260 AMERICAN DIPLOMATIC QUESTIONS 



Mulinuu was no less than a signal for a revolutionary out- 

 break. The government officials trooped en masse to Malie, 

 to persuade the disaffected monarch to return ; and though 

 they plied him with argument, he politely, but none the 

 less firmly, declined to resume his former status of vice- 

 king. In Apia preparations were again made for war ; but 

 to the forbearance of Mataafa himself, be it said, peace was 

 maintained, this, too, in spite of the fact that the govern- 

 ment declared Mataafa a rebel, and his estates confiscated. 



The position of the latter at Malie was an anomalous one. 

 While enjoying the outward signs of royalty, and to all in- 

 tents and purposes exercising the offices of a ruler over the 

 native peoples, he conducted himself, nevertheless, in a 

 manner wholly consistent with the scheme of government 

 established by the powers. He recognized Malietoa as king, 

 obliged his followers to pay their proper dues into the legiti- 

 mate treasury, and he sent his subjects, when arrested for 

 any cause, to the Apia courts for trial. Still his attitude 

 was an ominous one, and a nervous apprehension rested over 

 Apia, lest at some unexpected moment the rebel forces 

 would sweep into the city. That such an occurrence did 

 not take place surprised every one. 



As might very naturally be expected, such unsatisfactory 

 relations between the two rulers could not long continue. 

 Malietoa became jealous and threatening ; Mataafa gradually 

 became offensive. On December 6, 1892, United States 

 Vice-Consul Blacklock, reporting upon the condition of 

 affairs in the islands, wrote : 



Ever since Mataafa's establishment at Malie he has endeavored 

 to gather strength, and there is not the slightest doubt had he 

 been successful in getting sufficient following, he would have 

 made war upon Malietoa. He has done everything in opposing the 

 Government except making war; he has defied its courts, ob- 

 structed its officials in the execution of their duties, harbored 

 refugees from justice, succored and supported prisoners escaped 

 from prison, and at the present moment is living in open defiance 

 of the King and Government and all the laws of the country, 

 keeping up an armed force and plundering foreigners' plantations 

 for subsistence. Time and again have white officials, who went 



