Hawaii holomua = Progress. [volume] (Honolulu) 1893-1895, 1894-04-07
The Samoan War.

Imagine, create immense surprise
and a good deal Of sensation when
conveyed to the Crest Powers who
have taken upon themselves the
adoption of Samoa. For the
second time within less than n
year rebellion has become rife
amongst us, and the blood of tie
native population been she'd.
That the present outbreak should
occur so soon after the Treaty
Powers had shown in a practical
manner their resolve to assist
King Malietoa and his Govern
ment NAV seem somewhat mex
plicable, but it proves most con-
clusively the fact that nova days
the aboriginal Samoan natives
have lost in a great measure the
respect for the white foreigner,
which was for such length of
time one Of their prominent
characteristics. Many causes
have been assigned for the pre-
sent disturbance, but we question
very much If even those most
versed in knowledge of the native
race could give a direct and salts
factory answer to the oft repeated
question" What are the natives
fighting about?' That discon-
tent is prevalent, widely prevail
ent, and has been so for some
time is incontestable, and that
the reasons given for that discon-
tent are ascribed to the actions
Of foreigners is equally without
doubt.
To describe the present out
break rebellion against the
King and Government of Malie
toa is. perhaps, somewhat of
a misnomer, and we are disposed
to think that. had the people of
Savail remained on their own isl
and, although the feeling of dis
content would still have prevailed
and the revenues of the Govern
meut have suffered considerably
thereby, yet no blood would have
been split, at least for consider
able time. We are perfectly
aware that many-of the best in
formed foreign residents hold
entirely different views as to the
causes Of the present struggle,
and we will be in no way aston
ished to find that their view of
the situation is the correct one.
They assert that the quarrel is
is really one between the two
great families of Samoa-the
Malietoa and Tupua. In proof
of THIS statement they point to
the fact which, appears to be
clearly proved, that Tamasese. the
present head of the Tufua family,
has during the last week at Aana
been receiving tribnte from the
rebel party in the CHASTITY form
of Observed heads. However,
Notwithstanding these opinions,
to which we are inclined to give
every credit, we still incline to
the belief that the trouble is
more particularly one between
the people of Aana and those of
/ Savaii.
That the Government was, and
yet is, strong enough to more
than holds its own is certain, but
it will not need many more de-
feats like that of last Monday to
cause a large number of those
who are at present wavering to
espouse what they will think is
the winning side. Even now.
what was a task of comparative
ease few days ago presents many
difficulties, aud if the people of
Aana effect coalition with those
of Atua, and become entrenched
in Lutuanuu, the Government
will have they desire to sub
jugate the other party-a task,
which under the present circum-
stances, and without outside assist
auco is almost impossible. What
ever is done must be done speed
lily to have any effect Whatever,
and unless the authorities so act
and by authorities we mean
foreign, not Samoan authorities
they will be guilty of neglect
which viii lead to serious results
in the immediate future of Sa-
uoa S.ruoa Holly gsrol,l