Polynesian., 1854-06-03
PRorrsr By FOREIGN RESIDENTS.


Presented by II. B. N. Consul and II. H. n c,malreiai
4gert to the Chiefs of the Narigator's Lslaads-
To the authorities Of Lufufi and LeulanOega and all
the Chiefs Of the party of Aana Atua and the Tus-
asaga the foreign residents send respectful greeting
wishing health and prosperity.
This solemn protest against the oppression Of
the chiefs and authorities Of the party of Aana,
Atua and the Tua-masaga 1t is well understood BY s
that we have nothing whatever TO do with the Of
Samoa. We maintain strict neutrality, because il
would in our situation be highly improper for
gage in the If united with either party, We
should thereby forfeit the protection Of respective
Governments This would be the case we Joined with
out sufficient cause; but it, in consequence Of the Op
preve conduct Of certain parties we should be under
the necessity Of taking up aIIns, our Governments viii
still give their protection We wish to continue per-
fectly neutral; the SamOans must manage their own
wars we can have nothing 10 do with thenl.
Our principal occupation in Samoa is Trade. BY this
obtain the means Of supporting our families Our
traffic is also of great benefit all the inhabitants Of the
group. All who have occasion 10 European goods
for the arrival Of ships Ii 1t not for o traits,
but few vessels would call here; great inducements
being tile prospect Of selling their goods 80
Stop traffic, and in very short time the ksilns
viii return to their former state Of poverty.
In selling our goods, il makes difereDca 70 ~
whether the purchaser be from Aana, or Atus, ).
vail or the Tua-masagI, Mlnono. We sell to al
who wislr to buy, because such Is business What
We sell is property. which have obtained by
great exertiOns and much trouble We therefore have
perfect right to do with it fit; other per
have any authority IL its disposal entirely
with ourselves
Should any one claim right to dictate 20 is how
to dispose Of our own property such an interference
would be oppression If We wish to sell our gOOds
Savaii we have Just right take them there and sell
them. II we wish to dispose of them in Atus,
can legally prevent our doing so If there be in Sa
moa the chiefs Of Samoa have right to manage the
as they please but have right interfere with
traffic We have nothing to do with the war, and We
think that ought not 70 be disturbed AMI annoyed IN
our lawful trade
One thing however IL universally done iy belfgeren;
powers in civilized Countries and which may lie done in
Samoa That Is the fOrbiding the carriage of contra
band goods By neutral powers If such goods found
evidently their passage TO an opposing power theJ
conscated for the benefit Of the belgerent power
discovering tfem.
verbal treaty on these principles was entered into
between G. Pritchard H. b. NJ. Consul, and V. p. Cha
pin. L. S. COm1 Agent, and the party Of AaDs
Atua and the Tua-masaga, the I'D Of August last
This treaty has been repeatedly violated by the said war
party Our property Of different kinds not contraband
has been fcrcby taken, the persons Of foreigners pass
ing in boats have been mareated and they have been
put in bodily fear. All this is highly unjust We are
in state Of neutrality, not in the condition Of con-
quered people, nor IN state OF slavery The parport
of this document to make known TO al the Oppressive
conduct of the war party towards US and to enter cur
solemn protest against it. Copies Of this protest viii be
sent to our respective Governments to Crest Britain
and the United States Of America TINT they may render
US such assistance circumstances may require
And now We authorities Of the war-party Of Aanss
Atua and the Tun-masga remove all asperities from
your minds and with jstios as It regards our
trac II boat Is its passage to Sayaii or M1nono'
let it be searched by persons appointed especially for
that PURPOSE and not by all who may be dsspSed %
rush into the boat; becaye, in the latter ease II : in
possibe 20 exercise due control large number
profeseiy searching If guns, powder other con-
traband goods are found board, concate theulths
contraband goods ony,-to your use After the
her crew and goods not contrzband that she may pro
sccute her voyage Boats coming from SaTa or M4no-
no should not be liable search 70 any hindrsnoe
snnoyance whatever. And II anycf your Chef Ti7h