SAMOA.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume X, Issue 180, 21 July 1875, Page 4

SAMOA.

(From the correspondent of the Auslralasia->.) Apia, May 13. The long- promised American protectorate of Samoa, or the Navigator's Islands, as tbe group is more commonly called, has at length been established. The Samoane wrote to the United States Government, in May, 1872, asking for a protectorate. Colonel Steinberger arrived in August, 1873, with documents and power from tbe President to inquire into matters. After a stay of oser two months, which lime he spent in visiting round the islands, seeing the chiefs, collecting information, and calling meetings, he returned to California, crossed to the States, and remained there some time. He also visited England and the Continent, and returned here on tbe Ist of April, this year, in the U.S. s.s. Tuecarora, as U.S. commissioner. The natives were all delighted to see him, for they though that as so long a time had elapeei nothing would come of their request He was very well received, and on th 22nd ult. a grand meeting was held a MuUauu, the seat of the late Govern noeDt, and (he colonel was received by the natives. There was a very laryi gathering ; indeed, it is said to hay been the largest that has ever beei known on this group. All the whit residents went to see it. Each diatric aud village brought presents of food for the coloitel, captain, and officers of the Tuscarora. They consisted of pi|/ 8 , fowls, and yams. Each village had a different style of dress; and, altogether it was a very gay scene. Tho colonel went in a boat to Mulinuu, with Captain Erbin and the officers of the Tuscarora, and immediately he landed, he was saluted with 13 guns from the man of war. The two kings — fot we havß two— and (he members of the Govern*

ment went to the beach to receive him, and escorted him up to the house where business is transacted. There, after receiving some of tbe presents, he stood up and read his speech, arid the President's letter to these people. Captain Erbin also addressed them. Translations were mude by Dr Turner, jun. The day was occupied in giving the presents, and the hoisting of the new flag was fixed for the 24th, when it was sent up at 12 o'clock and saluted from the Tuacarora with 21 guns and also 21 guns from the shore, which had been presented to the natives by Colonel Steinbarger. He gave them one Gatling gun, also four: other fine pieces (two of which are brass), and he has given them a great deal of ammunition for which they are building a magazine. Immediately on Colonel Steinburger's arrival, a guard was appointed cousisting of eight men. It is not liked by many of the white residents, for they look on it very jealously, fearing they may be interfered with, and doubtless they will unless they do-.what is right, for the Colonel is not one who will put up with nonsense; yet he has everything done fairly. Matters, I hope, will now flourish in Samoa. The colonel can by his strong influence at home cause many people to come here. He has Major Latrobe with him to form the police, &c, and his brother-in-law, Mr Biake, a man owning 100,000 acres of land, is travelling with him.