Connecticut western news., 1889-03-06
THE SAMOANS
Islands That Have Caused an
 International Rumpus.
Character of the Natives. and
 How They Live.

erabie experlence, now resident ot Grand Rapids, Mich, has the following story to tell of the Samoan or Navigator's Islands, in the South Pa cific: F.
 Of the Samoan group the Savaii, Upolu, Iutuila and Mauna islands are of the greater importance and are distanced some 5000 miles from Sydney and 5000 from San Francisco. They are scattered over space of about 400 miles and in- habited by people adhering to the same customs, believing in the same religion and governed by the same laws.
 Geographically the islands are volcanic in nature, usually high and mountainous. There are several volcanoes, though long since extinct, which give to its scenery a picturesqueness like unto the Islands of Japan with its grand Fusi Amya tower ing majestically IA, 1000 feet above the level of the sea. Though its harbors are open they are we'll protected by coral reef which extends nearly the en- tire circumference of the group. The rocky foundation is generally covered by a rich earth in which the bread fruit, ba- mana, cocoanut, nutmeg, sugar cane, pine apple and other tropical products thrive to remarkable degree. These articles are the stock in trade of the 10000 in- habitants, who in themselves are worthy of much more study than is generally ac- corded them by the outside world. They are models in physique. Tall, well pro- portioned, clean of limb, graceful in poise or movement, and except the nose, of well-defned features, they stand physi- cally without peer in the great human family. Their nomadic life gives to their character a dignity often wanting in more advanced races. Kind, gener- ous, thoroughly hospitable, they know but little of what is termed poverty. Their social system is semi free to borrow, ready to lend. If a house is to be constructed members of the family or clan contribute their share gladly; if one is without home he is welcome guest at another's table as long as he wishes to remain. This free dom and want of responsibility has but little to do with their unprogressiveness. Their honesty and sense of duty prevents the abuse of such a social system. Theirs is largely patriarchal form of government, the sovereignship resting in chiefs of clans and the com mon consent of big chief. These ti- ties are not hereditary, but often are be slowed in ackn nowlcdgment of valor or to win over powerful leader of another family. The flowers of manhood are kept as body guard and during peace are waited upon and lionized by the rest of the family. Mating, war imple- ments, canoes and native cloth are manu- factured by artisans, and are the circu-
 
 women occupy a higher position in the family circle than is generally customary with islanders.
 The port of Apia is situated on the northern coast of Upolu, and since the introduction of steamship lines in the South Pacific is recognized as the com mercial center of the group. It boasts of population of 1500, missionary chapels, schools and a printing house. There are several consular dwellings, and tourists find rather comfortable quarters at place which the inhabitants call a hotel. While the foreigners live in the modernly constructed house the natives, except a few of the more opulent, still retain the architectural styles established by the aboriginal man. These are circu- lar in form, of from 30 to 40 feet in di- ameter, and are principally roof. Posts about four feet high and situated some four or five feet apart from the foundation The roof is matched, usually of sugar cane leaves, and rises, cone-shapcd, go feet above the ground. It is so con- stlucted in four parts that it may be cas- fly taken down and shipped to any dcsti- nation without damage to it. The apcr- tares between the foundation posts serve as doors and windows during the day and as walls and protection at night by dropping curtains of mating. The house has but one room which serves we'll the purpose of drawing room, sitting room, bedroom and kitchen. For sleeping purposes for the sew >ral members of the family, tents of mating are put up and separate apartments are condition and not theory. The bed of samoanese is got up with due regard to expense but at total disregard to comfort. It con- sists of three or four layers of mating laid on the hard, smooth ground, on which none but a native could hope for rest The pillow is a piece of thick bamboo about five feet long and support ed by legs three inches high.
 The garb of the women differs from the mems in that it is little longer This garb worn by both sexes was often made of plaited work which took months and sometimes years to construct, and when once washed was of no service. In duties about the house they are particu- larly neat; also in personal habits Though usually the people go barefooted,