The multiplication of flags and little neutral territories had, besides, begun to irritate the Samoans.

The protests of German settlers had been received uncivilly.

On the 16th the Mataafas had again sought to land in Saluafata bay, with the manifest intention to attack the Tamaseses, or (in other words) "to trespass on German lands, covered, as your Excellency knows, with flags." I quote from his requisition to Fritze, December 17th.

Upon all these considerations, he goes on, it is necessary to bring the fighting to an end.

Both parties are to be disarmed and returned to their villages--Mataafa first.