"As a matter of fact," he writes, "we do not occupy the territory, and cannot give foreigners the necessary protection, because Mataafa and his people can at any moment forcibly interrupt me in my jurisdiction." Yet in the eyes of Anglo-Saxons the severity of his code appeared burlesque.

I give but three of its provisions.

The crime of inciting German troops "by any means, as, for instance, informing them of proclamations by the enemy," was punishable with death; that of "publishing or secretly distributing anything, whether printed or written, bearing on the war," with prison or deportation; and that of calling or attending a public meeting, unless permitted, with the same.

Such were the tender mercies of Knappe, lurking in the western end of the German quarter, where Mataafa could "at any moment" interrupt his jurisdiction.
On the 22nd (day of the suppression of the _Times_) de Coetlogon wrote to inquire if hostilities were intended against Great Britain, which Knappe on the same day denied.

On the 23rd de Coetlogon sent a complaint of hostile acts, such as the armed and forcible entry of the _Richmond_ before the declaration and arrest of Gallien.