The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1896-01-13

the mercury fell to 50 degrees.
PAPERS received from Apia by
the IS. Mariposa, indicate that the
political situation in Samoa has not
improved, and much dissatisfaction
prevails, though no open warfare is
reported. AS our readers are al
ready aware, that group is under
the joint protection of Germany,
England and the United States, but
neither one of these powers can in
terfere in the native administration
of affairs. The chief justice, how
ever, is nominated, approved and
appointed by them. He an Amer
lean, and his business is chiefly the
settlement of land claims aud other
disputes, in which work much has
been accomplished, as was done by
our land commission here. An
other officer, termed the President
of the Municipality of Apia, CORE
spending to mayor of a city, is also
provided for by the treaty, with a
generous salary of $1,000, and very
little work to perform. 1t was the
intention that this officer should be
an adviser of the King i'll state mat
tiers, but being a stranger and ap-
parently unsuited for such service,
his appointment has created some
dissatisfaction, both among residents
and the native Government. Several
public meetings have been held in
Apia, and resolutions adopted de-
manding the abolition of the office,
on the ground that it was useless
sinecure, and a burden on the
municipality treasury. Also that
native Samoans be compelled to
contribute toward the expenses OF
the government, and pay taxes, in
accordance with the terms of the
treaty. The resolutions declare
that, if the wishes of the eon~en
ton are not complied with, meas
ures will be taken to render the
administration under the treaty an
impossibility. This looks very
much as if the foreign element
means to make trouble.
The present situation in Samoa
appears to be very similar to what
existed in the Hawaiian Islands
during the period from 1870 to
1916, when the government was
passing through restless period,
and DR.. Judd was called by the
King to take the helm, and steer
the ship of state. He was made
the Kings special adviser, and
president Of the treasury board. In
rs45, Mr.. R. c. Wylie, secretary
to the British consul, was appoint
ed Minister of Foreign Affairs,
and full cabinet formed, for the
first time. In 1916, William L, Lee
became Chief Justice Of the Supreme
Court. These appointments gave
character to the government, and it
was then for the first time recogniz-
ed as such abroad. 1t also succeed
well in harmonizing the unruly
elements among both natives and
foreigners, and settling many vexed
claims.
What Samoa now needs, is the
establishment Of similar govern
ment-perhaps not so elaborate
but. sufficiently strong to command
the support of the unruly native
clans, and to maintain order and
stability where constant strife now
prevails. But the men to form the
administration should be found in
'the group-men familiar with the
language and possessing the conf
dence of the natives. 1t may be
that the jealousies of the three par
ties to the treaty will prevent the
establishment of such government
as would unite all the various fac
tons, and gradually strengthen it.
The American Government has
signifed its desire to withdraw from
the treaty, although it has a claim
Tutuila harbor for a coal station,
acquired by former treaty. But
her withdrawal would be of no
benefit to Samoa, SO long as Eng
land and Germany choose to con-
tinue the quasi protection, which
the present treaty recognises. Per-
haps the best course for all con-
cerned would be to allow King
Malietoa to frame a Government of
his own, acceptable to the powers
in its maintenance.
Should he succeed, and the new ad-
restore harmony and
establish prosperity throughout the