Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1886-01-15
CONCERNING THE sAWoAN ISLANDS

1t is scarcely possible to believe the news
of the seizure of the Samoan group of islands
by Germany. We know, of course, that the
density of population in Germany, the
pressing demands of her laboring classes.
the increasing severity Of the struggle of
the peasantry to maintain existence, have
all combined to propel Germany with un-
wonted vigor into colonization schemes.
1t may be said to be that the chief subject at
this time engaging the Government is how
to employ the dependent classes and what
outlet to allow them, and still retain con-
troll Of them. Added to this desire to fos
ter colonization is the natural one of all
European Governments-to acquire new
possessions abroad. If Germany long con-
templated the reported seizure, she has
been very successful in concealing her
purpose. If she has struck the blow she
is reported to have delivered, it is i'm
possible TO now conceive of any reasonable
excuse she can offer. If it is to be bra
zened out and not excused, other powers
may intervene and demand an explana-
ton, and probably a restoration of the
local government II is given out that
a reason for the step of Germany in this
matter Is TO gain prominence in trade,
since it is known that German commerce
has some time viewed with great jealousy
the progression made in the islands by
American traders. The latest assurance is
that the German Government knows moth
ing of the seizure of~the islands, and ex-
presses Its intention to respect the treaty
guaranteeing their neutrality.
The Samoan group is more Familiarity
known as the Navigator Islands. They lie
almost due northeast of Viii or Fiji
Islands, and little west of south of the
Hawaiian group. The longitude is 1859
to l13' west from Greenwich, and the lati
tude about $50 80 and 14O 30> south. In
the group are four chief islands-Manua.
Iutuila, Ipolu and Savaii There are FIVE
lesser isles. The population in the last
twelve years has declined from about 81.
900 to $4,000. The square mileage of the
island territory aggregates about 1850.
The island Tutulia has number of excel
lent harbors, and there are no groups in
the South Pacific better situated or capac;-
tated for furnishing ships with supplies.
The natives are of good character as re-
CARDS peacefulness, though they suffered in
early estimation by the massacre of a por-
ton OF the officers and crew of the La Pc
rouse expedition, disaster brought about
by the killing of one of the natives by a
sailor of the ship Astrolabe. The United
States Government maintains consulate
at Apia. the chief town of Upolu. where
there isa fine harbor.
In all these islands missionary effort has
been very active, and most of the natives
are now Christians. Citron, nutmeg, cof-
fee indigo and sugar cane are produced. as
also bread fruit, cocoanuts in great album
dance, the wild orange and lemon. the
banana, taro, paper mulberry, tacca from
which arrowroot is made), sweet potatoes,
pineapples, papaya, eopra, rattan, vans and
some tobacco. Poultry has been cultivated
with great success. and horses and cattle
were introduced into the islands many
years age, and have thriven wonderfully.
The habitsof the natives are commendabIe,
except as to industry. They have . great
respect for woman, love children without
limit, and. while incident, are ingenious,
clearly ana ociai. The native rule is by
nigh CHIEFS, under whom are chiefs of