THE SAMOA TIMES. "Sworn to no Master, of no Sect Am I." SATURDAY, MARCH 23, 1889.

Samoa Times and South Sea Advertiser, Volume I, Issue 23, 23 March 1889, Page 2

THE SAMOA TIMES. "Sworn to no Master, of no Sect Am I." SATURDAY, MARCH 23, 1889.

By latest advices from Europe and America we learn that in agreeing to a conference on Samoan affairs the United States has distinctly stated that before entering into any discussion on the subject the autonoiny of Samoa should be guaranteed. This means that these islands shall be governed by a native ■ King or President., As,the r conference is to be held on these conditions it nfiw becomes of the greatest importance to-tlie people of these islands who is to be within the range of possibility that the United States, and probably Great Britain may. demand that Germany would restore Malictoa to the position he held before his deportation by the 1 German, Commodore. ~„ This demand would be both j usfcnable and humane. , Halictoa sacrified himself for the safety of his people. He gave himself up to prevent the slaughter of his subjects. This the Samoan people well understood at the time, and ever will remember.' The hereditary revered name of Malietoa hai only been more closely endeared to his followers, and his return to his home and people, whether as King or'dtue^; < length in restoring peace among the natives themselves. Mataafe, ; Malietoa's representative, who has been proclaimed King of Samoa, has proved bWjsotf 3*V 's('s/<&&#. ability and discretion. Even the Germans', his' enemies, admit his superior qualifications for the position he has been called to ■by .his people.* Never before has a King of Samoa been able to keep together such an. immense army for such a length of time and fight for him so determinedly. .We do not know the; exact number of lives lostduring the lato wars with Tamaeese and (We

tho«gh tae^Geroan*only fought in i one »^^^^|^tf.; villages and supplied Tainoaeatwith a skilled wjfli arias, ammoiuiion "and food, and sheltered him juad his followers when he tookwteein Molinoo by ttending a fbreo. o/niarinea from Hv1.,0. atXlJlar to protect iitMt*" * tot A\*»?^^*A»" , , I " j± ',.,'

Mataaft/for eiffcw of those chiefs would" without hesitation give place to tie ofijir,. it fjiust be distinctly underrtood that* When the selection ot raler is made it mast be final, and in this matter the three powers most step in and save Samoans from themselves. The tribal wars that have been so desstructive in all islands of the South Pacific are unfortunately much more, common in Samoa. This should be put down with a strong arm. It is most important that foreign residents should, in neither act or word attempt to iufluence the natives of these Islands in their choice of King ■ or President. Let that matter be settled solely by themselves. At no time iu the history of Samoa lias it been more necessary for foreign residents, or even foreign nations to refrain from meddling with the undoubted right of* the Samoan people to elect what chief they please. It must be borne in mind that appointing a King or President or whatever his title my bo by the natives, will be of an elective character, principally the votes of tho chiefs of each district. * Some unprincipled scoundrels, calling themselves white men, will probably be ready with bribes of all kinds, or have their willing agents prepared with money or promises to otter as a bait to influence the votes of the chiefs. It might be well if the U. S. Admiral and commanders of the other war vessels in port should caution such persons from interfering. This will mast likely be the only chance the natives will have in determining what dynasty shall rule Samoa. All that is required of the powers is to make known to the natives that their choice once made must not be altered, and that their chosen chief will be accepted and aid rendered him, if over required, to make his position secure and permanent. All that the Conference will have to solve will be the manner of Government in Samoa, and if a disposition is shown by each of those powers not to acquire an unequal rigbt to the control of these islands there should be no difficulty in arriving at a satisfactory settlement of Samoan troubles.