The Hawaiian gazette., 1889-11-26
THE SITUATION AT SAMOA.

ceived by the Australia. reported
civil war as having broken out again
in Samoa. This report was cabled
to London in October from Australia
Our files of Apia Times. received by
the Mariposa, with dates from
October 18th to November I'd, make
no mention of any disturbance Of
any kind, and report everything
quiet. The telegram sent from Aus
tralia was evidently canard. The
present situation in Samoa is this
Malietoa declined the royal Office Of
King, which is his by birth and
popular will, and expressed his views
in short speech made at a great
native meeting which assembled at
Apia in October to discuss the ques-
ton, who should be their King. We
copy from the Samoa Times the pub
lished report of the royal and other
speeches on this occasion:
"Malietoa, who appeared in delicate
health, addressed the assemblage. He
SAID: am standing now amongst you,
and l thank God for it. never thought
when was a prisoner away in a foreign
land l could ever see you again. Ma
taafa is here with me, and now thank
him especially for the manner in which
he has supported our cause, and also
thank all my people for the manner in
which they assisted Mataafa while l was
away. You all knew l left over to Ma
taafa the management of our affairs and
the leadership of our party, and you now
will reap the benefit of your faithful
actions. Every man respects Mataafs,
and l also respect him, and he MA
taafa) has done and will do his best for
Samoa. Although L offered myself as
a prisoner away from home, Mataafa
and my people have had trying time /;
but you have nobly done your duty. l
have made up my mind what to do, and
1 know am doing it for the good of my
people. 1, with every confidence, leave
Mataafa to steer the ship. Mataafa is
not blind. You also have full faith in
him, and under his guidance you will
now become a prosperous people, and
permanent peace secured to Samoa. l
now retire in favor of Mataafa, whom
you will still follow as you have we'll
done while was away.
'Lauati, chief from Savaii, then ad-
dressed the people. He said: We have
all met here to-day to meet MaIietoa our
old king, and appoint a government for
Samoa. The people of Savaii, Manono,
Tutuila, and other places cannot come
down, but they have sent representa-
tives to speak for them. This is good.
You have all heard what Malietoa has
said. He wishes Mataafa in future to
take his place, and carry on the govern
ment. We will accept Mataafa as our
king, and all our people will do 80. We
have all confidence in Mataafa. He has
led US successfully through our great
troubles. We are all Malietoa's people,
and Mataafa will be our king. am
satisfied with what has been done, and
On behalf of my people agree to it.
"Mataafa, the new king, then ad-
dressed his people. He said: You have
hOohu nhdb 4udiIcIOa cdiu, anu 1Ou nave
also heard what Lauati said. / am
pleased with the manner in which they
speak of me and of what | have done
during Malietoa's absence. This is
good and l thank Malietoa and you all
for your good feeling towards me. Ma
lietoa wants me to take his place. He
wants me to guide the ship. The chiefs
of our party have also asked me to do
so. | now accept the position and, with
Gods assistance, we will save Samoa for
our people. Malietoa and myself are
one in our feelings for the good of our
people. We should not forget what the
United States and Great Britain have
done for us. We have to thank those
nations for our independence. They win
advise US right, and if We follow their
advice it will be for. our good. Germany
has only tried to frighten US. 1t is now
more than our duty to support our new
AS may be read in Malietoa's
speech, he assigns no reason why he
declines to be King of Samoa; but
from private advices we learn that
The real cause is the popular feeling
which has set against him, on &C
count of his taking common woman
If Rarotongs to be his wife. The
Samoans are proud and aristocratic
race in all that pertains to their royal
blood; and consequently look with
'corn and jealousy at this Raro-
5ongan intruder, who has gained the
affections of the old King. It is said
hat the royal family and the people
ire of one voice in opposing their
I'D King, and knowing their deter
he prefers to stand aside
md allow Mataafa to be the ruler.
In this dilemma, there are two
ways in which the government may
De organized: First, for Mataafa to
De made regent, acting for the King
n all matters of state. Or, secondly,
or Malietoa to abdicaie in favor of
lis eldest son, a lad Of fourteen
7ears, and have regency appointed,
If which, if the popular voice is
'ollowed, Mataafa will be the head
'r regent. It seems hardly possible