The record-union., 1895-03-15
AFFAIRS IN SAMOA.
NO CHANGE IN THE POLITICAL
SITUATION.
Powers Petitioned to Recall President
schmfdt-Scandal duplicating Rob
erG Louis Stevenson.
Special to the REcoRD-US1ox.

Special to the RECORD-UNI0S.
SAMOA, Feb. 27.-Matters political re-
main in a somewhat similar condition to
what they were when last wrote. Dur
ing the temporary absence of Justice Ide,
the President (who was acting as Chief
Justice) behaved in such a manner as to
destroy what vestige OF respect remained
for foreign institutions, and Ide, who re-
turned on January 3lst, has caused great
dissatisfaction by appearing to indorse
the illegal and vindictive acts OF his
lOcUHl ieneUS.
OF one thing there can be no doubt, our
group Of islands was never in so unsatis-
factory condition, and when the un-
prejudlced observer reflects that this con-
dltlon has been solely brought about by
the incOmpetency of the officials who
were appointed by the treaty Powers
i. e., the United States, Great Britain and
Germany, one can under stand the anger
of local residents when they see the
country in political turmoil and every
thing III the sem blance of business swept
it is to be hoped mporarily-out of
existence.
The German firm of Frings & Co.. which
was brought into unpleasant notoriety
through importing and selling to the
rebels rifles and ammunition, is insolvent
and a receiver and trustee have been ap-
pointed. y large number OF local trades
men are affected by this bankruptcy,
which has been brought about by negli-
geDce.
A bank is about to be started here-a
branch of a British institution-which
will prove an immense boon.
The dengue lever, which has been the
prevailing epidemic here for the last three
months, has now almost left US. A large
oar of Hnut he
effects.
The rebel party are at present congre-
gated in Aana and are discussing as to
the advisability of attacking the Govern
ment, the supporters OF which are now
so depleted, owing to the suicidal policy
which has been pursued by the treaty
officials, that unless the Powers inter
vene the rebels will obtain an easy
victory.
The municipal elections which took
place on the 5th inst. were bitterly con-
tested on purely national lines, the Ger
mans opposing the Britishers and Ameri-
cans and vice versa. The result was all
equal division of honors, three Britishers
ana three Germans receiving the SUI
frages of the voters.
a scaudalous rumor has been promul-
gated here duplicating the late Robert
Louis Stevenson and his family with the
importation of guns and ammunition.
1ue Ndptain ana agent OF the United
States steamer Equator were also impli-
Gated. The author of the scandal has
been arrested and is now awaiting trial.
Ihe British warship Wallaroo is the
only warship in port at present, The
Bussard tGerman) is soon expected.
The Samoan King and Government
nave lmpeached Herr Schmidt, the Pres
ldent, and have sent a petition to the
Powers praying for his recall. The words
OF The petition form very strong indict-
ment and President Schmidt will have
much difficulty in disproving tho charges
which have been made
Several of the members of the London
Missionary Society have taken their de-
parture from Samoa, and so far their
places have not been filled.
a new German Consul-General in the
person of Herr Schmidt-Lede, who has
Tor some time filled that position in
Yokohama. arrived by the Alameda to
relleye Consul Biermann.