

 relation to Steinberger, his mission and his powers, which 

 resulted (May, 1876) in the Senate's repudiating any consid- 

 erations of a United States' protectorate over Samoa, and dis- 

 avowing all interference in Samoan domestic concerns. In 

 the meantime, however, a British war vessel happened along, 

 and the enemies of Steinberger took the opportunity of 

 having that reputed adventurer seized and deported. By 

 the same movement, Malietoa, the king, was dethroned and 

 held prisoner. Instantly the islands blazed into war, and the 

 vacant throne became a prize for several contending chiefs. 

 The prospect of never ending tumult which followed the 

 downfall of Steinberger (encouraged by the interference of 



