THE SAMOA TIMES. "Sworn to no Master of no Sect am I." SATURDAY, AUGUST 17,1878.

Samoa Times and South Sea Gazette, Issue 46, 17 August 1878, Page 2

THE SAMOA TIMES. "Sworn to no Master of no Sect am I." SATURDAY, AUGUST 17,1878.

CoKBECTIos.—In our last issue we announced the demise of Alfred L. Poppe, E>q., stating that he had been German Consul at this place for some time. Wo correct this statement, having been informed that the deceased gentleman never held such an appointment as German Consul, but only acted for the German Consul, Th. Weber, Esq., during the absence of the latter in Europe, and during his tomporary stay in Tonga.

The SamoaK Fleet.—The San Francisco Morning Cn.ll, in commenting upon the seizure of the Samoan schooner Elizabeth by the Sapphire, h&i the following : —Captain Elibank H. Murray, of H.B.M. steamer Sapphire, carrying fourteen guns and of 2300 horao-powor, has just aohieved such a victory over the entire navy of tho Saraoan Government as entitles him to rank m history witli that renowned old sea-dog, Captain Lemuel Gulliver. When his majesty the King of Lilliput got his own navy into a tight pla:o during his great war with the blufuz'ritcs, he threw himself into the arms of his distinguished prisoner, Gulliver, and asked what was to be done. Captain Gulliver walked down to the wateraido, where the hostile navy rode at anchor, and rolling up his trousers waded in. Too entire Bulfuzkittj iluot was tied to-gcthcr and run away with. It did cot tako three minutes by tho best Lilliputian time. Contain Murray did as well at Samoa. Ho got away with the whole naval force of those inland*—one canoe and one musket—in about no tiuio at all. He is a hero. All honour to the, Oulnvo 01 the South Seas.

Obituary.—lt is our painful duty to record the departure of one of our oldest resideHts— Mr. J. W. Aull—for " the undiscover'd country, from whoae bourn no traveller returns." Mr. Aull, although unwell for the past three weeks, was not considered seriously ill until Sunday last, when symptoms of an alarming character appeared, which continued until the following morning, when it became evident that l>e could not recover. Ho breathed his last at 3.50 o'clock on Monday afternoon, and was buried the following afternoon, in the presence of a large number of friends and relations, upon his own premises, at the rear of his housa Mr. Aull was the son of an Englishman, and by industry and uprightness had worked himself into a very good position. H« was a man highly respected by all who know him, and will be greatly missed in many quarters.

Reported Murders.—Captain Sehluter, of the Tongatabu, which arrived yesterday afternoon from a trading cruise, was infuracd by the Captain of the British schooner Belle Brandon, that tho German trader Oppormanu, and two Chinamen have been killed by the natives of Apamama (Kingsmill Group). As our information is scant, wo are unable to give further particulars at present.

Presenting Credentials.—On Thursday morning last Mr. Dawson, the newly appointed American Consul, went, according to the printed instructions, to present his papers, &c, to the Taimua and Faipn'.e, but he was informed by that august body that it was the custom for the outgoing Consul to introduce the incoming one. Leaving aside the question whether the natives arc in the right or not in this matter, we arc constriinod to think that they must liavo been put up to insult Mr. Dawson by some of their evil disposed white advisers, for it has not been customary heretofore for U. S. Consuls to be introduced by their predecessors.

The New American Consul.—T. M. Dawson, Esq., the gentleman who has been appoiutcd to take charge of the American Consulate in this town, arrived per brigantine Meg Mcrrilies, on Wedncsday last. Mr. Dawson comes here well recommended from various quarters, and there is every appearance that the United States Government have got hold of the right man this time. We will content ourselves with giving a few of the opinions of the Press upon the gentleman, sincerely hoping that ho will never give us cause to express a different opinion : —" Owing to the recent developments in commercial relations, the Samoan Islands have beoomo of considerable importance to the United States, and hence the appointment of a good Consul at Apia, the capital, is very desirable. The Times regards the appointment of Mr. L. M. Dawsou, of this city, as fortunate in every respect. He was recommended for the position by not less than seventy of the leading firms of San Francisco, including both Democrats and Republicans, and also by prominent clergymen of all denominations, including such men as Kev. W. A. Scott, D.D., L.L.D., and Rev. Jos. Eells, D.D., as well as nearly all the members of the Masonic Lodge, of which Mr. Dawson is a member in Oakland. He has travelled extensively th rough the. interior of tho State, studying its commercial resources, and is well informed in such matters. He is a native American citizen, and will be a faithful representative of the Government, and seek to promote the interests of trade between the islands and the United States. He is a careful writer and will make valuable reports to the Government. We have found him an energetic business man, and have no doubt that he will make an excellent Consul."—Oakland Daily Times. " Mr. Dawson has been a resident of California for some years, and is fitted for the position on. the score of being a true American, a man of education, refinement, and judgment."—Alta California. Tho Oakland Mirror, speaking of the appointment of Mr. Dawson, and the extremely delicate nature of his duties in Samoa, says: "Hois a polite, highly cultured, and perfect gentleman, cautious and prudent, yet energetic and decided when he bolieves he is right, and will no doubt make a good diplomat and Consul." The Auckland Evening Star, of July 2(1, says:—" Tho Hon. T. M. Dawson, United States Consul for Samoa, who was brought on to Auckland through the mail steamer failing to land him at Apia, loaves in the Meg Mcrrilies to-morrow, for his new station. During his residence in Aucklaud, Mr. Dawson has gained a large circle of friends, and has made himself thoroughly acquainted with the trade between this port and the islands. His unintended visit, therefore, will, we trust, bo tho means of facilitating the business of tho Consulate, and of producing thoso oordial relations which unfortunately have not always subsisted 1 between the British and Americanoffioial representatives and the residents of both nations on the island. We may congratulate Samoa upon the judicious choice mode by the Washington Government in selecting a Consul for that important ■ centre of South Sea trade.