Arizona republican., 1892-06-29
FATE OF A SAMOAN HERO.
Tho Tattooed Body of n Native of Samoi
 Used as an Advertisement.

Tho Tattooed Body of Native of Samoa
 Used as an Advertisement.
 Coroner Wally and his partner, MT. Rollins, possess at their place of business decidedly novel, weird and ghastly ad- vertisement. In the corner of their back room stands an ordinary looking pine box, such one as is used to place around caskots in the grave. It stands upon an end and hinges are ut the side. A lid is opened and a startling sight is revealed.
 Standing erect, with hands folded in front and dressed in no raiment except similar garment to the one used by tho Yuma Indians (when they use one), stands the dead body of Samoan tat tooed warrior who was known during life as Letungaifo, and who died at St. Luke's hospital The body was taken to Coroner Wally's on the day of death, and he had it embalmed. The eyes are open and the black hair and slight mus tache bristle out with peculiar fierce ness. From the waist to the knees it has been tattooed with blue ink, so as to resemble pair of knee pants, it being one of the peculiar customs of the coun- try from whence he came to so decorate the body of every male as soon as he ar- rives at mans estate.
 From the peculiar history of the lonely Pacific islander, who, it seems, risked bis life and assisted in saving the lives of United States man-of-war's men dur ing the terrible cyclone that swept over the island in March, 1889, it would seem that the government alone owed debt of gratitude to him, to at least put him in proper resting place. Letungaifo was one of five Samoans brought to this country by R. A. Cunningham Aug. 19, 1889, and was to have exhibited with them in this city, but owing to his health he was sent to the hospital, and 8 few weeks after the departure of his countrymen he died. In obtaining these five Samoans Mir. Cunningham had great difficulty, as Mataafa Malietoa, the king of the islands, will not allow any of his subjects to leave, claiming 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 mak- ing human line out to reach them, thus enabling them to get to the shore. On this occasion Letungaifo particularly distinguished himself for feats of bravery in saving the lives of several of the crew.
 It was after this Cunningham attempt ed to get the men away. They sailed from the island of Upolu in an open boat, intending to intercept the Oceanic steamer from Sydney to Frisco, but & terrible storm arose, and after nearly being capsized and suffering all manner of hardships they were compelled to put back into the harbor of Pago-Pago.
 This 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 Cunningham, however, learned that the United States ship Almeda was shortly to sail with the sailors who were wreck ed during the hurricane, and hastily getting the men together who were anxious to come on board they were secreted and thus escaped to America, being the first of their race to leave their native cOuntIy.-Denver Rens hlinan.