The morning call., 1890-08-04
SAMOAN AFFAIRS.
Much Dissatisfaction and Another
War Imminent.
Delay in the Appointment Of a Chief Justice
and a President of the Municipal
Board Creates Embarrassm.nt.

APIA Samoa, July 15.-Great dissatis-
faction was expressed here last week, both
by foreign residents and loyal natives, on
receipt of the news by steamer from New
Zealand that America, England and Ger
many had further delayed the appointment
of a Chief Justice and President of the
Municipal Board aud that the matter had
been referred to the King of Sweden.
The new Government of Samoa is little
further advanced than it was two years
ago, Notwithstanding the fact that the Ber-
lin Conference concluded its labors more
than year ago aud formed a treaty which
Malietoa and the chiefs Of Samoa assented
to last February. The only step which has
been taken toward the new order of affairs
is the recent appointment of Collector of
Customs by the three Consuls sitting as q
Consular Board, ana even this appointment
does not give satisfaction, as 1t is gen.
orally believed that though the Consuls
have power to make the appointment they
have 10 power to enforce the payment Of
duties.
The German Trading Firm, the largest
commercial organization on the islands,
already pays its duties under protest. The
native chiefs say that IN Difference to the
request of the C0nSulS they assented to the
treaty after consideration Of only twenty
four hours, thus breaking through all their
TRADITIONS OF TAKING time over Sucn an lnl-
portant event, aud they complain bitterly
that no appointments have been made since
then and that nothing has apparently been
done toward the establishment Of the new
Government.
a government by Consular Board is re-
garded here as the most undesirable form
that could be devised. 1t has always re-
suited in a failure, and it is considered
strange that the American Government
should allow it to continue owing to the
very general belief here of the existence OF
an English-German alliance in Samoan
matters.
Owing to the present unsettled condition
of affairs in Samoa and the apparent slight
proba ability OF any immed ate action on the
part OF the three powers, IL Is believed here
that trouble Is imminent. Whether or not
this trouble will reach the proportions OF
another civil war, similar TO the one which
was experienced two years ago, 1t Is at pres
ent difficult 10 state, but the same indlca-
tions are given now that were manifested
before the late war. II is believed
that the trouble this time would
come from the Malaafa party, which
has been gaining in strength recent
ly, the failure of any action on
the part of the three powers hav-
ing tended to shake the faith OF
many of Maletoa's followers. Mataafa
himself went to Savaii, the largest island
OF the group, a short time ago, ana since
his return it has been learned that at least
one half the chiefs. there are in his favor.
MalietUa's followers are, of course, stronger,
and in the event of another war, lis thought
they would be ultimately successful, but the
mere prospect OF another conflict is dreaded
by all 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 enlisting the SYM
pathy, not only of the white population,
but also of the most Intelligent portion of
MalietOa's party. Unsuccessful Oyertures
are believed to have been made to him by
Mataafa's followers.
King Malietoa and his chiefs regard the
situation as SO serious that they have de-
cided to request the three Consuls to ap-
point an adviser to the King. and they
have selected William Blackjack, who was
the American Consular representative here
during the last war, as the adviser whom
they desire. 1t is their intention to bring
the matter before the Consular Board in
few days.
The only man-of-war at Apia is the United
States steamer Mohican. A German ship
will probably be here soon, but the infor-
nation has been received that no English
war vessel need be expected for some time.
Trade on the islands is utterly stagnated.
TIE natives have eaten nearly all the cocoa
nuts and the cOpra crop, which is the chief
resource Of the country, is likely to prove a
failure.