Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1890-01-20
A Full Outline of Its Provisions-Powers
of the Conrt.

THE SAMOAN TREATY.
A Full Outline of Its Proyisions-Powers
of the Conrt.
NEW YORK, January 19th.-Many al
legged synopses of the Samoan treaty have
been published, but to-day for the fist
time the treaty is made public. The Herald
prints it in exteuso, aud the following is a
full outline of its provisions:
In Article it is declared that the islands
of Samoa are neutral ground in which the
citizens and subjects of the three signatory
powers have equal rights of residence,
trade and personal protection. The three
powers recognize the independence of the
Samoan Government and the free rights of
the natives to elect their King or chief and
choose their form of government accord
ing to their own laws and customs. Neither
of the Powers shall exercise any separate
control oyer the islands or the government
thereof
1t is further declared with view to the
prompt restoration of peace and good order
on these islands, and in view of the diff
culties which would surround an election
in the present disordered condition of their
Government, that Malietoa, who was form
erly made and appointed King on July Il,
1881, and was so recognized by the three
Powers, shall again be so recognized here
after in the exercise of such authority, un.
less the three Powers shall, by common
accord, otherwise declare, and his success
sors shall be duly elected according to the
laws and customs of Samoa.
Article 2 provides that this Act shall
supercede all now existing treaties be-
tween the powers and Samoa, but that Sa-
moa shall give consent to all its provis
ions before going into effect.
Article provides for the establishment
of Supreme Court in Samoa consisting of
one Judge, who shall be appointed by the
three signatory powers in common accord,
or, these failing, he is to be named by the
Kings of Norway and Sweden. His decis-
ions shall be final, and his salary, $4,000
year, PAYABLE the first year by the three
powers in equal proportion, and afterward
by the Samoan Government.
He is made removable ct the request of
majority of the three treaty powers. On
jurisdiction, the treaty says: The Supreme
Court shall have jurisdiction of all ques-
tions arising under the provisions of this
general Act. The Court shall also have
appellate jurisdiction over all municipal
magistrates and officers. Provision is made
for the appointment of assistants. The
question of right to the throne shall be
have power 10 settle disputes between the
treaty powers, any such differences not
being considered cause for war. The Chief
Justice shall have the right to suggest the
passage of any laws to the Samoan Govern
meDt which he thinks advisable To this
Court shall be transferred civil suits con-
cerning real property in Samoa, and all
rights affecting the same; civil suits be-
tween natives and foreigners, and crimes
committed by Samoans against foreigners
or foreigners against Ssmoans, where the
Consuls have not Jurisdiction. The prac-
tice and procedure of English Courts shall
guide.
Article 4, respecting titles to lands in
Samoa and restraining disposition thereof
by natives, provides that all future aliena-
ton of lands on the islands of Samoa 10
citizens or subjects of any foreign country
shall be prohibited, subjectto the following
conditions Town lots and lands may be
sold or leased by the owner fer Just con-
siderstion, when approved in writing by
the Chief Justice. Agricultural lands may
be leased for term not exceeding forty
years, when the lease is approved in writing
by the chief executive authority of Samoa
and by the Chief Justice. A Court of
Claims to settle or the validity Of existing
land titles is provided for, with three Com
missloners at $500 month each, during
the necessary term of service. The Court
shall make provisions for complete regis
try Of valid titles in Samoa owned by for
eigners All lands acquired before the 28ih
day of August, 1S79-being the date of the
Auglo-Samoan tTeaty-shall be held as val
idly acquired prescriptive title by ten years
past continuous holding.
Article describes the municipal district
of Apia, ard provides for the local admin
istration, which shall consist of six men,
bers of the Municipal Council and Presi-
dent with veto. This Council shall
enforce the treaty, as far as necessary, over
Apia, and shall regulate port charges.
Councilmen are to be property holders and
elected by popular vote. The President Of tle
Council shall be agreed upon by the three
powers. He may act under Joint instruc-
tion of the three powers, but shall receive
no separate instructions from either. His
salary will be 5000. He shall be the re-
ceiver and custodian of revenues accruing
under The provisions of this Act, and shall
render quarterly reports to the King
and the Municipal Council. The Chief
Justice shall make q proper order for
the election Of the local government OF the
municipal district.
Article treats of the regulations for the
collection of import duties and taxes The
port of Apia shall be port Of entry for all
dutiable goods arriving in the Samoan
Islands. 1t is provided that heavy duties
shall be levied for revenue purposes
Wine, per gallon, ST. spirits, 81 80; slatisti-
cal duty on goods in general per cent ad
valorem. Ad valorem export duties on
coffee, copper or cotton are provided for.
Other taxes shall be yearly capitation
tax on ali Pacific islanders, 81; colored, not
islanders, 50; also taxes on dwelling-house
boats and firearms. License taxes on law
yers, doctors and all classes of tradesmen and
carriers, vary from $50 on lawyers to s. On
blacksmiths, So on book-aeents and 81 on
peddlers.
importation of firearms is hedgad abou:
with many restrictions, and their sale by
foreigners to Samoans is strictly prohibited
The prohibition of liquors is established
by the following section: mo spirituous,
vinous or fermented liquors or intoxicating
drinks whatever shall be sold, given or
offered to any native Samoan or South Sea
islander, resident in Samoa, TO be taken as
a beverage. Adequate penalties, including
for violation of the provis-
ions of this article, snail be established by
the Municipal Council for application with
in its jurisdiction, and by the Samoan Gov
ernment for all the islands"
The treaty is agreed to by John A. Kas-
son, William Waiter Phelps, George H.
Bates, Fl. Bismarck, Holstein, R. Krauel,
Edward 3. Malet, Charles s. Scott and j.
4. Grove.
IN THE DAYS OF 40.