The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1891-07-19
THE FATE OF A SAMOAN HERO.

Standing Dead, Tattooed and En-
bslmed, in an Undartaker's Shop.
From the DenUer Republican.
Coroner Valley and his partner, Mr.. Roll
Inns. possess at their place OF business a de-
oidedly novel, wierd and CHASTITY advertise
ment In the corner of their back room
stands au ordinary looking pine box, such
one as is used to place around caskets in the
grave. 1t stands upon one end, and hinges
are at the sides. A lid is opened and
startling sight is revealed.
Standing erect with hands folded in front
and dressed in no raiment except a similar
garment to the ones used by the Yuma In
dams when they use one stands the dead
body of a Samoan tattooed warrior, who
was known during life as Letungaifo, and
who died of consumption at st. Luke's
Hospital about five weeks ago. The body
was taken to Coroner Valleys on the day
of death, and he had it embalmed. The eyes
are open and the black hair and slight
mustache brstle out with peculiar fierce
ness. From the waist to the knees it has
been tattooed with blue ink, SO as to re-
semble pair of knee pants, it being one of
the peculiar customs of the country from
whence he came to SO decorate the body of
every male as soon as he arrives at mans
estate.
From the peculiar history of this lonely
Pacific Islander, who it seems, risked
his life and assisted in saving the
lives of many United States man-of-wars-
men during the terrible cyclone That swept
over the island in March. 1859, it would
seem that the government alone owed a
debt of gratitude to him, to at least put
him in a proper resting place. Letungaifo
was one Of five Samoans brought to this
country by R. A; Cunningham. Aug. 10,
1889, aud was to have exhibited with them
in this city, but owing to his health he was
sent tc the hospital, and in few weeks
| after the departure OF his countrymen he
died. In obtaining these five Samoans Mr..
| Cunningham had great difficulty, as Ma
| taafa Mahetoa, the king of the islands, will
not allow any of his subjects to leave, claim
! ing it contrary to their law and custom.
In the terrible cyclone in March, 1889
when the American men-of-war Trenton
and Vandalia were wrecked in the harbor
| of Pago-Pago. in the island of Tutuila, the
natives rescued the sailors by making a
| human line out to reach them. Thus en-
abling them TO get to the shore On this
occasion Letungaifo particularly distin-
| guished himself for feats of bravery in saw
| lug the lives of several of the crew.
Il was after this Cunningham ATTEMPTED
| to get the men away. They sailed from the
island of Upolu in an ocean boat. intending
to intercept the Oceanic, stea ner from sgd
ney to Frisco, but terrible storm arose.
aud, after nearly being capsized and suffer
| ing all manner Of hardships, they we're
compelled to put back in the harbor Of
| Pago-Pago.
| ms was on Saturday, and the next day
| being Sunday, all were released to attend
| church, as the authorities did not think
| anything would sail on that day. Cunning
| ham, however, learned the United States
ship Alameda was shortly to sail with the
sailors who we're wrecked during the hurri-
cane and hastily getting the men together.
who were anxious to come on hoard, thew
were secreted and thus escaped to America
being the first Of their race to leave their
native country.