National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1875-08-20

letter and look at 1t. 1---.-.s.,
Now, we are going to make known some
facts to your excellency. Formerly there was
war in this our land Of Samoa. Il was very
bad indeed, and people were all Of different
minds at that time. Nov Il has been brought
to an end. The chieb and rulers of Samoa
are all of one mind, and laws have been set
up for the government Of Samoa. The har-
mony and the laws were established on the
LIST Of May, 1873. We also set up flag as .
symbol Of the government of Samoa on the ID
And vet, notwithstanding that we have set
| up laws for the government of Samoa, 1t Is as
though the body is whole, but It is only lying
on, the ground; it has no living breath In It.
As is the story in the Bible: God made man,
then the body was whole, but 1t was only a
lying down, there was no living health in 1t.
Then God breathed into 1t, and that is the
cause Of its moving about and being alive. In
the same way Samoa and the laws are the
person. We are exceedingly DESTROYS that you
should breathe into Samoa. Be pleased to
bring your wisdom, and the goodness and
beauty of the American Government to teach
our Government, and to aid Samoa In the mat
ter of laws.
We have shown the details of our Govern
ment to the chief that came from the Amsri-
can Government, Colonel Steinberger. He
will let your excellency and the American
Government know all about It.
We also know the object for which he was
appointed, and the reason for which he came
to Samoa; that Is, the union between the Gov
eminent of Samoa and America. We very
much desire that affair to be confirmed.
Chief, we are now going to make known to
you our wish. Our desire is very exceedingly
great indeed that that chief, Col. Steinberger,
return to Samoa, because We have become ac-
quainted with him during the short time he
has been in Samoa. And another reason for
this desire lie that we know we'll the peaceful
ness and the amiability of that gentleman is
truly marvellous.
Be pleased not to delay an answer to this
our desire which we are presenting to your
excellency.
That is all. May your excelleucy have
health and strength, and may the American
Government be blessed.
We are the chiefs and rulers of the Govern
ment of Samoa.
Here follow signatures
The letter affords the most SPECIFIC infor-
nation as to the progress which was made
The Colonel also brought the following
letter, which is in further proof of their
desire for continued interference on our
part:
HOUSE OF MALrEroAl
MoAToA, October 4, 1873. I
CHIEF: This is my letter of love to you, the
chief who rules America. I am very much
pleased with regard to the union between our
Governments. My desire is that good arise for
this land. Now, this is my opinion and my
wish, be pleased to appoint for us the chief,
Colonel Steinberger.
1t is very proper for that chief to come here,
to make things straight in this land.
That is all my letter. May God grant you
health and strength.
am, MALIEToA,
Zaupepa.
Previous TO Colonel Steinbergeris visit
the Samoan chiefs and rulers had no idea
of any system or code of laws which recog-
nized the liberty ofthe subject or the obliga-
tons of law, and it is a very wonderful thing
that they have with such alacrity subscribed
to code, special in its character, and in
every feature almost wholly differing from
their former regulations. As 1t is the gov
eminent of islanders far away in the Paci-
fc ocean, recurrence to some of its provi-
sions will not only be interesting, but tend
to prove an enlightenment on their part
quite equal to the boast of the Oldest
civilized nations. Murder is forbidden,
and the penalty is death. Theft is punished
by imprisonment and hard labor on the
roads. Marriage is a contract between
man and woman that they shall be one till
death part them. No divorce or separation
is permitted. Hard labor on the roads for
four years follows conviction for adultery.
Perjury and SANDER are severely punished.
Tattooing is strictly forbidden. All gov
eminent officers are forbidden to drink
spirits to intoxication, or to use vulgar or
profane language in public. A fine and
forfeiture of the Office is the penalty. The
Sabbath is made sacred. No work, except
that of mercy, is permitted on that day.
The regulations compel parents to send
their children TO school, and all the laws
relating to trade and commerce are very
strict. The government was to be by chiefs
elected from different families, who should
serve for given time and then give way
to another branch, who would serve an
equal time; but this provision has been
modified by the election of one of the most
powerful chiefs as king for four years, and
then he is to give way to king from
another family for four years, but by the
unanimous wish of all the chiefs, rulers
and people Colonel Steinberger has been
created sort of perpetual Prime Minister,
and the latest advices from Samoa indicate
that the new government is progressing
well and harmoniously.
The action of the United States, through
its constituted authorities, in this matter,
has been based upon mercy and its long
established policy. In the first instance
the Samoans earnestly and unitedly ap-
pealed to our Government for a Pro-
tectorate, because, on account principally
Of their long continued family feuds, they
we're unable to protect themselves from
outside influences, surely, and not slowly,
consuming their riches and their power.
Outside spectators and robbers were tax.
ng advantage Of their wars and enmities
% secure what they called titles" to val
liable lands for a mere song. The chiefs
If one island, for little ammunition. a
ew worthless guns and inconsequential
rinkets, would dispose to foreigners and
REGULATORS the lands Of other chiefs with
whom they were at war, and for the first
ime they recognized, in Col. Steinberger,
he visit of white man without specula.
ion in his eye. The fighting chiefs saw
hat they were the common objects of
'lunder, and under the protection of the
United States inquiry is yet to be made
nto the validity of land sales for several
ears past. In forming the new govern
nent tremendous pressure was brought to
'ear upon Col. Steinberger to have the
avs so framed as to ratify all past land
ales, but he would not accede to it. Un-
oubtedly some of the stockholders of the
Polynesian Land Company" which es-
trading posts at Pago Pago and
Apia, and purchased large tracts of
and from the natives, paying therefor In
rms and ammunition, and receiving bogus
eeds, will have to suffer, and, in all hu.
nan probability, the New York World will |
ave occasion to echo the wall of more
han one California widow" hose hus-
and's reputation persisted in ''South Sea |
ubble" long before his robber hands were
alsied by death. In addition to what the