The record-union., 1893-07-07
SAMOAN AFFAIRS.
Prospects That War VIII Soon Break
Out on the Islands.


The delay has been caused through a
| strong section of the Kings adherents be-
ing engaged in the important ceremony
OF dividing among their number the fine
mats left there by the late Tamasese.s
These said fine mats are surrounded
with tradition from time immemorial,
being of inestimable value to the native
mind, while their distribution is a func-
ton of far greater importance to those in
terested than even a war which might re-
suit in the overthrow Of a dynasty.
There is now, however, every reason to
believe that the performance Is nearly at
an end, and that warlike operations will
be speedily commenced.
King Malietoa has informed the Con-
suIs of the three powers that he is con-
fident Of being able to effectually subdue
the rebellion without much fighting, and
a great council of war will be held by his
party on Saturday next, the 24th of June,
to decide upon an immediate course of
action.
1t is, therefore, as certain as anything
can be in connection with Samoan war
fare, that something definite and decisive
may be expected within a few days.
This was said a month ago and turned
out to be false prophesy, but it seems
utterly impossible now that actual war
can be longer postponed.
In the meantime it is freely stated that
the rebel party has not been inactive. but
has taken advantage of the circumstances
which induced the Kings procrastination
to strengthen and improve its position,
1t Is commonly rumored to-day that
Mataafa has advanced in the direction of
MuHneaur thus covering about half the
distance between his former camp at
Malie and the seat Of government.
1t is further stated that he is engaged in
strongly fortifyirg the position he has
now taken up, and that he will there con-
tidently await the Kings attack.
The Consuls are inclined to discredit
these rumors. They are confident, owing
to the arrangements they have made, that
information of any such movements on
the part Of the rebel forces would have
been speedily communicated to them,
whereas they have received no intimation
to that effect.
There is still, however, possibility
S--e'N LAAO AuAlAOAS dlO hOI NAO4IJ uil-
founded.
The natives in the districts where it is
expected the trouble will be have been
actively engaged of late in removing their
goods to places of safety and have been
slaughtering their pigs wholesale with
the view Of disposing of the pork at a
profit lntead of leaving it for the benefit
OF looting and foraging belligerents.
Baron Won Pilsach has departed from
Samoa, his resignation having been ac-
cepted by the Powers and the King. He
handed over the duties of his office to the
Consular Board on June Sd and on the
following Thursday left by the Monowai
for Germany, by way of New Zealand
and Australia.
On taking over the treasury the Con-
suls found the finances of the country in
deplorable condition; in fact, it was
painfully apparent that drastic measures
would be necessary to save Samoa from
hopeless bankruptcy.
They have been, since, vigorously at
work, and the result of their labors will
be set before the King in letter he will
receive from them two or three days
hence.
The facts set forth in that letter will be,
briefly, as follows: When the treasury
was taken over it contained only S74 Sc.
while for arrears of salaries the Govern
ment owed SAT-, and for other accounts
81 200 up to May 3lst.
With other debts the grand total of the
Governments Indebtedness at the end of
June will be Sl6,620. To meet this the
Consuls have now in hand 81 ,057 Is.
The only American vessel that has
visited this port during the month is the
schooner Maid of Orleans, Captain Nc
Leod, from Gray's Harbor, Wash. She
brought heavy cargo of lumber for the
German firm, and after discharging
loaded with iron. ETC., from the wrecking
bark Alicia, and sailed for San Francisco.
The Alicia is no longer available for
the purposes of Messrs. Wightman
Brothers Wreeking Company, as She
cannot now be kept afoat. She is to be
dismantled and broken up.
The health of Robert Louis Stevenson.
the novelist, has greatly improved-in-
deed, he seems to be stronger, physically,
and in better spirits. His renewed vigor
will greatly expedite the publication Of
several works he has on hand.
A tribal fight occurred on the 18th inst.
between "black-boys" employed on out
lying stations. The dispute was one of
long standing. One party made raid on
the place where the others were en-
ployed, but were driven back with loss.
one man was killed, two or three others
may die and large number were more
or less seriously wounded. Spears and
tomahawks were the principal weapons.
The trouble at Tutuila has come to an
end, and the quondam foes are now liv-
ing peacefully together.