Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1889-04-05

tunity of witnessing Mr.. Boyton's
exploits from Long Wharf, Saturday
afternoon at 3 o'clock.
SAMOA.
Not day passes but that the tee
graph brings intelligence to the world
that this or that has lately happened
in Samoa. Up until few short
months ago this part of the world was
practically unknown to the people OF
the land, save that it was in the South
Sea, some $500 miles distant in a
south and west direction from San
Francisco.
Samoa is the name of group OF
nine islands in Polynesia, little north
of east of the Society islands, group
much larger and better known. Sa-
moa is also known as Navigator's Isl
ands. The natives are negroes. All
the islands OF Polynesia are the tops of
submarine mountains; the islands are
beneath the surface of the water coral,
which forms the basis of the soil
many of the islands have lagoons in
the center, and bear every evidence OF
being the result of volcanic eruptions'
On come of the islands are high noun
tains. When these islands were first
discovered we are in doubt, but I'M
doubleday they were visited by the
earliest voyagers round the globe.
The inhabitants of the several Poly
nesian Islands all speak a language
that shows common origin, natives
of different islands learning to under
stand each other in a short time.
Their ancient religions were alike,
and all practiced cannibalism.
They tattoo the body; on some isl
ands the people are rendered hideous
by this practice, which they still keep
up. The people of the islands are in
dolent, but Of cheerful temperament,
much given to pleasure. Wrestling
and boxing are the favorite pastimes.
They have rude musical instruments.
Before the introduction of Christianity,
dancing was species OF State as well
as religious ceremony; much of the
dancing was of a degrading form. In
Polynesia there are two distinct races;
one very dark and somewhat dwarfed,
the tallest of the men not being over
five feet high. The others the color
of the Malays and American Indians,
many of them handsome and graceful.
The ruling families or tribes are some
what remarkable for their grace and
dignity, so much 80 that some trave-
lers have supposed them . distinct
race that at come time had conquered
and held in control the common peo-
pie.
Originally the people wore but little
clothing, and that woven from a
fiber of peculiar tee. Since early in
the present century commercial rela-
tons have existed between these sew
eral groups and Europe and America.
Missionaries visited the islands at the
same time, and now civilized customs
and styles Of dress Prevail, though in
some of thu islands gro.esque COM
bining of the two prevail. These
Islands are under the protection and
care of the different European powers
and of America. A few are under the
direct control Of European powers.
The several civilized powers have, by
treaty, agreed not to govern these
islands, and to protect the property
and citizens of each power against
common foe, whether . native or for
eign one. Samoa was especially under
the protection of England, Germany
and America.
What at this time draws this section
Of the world into prominence through
the newspapers is the fact that inter
nal dissensiens are rife among its PEG
pie, caused by tie insolvence and ar
rogance of the commander OF the Ger
man naval squadron in those waters
In Samoa is ensconsed, in almost Al
impregnable fortress, an organization
known as the German Trading Co
IL sy have practically had control OF th'
destinies of the land by virtue Of thei
business. Malietoa, the recognized king
awarded them certain trading conces
sions which the company accepted
and continued to thrive, ut FIRST in
legitimate manner and when they be
came rich enough they commenced II
dictate terms instead of begging TO
privileges. Malitoa considered it wa
time to put on the brakes and the re
suit was that the company, who hat
grown Immensely wealthy under hi
patronage, secretly commenced to agi
tate the disposition of their friend al
king, and substitute for him anothe
named Tamasese, worthless scrul
who was as plastic as mud or putty il
their hands, and who could be reflex
upon to do their bidding. Proud, ant
warlike, the Samoans in all their saw
agery refused to be dictated to or recOg
nize Tamasese as king, and revolu
ton took place. Under the guise o
protecting German interests, the com
mander Of the German navy stationed
in the South Pacific, declared wa
against Maleotoa and proclaimed thu
island under martial rule. The Unitet
States Consul at Apia, the principa
seaport, protested and called upor
Captain Neary Of the steamer Nipsi'
for protection. This was promptly at
forded and it looked very much a
that time rs if war would be the result
A sort of diplomatic stay of proceed
ings was obtained, however, the wal
cloud passed over and a committed
from both nations are to meet at Der
lin May 18th, to adjust the matter with
cut resorting to armed force.