The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1879-03-22
THE SAMOAN ISLANDS.

INTERESTING INFORMATION FURNISHED THE
STATE DEPARTMENT BY THE UNITED STATES
COMMERCIAL AGENT AT pAGo PAGo.
WASHINGTON, March 81. 1870
The President to-day in compliance with a resou-
ton of the Senate. transmitted to that body three
reports made to the Secretary of State by Gustavus
Coward United States commercial agent at Page
Page, concerning the Samoan Islands.
The first describes the enthusiasm and gratitude
with which the of the ratification Of treaty
with Samoa received throughout the group Of
islands, it being considered an assurance of protec-
ton against foreign interference WITH the indepen
dcnce and rights of self-government
In the second report which is devoted to the po-
itical situation. Mr. Coward says:-
The capability of the Samoans for self govern
ment has evinced ITSELF but account of the pres
OF Foreigners it is necessary for them to have
assistance in the management of their external and
internal affairs. They acknowledge their own ignor
ance and seek enlightenment and guidance in all
matters of government. With such Vows they pre-
fer looking to America after whom they would sys-
tematically model their Affairs. The great equality
ana jealousy among the high chiefs would make the
tenure of power OF king precarous and the nclina
ton is to Republic and President.
COMMERCIAL FACILITIES.
The third report is on commercial topics. Mr..
Coward says:-
Attention has been called to Pago Pago Harbor.
with reference to its capacity it's internal fitness
a naval station and its possession by the United
States. Additional allusion should be made TO its
general Importance. In naval point of view it is
the key position to the Samoan group and also to
Central Polynesia. and is admirably located for the
protection of American commerce already upon the
Increase in those waters. The Samoa Archipelago by
reason of its geographical position in the centre
of Polynesia, lying in the course of vessels
from San Francisco to Auckland from Panama to
sydney and from Valparaiso to China and Japan and
from the fact Of its being outside Of the hurricane
track is the most valuable group in the South
Pacific Situated half way between Honolulu and
Auckland Pago Pago would be most convenient
stopping place coaling station for vessels
steamers either for supplies the exchange of
modities. should naval station and accompanying
aduncts be established and the Pacific Mail steamers
make ii port of call il would necessarily become
the controlling commercial point in that part of
Polynesia.
These ends most worthy Of accomplishment
from the results that would follow in the civilization
of the natives in the starting table Industries
and the establishment of factories and plantations in
different islands. With these connections through
the South Seas this wealth of products would be
augmented and naturally fall into the hands of
Americans interesting themselves. who would find q
market for their commodities in the nearest Amer-
can port of san Francisco. This Is q commercial
matter of such paramount importance to the mcr
chants Of the Pacific stations to call for their i'm
mediate attention and action.