THE TREATY.

Samoa Times and South Sea Gazette, Issue 42, 20 July 1878, Page 2

THE TREATY.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE SAMOA TIMES. Sir,—lt is to be hoped that Mr. Commissioner Goward and Captain Kodgers, U.S.N, as representatives come direct from the U.S. Government will plainly tell the Tairaua and Faipule that the United States cannot and will not take possession of these Islands, and so save the natives from getting into further trouble. Also that the United States Government cannot interfere and cannot forbid the Gorman, English or French from buying lands: that the United States will not fight for them against the Germans or English : and also that they have no authority over other nations, bo as to take all deluded ideas out of their heads. Let them act up right straightforward and truthfully to the natives, which has not been done by some other officials of the United States living here. Both the natives and the United States Government have been misled by false representations put forth by interested parties. The natives have been led to, believe that the United States GovornJment would protect them in every way from tho Germans, French and English soldiers: that a Governor would be sout hero: that war ships will Btop here and fight for them : that all lands sold to tho Foreigners will be taken by tho United States war ship and given back to them, and that they can steal more from the Foreigners, for tho United Statos will protect them from being fined.

It is well known that the United States will not put themselves into a hotbed of trouble and disruption with other powers, and great expenso to themselves by putting a Protectorate over the islands. What has become of the Monroe doctrine ? The Taimua and Foipulo are heavily in debt to private firms. They have yet heavy fines to pay to the European population for destruction of property. They even owe a debt of compensation Eot destruction of property to United States subjects which was investigated by an appointed (Jonrt composed by some of the officers of the Tuscarora. It is well known to the Europoans accustomed to the natives that ail the letters sent to the United States Government, and even the Treaty, was a hole-in-tli«.-corner affair done by a few of the Malp at the instigation of other parties. Two-thirds of the Malo did not know the purport of Mamea's journoy to the United States, and did not know one word of a treaty, or that Pagopago was to bo given up to the United States: and as to tho public they know naught about it. These are facts and can bo proved. Lots of the pooplo who havo como to the talolo, bringing their ono yam, have come through fear, for word was sunt round tho islands by the Taimua and Faipulo to tho Magistrates that they were to keop strict watch upon tho people aud those that would not como rcro to be fined fivo dollars a-piece, and their houses and property destroyed. I am, sir, Yours truly, Looker on. July 17,1871.