The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1890-08-04
SAMOA IN A STEW.
Another Civil War Among the Possi-
bilities.

APIA, SAMOA, July Is. per Steamer
Zealandia to San Francisco, Aug. S.-Great
dissatisfaction was expressed here last week,
both by the foreign residents and the loyal
natives, on the receipt Of news by the
steamer from New Zealand that
the United States, England and Germany
had further delayed the appointment Of a
chief justice and president Of the municipal
board, and that the matter was TO be re-
ferred to the king of Sweden. The new
government of Samoa is but little further
advanced than it was two years ago.
ONLY ONE STEP TAKEN.
Notwithstanding the fact that the Berlin
conference concluded its labors more than a
year ago and formed treaty which King
Mahetoa and the chiefs of Samoa asseuted
TO last February, the step which has been
taken toward a new order of affairs is the
recent appointment of collector
of customs by the three consuls sitting as a
consular board, and even this appointment
does not give satisfaction, as it is generally
believed that, though the consuls have
power to make appointments, they have no
power to enforce the payment of duties.
GERMAN PROTEST.
The German Trading Company, which
forms the largest commercial organization
on the island, already pays its duties under
protest. The native chiefs say that in def
ference to the request of the consuls they as
sented to the treaty after consid-
GRAFTON of only Uwenty-four hours,
and they complain bitterly that
no appointments have been made
since then, and that nothing, apparently,
has been done toward the establishment OF
them. Government by a consular board is
regarded here as the most undesirable form
! that could be devised, owing to the unsettled
! condition of affairs in Samoa, and the
| apparent slight probability of any imme-
date action on the part Of the three powers,
and 1t is believed that trouble is imminent.
MAY BE A CIVIL WAR.
Whether or lot this trouble will reach
| the proportions of another civil war similar
to the one which was experienced two years
ago is at present difficult to state, but the
same indications are given now that were
manifest before the late war. 1t is believed
that trouble at this time would come from
Mataafas party, which has been gaining
In strength recently, the failure on the part
of the three powers having tended to shake
| the faith of many of Malietoa's supporters.
Mataafa himself went to Savali, the largest
island of the group, short time ago, and
since his return it has been learned that at
least one-half of the chiefs there are In his
favor.
MALIETOA WOULD WIN.
Malietoa's followers were, of course, the
stronger, aud, in the event of another war,
it is thought they will be successful, but the
mere prospect OF another conflict is dreaded
! by all the foreign residents. Tamasese,
who was supported by the Germans two
years ago, is, apparently, not engaged in
any strife, and he is said to be enlistinp
the sympathy. not only of the white
population, but that Of the most intelligent
portion of Malietoa's party. Unsuccessful
overtures are believed to have been made
TO him by Mataafas followers. King
Malietoa and his chiefs regard the situation
as so serious that they have decided to re-
quire the three consus to appoint an
adviser to the king, and they have
selected William Blackjack, who was the
American consular representative here dur
ing the war, as the advisor whom they de-
| sire
The only man-of- war at Apia now Is the
| United States steamer Mohican.
Trade on the island is utterly stagnant.