Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1873-09-24
The Samoan Islands.
THEIR PRODUCTS AND CUSTOMS.

THEIR PRODUCTS AND CUSTOMS.
From a gentleman just arrived in San
Francisco from the Samoan or Navigators'
Islands in the South Pacific, the San Fran
CISCO Chronicle has obtained some informa-
ton of general interest about that region,
SO seldom visited, from which we make the
following extracts:
"The Samoan group comprise six in
number, containing an area OF 2 900 square
miles, and having population estimated
at 10000. Mentally. morally and phys
lcaly the natives are superior to any
other dwelers in the South Seas. The
islands are remarkable for their fertility,
the chief products being cocoanut oil, ar
rowroot, caoutchouc, castor bean, ginger,
coff5e, tarro, bread fruit, yams, etc.
Oranges and lines grow well, and there
are few fg trees. Upland rice can be
raised in great abundance, and kidney
cotton springs up spontaneously. This is
not so fue an article as the south Sea cot
ton, which cannot be raised on the Samo IN
group, owing to the moisture. Quite a
trade is carried on in the sale of tortoise
shell and coral deposits of various and ex-
quisite hnes.
"The capitol, Apia, situated on the
island of Upolu, contains about two hun.
dred foreign residents, Americans, English,
French and German, the latter predom ma
ting. The United States, l. Igland, Ger
many and France have consular or CON-
merc:al representatives. There is a French
(l.t bOlI lbnrob uh,ob oaho>l
attached to it The English missionaries
have also d church. There are three ten
pm alleys and billiard saloons, tut no re.
gular whlskey saloons though the intoxica
ting breverage is to be had in any quanti'
ty. Three pianos make harmony in A pla
and some OF the natives young ladies' OF
mixed blood play and sing with great per
| fectlon. A number of married ladies re-
side in AIpa with their husbands. when
ever war steamers come into port there is
grand ball, and then the elite OF the
tropical Capitol turn out in full force
The climate Of the place is represented as
delightful, the temperature never rising
above eighty degrees.
"The islands are governed by chiefs
who have their representatives at Alpha
There being but little drunkenness, and
crimes OF a shocking character being al
most unknown, the chiefs, in the way o.
disputes, are only called upon to decide il
cases of petty larceny. In all disputes
between natives and foreigners (princlpal
ly sailors) the various foreign consuls are
the supreme judges Safes double lock ed
doors double barred and gas burning al
night, as protection against burg lars, are
matters which never come under the eye
of the Apians. These things are reserv
ed for higher order of civilization.
s. The Apians are not angels however
They will 60 to war for their rights, anc
a struggle OF four years has just been ter
minated. The inhabitants of the islands
of Upollu, Meanona and Savail have
during the period mentioned carried on 1
struggle for supremacy, and neither side
having been successful, concluded peac,
which was satisfactory. The islands hav'
formed a confederacy, which is sort o
democratic republic. A President is to b.
elected who will reside at Apia, and tn
foreign consuls and foreign residents hav
been requested to aid in establishing tn
new republic On solid basis.
In addition to war clubs, spears ant
the tomabawk they all use the Winches
, ter rifle, the Henry ,ife, and the Suider
English pattern. the natives, however
are not skillful in the use of firearms, and
failing to load them rapidly and fire will
precision, they use the butt-end in lieu Q
war clubs. They are somewhat Napole
onic in their style of warfare, relying upo
the first terrible onslaught on the enem
| for complete aud final victory. Whe
: this fails they throw up breastworks o
either side, about mile apart, and ERE a
random, the shots never taking effect ez
: cept when gun kicks.
!" The tomahawk is principally used ft
B cutting off the heads of victims. PrsoI
\ ers taken on the field of battle are not e.
. changed, but SIMPLY beheaded. The hea
= ofa warlike chief is considered q gres
:; trophy. When brought to the camp I
: :, the victorious army it is exhibited to tt
highest chief, who looks upon it and