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Samoa Times and South Sea Gazette, Issue 17, 26 January 1878, Page 2

Mauoa.—When the Elizabeth arrived lost Saturday, it was thought that she would have had Mauga on board, but such was not the case. It appears, from what we can learn, that some difference of opinion has arisen between tho representatives of the Government at Tutuila and the residents of that island, as to where Mi.u»a should suffer for his late rebellion. The Elizabeth was therefore sent down to obtain the decision of the Government here, which is to the eli'eet that ho is to be brought to Mulinuu, for which purpose the Elizabeth left for Tutuila yesterday morning. The Samoans and Sib A. H. Gordon. —By the Sappho, which arrived here about five weeks ago, was brought a lotter from Sir.A..II. Gordon to the Tiamua and Faipiili, informing them that he wouldbo hero about the end of tho presont month to deliver the Queen's reply, to- their letter, praying for a protectorate. In this letter he asked that a meeting of Samoa should be called together in the first week of February. But they do no appear to lie at all desirous to gratify the Governor in this respect, for upon Savaii, the natives are totally ignorant of tho intended visit; at Tutuila, until tho arrival of the British Consul there, whioh trip he took in a whale-boat at considerable risk, and further, six miles from Apia, the BJime ignorance reigns as at Savaii. We certainly think, that after inviting the Governor here it is scarcely faa Samoa to thus treat him, and what is more, considering that thero is at present a fine of 830,000 hanging over them, whioh the Governor may have the powor to enforce, or not as he may judge best, wo think it soircolv judicious that they should thus act. we do not believe, howevor, that this is purely tho doings of the natives, but there is some snake in the gnms at work polsoniug the minds of tho natives against the Governor. Tho natives aro told that if thoy meet thu Governor, ho will at onco hoist the British flag, and they will im slaves and have to go out to make copra. That it is not tho mission of tho Governor to annex these lUontU, m have it Upon the hot

' authority, but on the contrary to assist ! the native* to form tome Uovemmeut amongst themselves. The object of these individuals who are so bustle at work vilifying Sir Arthur Gordon is obvious. They prefer this present state of anarchy to any wholesome form of Government ; It is not the good of the country they seek, nor that of the Samuans, but their own selfish ends. Such meddling individuals sliould bo made, to uso the language of au erstwhile Fiji politician, to " pack up their carpet bag and walk." If this could be effected, fer they would kindly attend to their own business, the Samoans would certainly profit thereby. %? The Apia Cemetery.—Wc are glad to be able to report that the committee appointed a few weeks ago to look after the Apia Cemetery, and put it in good order, have commenced operations by having it cleared of all tree and undergrowth. It it. intended by the committee to have the road leading to the cemetery re-formed and weeded, and a bridge placed across the creek at the back of Apia. After the ground is cleared, a strong fence will be placed around the cemetery, thereby preventing live stock in the shape of cattle and pigs from luxuriating therein. R. J. P. Sullivan struck off thi: Roll of Fiji Barristers.—The " Fiji Times" of December 15, has the following : " On Monday last, the Supreme Court was occupied, amongst other matters, in the hearing of a proceeding which resulted in the name of Mr. R. J. P. Sullivan being struck off the Rolls of Barristers and Solicitors of the Court. It appeared that a summons had been taken out against Mr. Sullivan for a breach of the Immigration Ordinance, and that Mr. Seed, having heard that Mr. Sullivan was about to leave the Colony for Samoa, had, upon the non- ■ appearance of the defendant when the ■ case was called on, made application to the Bench that a warrant should issue for his apprehension. This had been granted; but, immediately after, Mr. Sullivan appeared in Court and stated that he had mistaken the hour at which he should have been in attendance. He further stated that he was not prepared with his evidence, and for that reason prayed an adjournment. Mr. Seed consented to this, provided Mr. Sullivan gave his word as an officer of the Court that he would not leave Fiji until the case had been heard. Mr. Sullivan gave the ret] aired promise; but, in violation thereof, went away surreptitiously in the Nymph. These matters having bee*, brought under the notice of the Court upon affidavit, his Lordship ordered that Mr. Sullivan's name be struck off the Roll, and that notice thereof should be given to the Consul at Samoa. Handing v. Mair.—We clip the following paragraph from the " Fiji Times" of January 9:—At the Police Court on Saturday last, the ease of Harding v. Mair was continued, and the evidence of Mr. Dunlop taken for the prosecution, and that of Mr. Coubrough on behalf of the defendant, after which, the point of jurisdiction was very ably argued by Mr. P. Solomon for the complainant, and Mr. Hobday for the defendant, and the case adjourned until yesterday for. the decision. His Worship in pronouncing his opinion, said that with respect to the first part of the information, namely, the assault on shore ut Samoa, he could not but come to the conclusion that he had no jurisdiction, because the condition precedent to a Court having the. power to punish for such offences —namely, that the defen- ' dant must either bo the master, seaman, apprentice, or otherwise on the ship's I papers at the time of such offence, or . even three months previous—had not i been in any way shown; he had there- : fore to confine himself to the assault l committed on the British schooner i Canterbury, which assault consisted in , falsely imprisoning and putting in irons i the complainant, which lasted from Saturday until Sunday afternoon. The 1 magistrate said he had no doubt that the defendant, although he may not have 1 actually laid hands upon the complainant, was a party to this assault, as he had received certain instructions from the Consul, and in carrying them out, had knowingly allowed those of whom ho appeared to be in charge, to go beyond ■ such instructions; but taking the case in every point of view, he considered the ! evidenco did not warrant him in comi mitting the defendant for trial, and ; consequently, as tho defendant must be , held responsible for his share in tho 1 assault, lie would deal with the caso . summarily. The defendant? was thercI fore fined £5 including tho costs of t Court, and was, in addition to this, l ordered to pay the complainant his ; reasonable expenses in prosecuting the i ease, which were fixed at £5, and in . default of payment two months imprisonl ment with hard labor.

Colonel Steinberqer. Colonel Steinberger, the Premier of Samoa, has returned to New York, after a rather lengthened, and, apparently, fruitless sojourn in Europe. The " Now York Herald" has a long account from a reporter who interviewed him. Tho reporter begins by a personal sketch, which states:—" His address is such as one might expect to find in a spry person, who lived so long and did so much lobbying in Washington, where a facile and polished tongue, a pretty genorul knowledge of everything, and unbounded ' cheek' contribute primo requisition to a successful carver." Up to this timo the United States Government have given Steinberger no encouragement; but no is still sanguine, and thinks ho will one day dispose of the destinies of Samoa.— ' Weekiv News,"

SAMOA AST. THE UNITED STATES.— Tho following item in the telegraphic intelligence of a New Zealand pajx'r, and is dated Lomluu, Decvinber 0 :—" President Hayes has addressed Congress. He advises the consideration of the Samoa petition for a treaty of commerce and protection.*