CORRESPONDENCE.

Samoa Times and South Sea Gazette, Volume 2, Issue 54, 12 October 1878, Page 2

CORRESPONDENCE.

Wo uro always willing to give insertion to letters of explanation or but wo wish it to bo distinctly understood that «t do nut endorse tin'opinions expressed, or language used, by our correspondents. i >ur ilicas of missing events will bo found in our loculor editorial columns. TO THE EDITOR OF THE SAMOA TIMES. Silt, —During the week before last it was rumoured in Apia that the Samoan Government h:ul requested the foreign Consuls to consult with them about some measures to stop the sale and supply of intoxicating liquours by foreigners to natives, and that a meeting to that effect would take place on the 2sth September. On enquiry, I have found that tlirs rumour was quite correct, and also that Mr. Swanstou. the British Acting Consul withdrew his promised co-operation at the last moment, stating, as it, is said, that ho, would he willing to enforce a law to that effect upon British subjects, but not to co-operate in advising or assisting tla .Samoan Government in framing ami carrying out such a law generally. Anyone acquainted with the state of affairs in Samoa will see at onco that such a position is tantamount, under present circumstances, to upholding and protecting the present nefarious practice of sale .and supply of liquor to natives. Mr.Swauston may enforce such a law upon British aubjecta, and the. other foreign Consuls upon thc;ir countrymen ; but the Taimua and Paipule, without the support and assistance of the foreign Consuls, will not as yet bo able, if witling, to do so with reference to all those many foreigners in Apia whose country is not represented hero by a Consul. For proof of the truth of this assertion, I beg to remind you of the action of the late Mr. Liardet who effectually and radically overthrew the liquor laws or regulations existing on his arrival, and whereby perfect order and quietness had been secured, by pursuing a similar course as Mr. Swatiston proposes to do, and which action, we know from good sources, was thoroughly disapproved of by his superiors. What object or reason Mr. Swanston can have in taking the position he bus is a mystery to mo, us 1 feel quite confident that his instructions do not forbid him to CO-operato with the other foreign Consuls for such a purpose ; in fact, if such were the case, why did he not say so a', once when asked to co-operate 'i Meanwhile, I suppose, the foreigners have to "grin and boar it;" but we do not think it just that the late Mr. Liardot's, and now Mr. Swanston's actions and conduct in this matter should be buried in oblivion. If what I heard about Mr. Swnnston is correct, as I doubt not, then I would be justified in stating as a fact, that we have to thank .those two British Representatives for the continuance and prolongation of tin abominable stato of affairs which is a disgrace to this place, and whereby the property and persons of all foreigners are continually threatened and exposed to serious dangers.

Now. Mr. Editor, allow mo also to say a few words to yon. I understand from yon that your journal is guided by the principles of justice and impartiality, fearlessly and without favour. I fully bcliovc this, and 1 have read a good deal in your paper about Mr. Giilfin especially and 1 have no sympathy for that gentle mail. You have at times opened your columns even for personal remarks which could do no good, and looked rather too much like gpito. Hut will yon kindly explain to nic now why you did not say a word in your last week's is.suo about Mr. Swnnston's action, although a whole wook had then passed, thus allowing yo» ample time for enquiries ; and surely you could not pretend you did not hear anything about this matter, which is certainly of sulfioicnt importance to bo noticed by you. J like to sho fair play. 1 am, &c, SITM (VtniT.. Apia, 11th October, 1675. [Wo will answer our correspondent's (portions in our next issue.—ED. !>. T.] !