Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1872-06-26


These eight islands form the group, and they
are situated in the South Pacific between los
degrees and 17S degrees west longitude, and 10
degrees 30 minutes and IA degrees 30 minutes
south latitude. They lie directly upon the tack
OF the Australian line of steamers, and in most
instances these steamers would sight the islands
if they did not call. They are of volcanic FORM
alton, and are surrounded by coral reefs The
mountains of Savaii are over 900 feet high.
The soil is rich and productive. Bread fruit,
bananas, coffee, cotton, and all the tropical
fruits and vegetables grow in abundance.
These beautiful islands have attracted the at
tention of spectators and business men of San
Francisco, where company has been organized
entitled "The Samoan Commercial and AgricuI
tural Company" Mr.. Stewart has visited the
islands as their agent, and according to report
he has purchased three hundred and thirty
thousand (sS0,0OO) acres of land-1OO, 900 on
Tutuila, and 100000 on the islands of Upolu
and Savai. The area occupied by these pur-
chases would equal about one-fourth of the
whole group.
Much interest now centres upon the island Of
Tutuila, because upon this island is found the
beautiful and commodious harbor of Pango-
Pango. 1t is on the south side of the island
and perfectly land-locked, being an extinct
crater. When vessel has entered it she is en-
tirey shut out from sea view. A very good
description of this harbor is given by Wilkes.
but it has more recently been surveyed by the
officers of the United States ship Narragansett,
commanded by Capt. Meade. During the visit
of this vessel Capt, Meade negotiated CONNER
cial treaty with the chiefs of the island of Tutu-
lila, or rather of the harbor Of Pango-Pango.
This treaty was signed on the I'd of March,
1872, and was promulgated by salutes and other
accessory demonstrations. If required, this har-
Dor will be made coaling station of the Aus
tralian steamers.
Wilkes in 1889 estimated the population of the
group at $4,000, but Turner, in 1868, reduces the
population to $4,000, and it would not probably
exceed SO. 900. On the island of Tutuila there
were, in 1856, 8,94S. Unfortunately no stable
central government has ever been organized, but
rival chiefs have carried forward perpetual petty
warfare for supremacy. Turner gives an ac-
count of bloody war which ragged on the
islands of Upolu and Manua from 1s49 to 1851,
or during period of nine years. 1t was like
the war of the Roses in England We are sorry
to learn that the slumbering embeIs of warfare
still exist, ready TO break out at any moment
All writers upon Samoan affairs, Turner,
Williams, Wilkes, Prichard, and recent visitors,
refer to these bloody and unfortunate battles
among the natives. IL is TO be feared
that they will not cease until strong
central government is organized or the islands
pass under the protection of some for
eign power.
The principal commerce of the islands, after
supplying recruits to ship. (whale ships and
guano vesses), consists of traffic in. cocoanut
oil. This is largely produced, but is principally
carried forward by German and English mer-
chants resident upon the islands,
Will the United States government assume
the protectorate of these islands? This is the
question. SAMUEL C. DAMON.