The morning call., 1893-06-09
j. /. NJ. L. l.. /. MATAAFA,
Pula in S3mna
SAMOAN GOVERNMENT.

But the royal ADMIRERS 0lQ not take the
same view OF the matter as did Mataara,
and decided in effect that it would be an
extremely foolish and undignified pro-
ceedlng on the part of MalietOa to enter
into contested election for a position he
already occupies, especially as that con-
test would be with a rebel who has openly
detied his authority.
By his very occupation of Maie, the dis
trict from which Malietoa takes his name,
and by his assumption of royal authority,
Mataafa has openly and directly asserted
bis claim to the sovereignty, and the Gov
ernment demand that he should abandon
any Dretens0ns, and that his people
should return to their homes before they
consider any grievance he has to lay before
them.
That Maiaafa is entitled to high rank in
the state is unQuestionable, but the exist
Ing Government has now decided that he
must surrender himself to the authority
established by the three powers before his
claims can be recognized. Decisive meas
uTeS are imminent. In fact, | have lust
heard on the best possible authority that
f1icial notification has been sent to the
COnSuis to the effect that operations are
about to be commenced against Mataafa.
Peculiar to relate, the probability of war
has no depressing or terrifying influence
upon the European community; in point of
fact, the feeling is rather one of elation
that the long-standlng difficulty is likely
| soon to be settled.
Opinions differ as to the chances of the
| opposing parties and under existing cir
cumStances it is simply impossible to OBJ
tain reliable information as to their rela-
tive numbers and comparative strength.
! The latest rumor is that the rebel party
will not fight; that If an advance is made
upon Malie by the royal troops Mataafa
Will give himself ND and his people will PC
to their homes. This, of course, is only a
rumor, and rumors in Samoa are not al.
ways of the most trustworthy nature, but
| what gives ii some semblance of authen-
! ticity is the fact that no steps have beer
taken at Malie in the matter of fortifying
or preparing to resist the Zoe.
Another story is that Mataafa's mer
will fight ana that they are strong enough
to win, while the Government is confident
| that when the trouble does begin they will
! be able 10 make short work OF their antag
onists. 1t will be seen that we are still
| surrounded by doubts and perplexities
but It is some consolation to know that tAel
| are bound 10 be speedily set at rest.
| We are still without an American repre-
! sentative on the Land Commits ion, aud
| still in the dark as to when he is likely ia
arrive. IL is gratifying to know, however
that the work is not being delayed. The
| DliitSu anu 6eIildu com m SSiOn0rS.
| Messrs. Haggard and Greimer. are devot
ing themselves to the work of wedding oul
the business to be dealt with, and have
already disposed of large number of un.
disputed claims.
OF course in cases where there is oppos /.
| ton they cannot act. but they are clear
ing the ground of as many distractions as
they can, and hope to- have clear field
before them when their United States as.
| s0ciate arrives.
With the exception of the mall steamers
no American vessels have visited Apia for
a considerable time. A German bark. thf
German man-of-war Sperber and a cutter
or two are at present the only craft in the
harbor.
Several little social matters have re.
Gently been engaging attention. but they
are of nothing more than local interest
Many OF our white settlers have Sam0nr
wives, while others have helpmeets of thei,
own color. and the question of race Al.
pears to be cropping up and distu binc
the harmony that ought to exist IN 81
small community. Feeling has alread,
run pretty high; there have been foht.
and assaults, but the whole thing is.miShty
small here after all.