THE WAR.

Samoan Reporter, Issue 16, 1 December 1854, Page 1

THE WAR.

We are sorry to inform our readers that the differences between the respective war parties have not yet been adjusted. That a settlement will be effected ere long, however, there seems much reason to hope. Not only are the great body of the people of both parties thoroughly tired of the strife, but one party, viz., Manono and her allies, have, for many months past declared their wish for peace, and their determination to fight no more, unless compelled to do so in self-defence.

In the month of April last, a number of us visited both parties, with a view to persuade them to bring the war to a close. At Manono, we were very well received ; a public meeting was called, and peace declared. From that time, not much in the way of warlike preparations has been done by that party; what they have chiefly done has been to repair their fortifications, and make some addition to their fleet, that they may be prepared to defend themselves, in case of being attacked by the other party. The Atua and Aana party told us, that they were suspicious still of the intentions of Manono, and were not prepared to abandon the war. They went on as formerly with their preparations, and remained together in their encampments. For a considerable tiin,e, they kept together, and went forward briskly with the building of war-boats, as if they were determined vigorously to prosecute the war; but, for some months past, their zeal has, happily, been on the decline. They have had great difficulty in keeping their forces together ; their preparations go on very slowly ; their houses and plantations at their encampments are being much neglected ; and everything encourages the hope that there will be no more fighting. Another important thing is, that most of the chiefs of highest rank and influence have withdrawn from the war. The opinions of these, as to its final issue, are, of course, entitled to much consideration ; and they think that the war is really at an end. That such may be the case, may the God of peace grant! The evil effects of this war, we fear, will long be felt in Samoa. Our operations have been very much retarded, and our efforts to direct the minds of the people in a right channel hindered, through the pernicious influence of this protracted strife.