Evening star., 1897-03-15

ton Of all ques lions arising under the pro-
visions of this general act; and the de-
cision or order of the court thereon shall
be conclusive upon all residents of Samoa
The court shall also have appellate juris-
diction over all municipal magistrates and
officers.
chief justice * authorized a. his
own discretion, and required upon written
request of either party iitigant, to appoint
assessors. ore of the nationality OF each
litisant to assist the court, bat without
voice in the decision.
In case any question shall hereafter
arise in Samoa respecting the rightful cleo
tion or appointment of king of any other
ch NJ hCT ver ne is ndS
or respecting the validity of the powers
which the king or any chief may claim in
the exercise of his office. such question
shall not lead to war. but shall be present.
ed for decision to the chief justice of Sa-
moa, who shall decide II in writing con-
formally to the provisions of this act and
conflict tlerewi;h and the signatory gov
ernments will accept and abide by such de-
cision. In case any difference shall arise
between either of the treaty powers and
Samoa which they snail fail to adjust by
mutual accord, such difference shall not be
neld cause for war, but shall be referred
for adjustment on the principles of justice
and equity to the chief justice of Samoa,
who shall make his decision thereon in
writing
The treaty of Berlin between the United
States. Great Britain and Germany pro-
vided that in case the signatory powers
could not agree upon a chief justice, the
King of Sweden should appoint him. This
was done in the case of the first chief JUS
tice. and Baron Cedarcrantz was named.
Judge Chambers has been identified with
Samoan affairs for some years and when
1t became necessary to appoint another
chief justice England and Germany re-
quested that he he selected. This met with
the approval of the United States and
President Cleveland appointed him.
Judge Chambers is native Georgian,
having been born in Columbus. He re-
moved to Ala bama when young man and
took up the study Of law, residing in that
state until his appointment as commits
sioner to Samoa by President Cleveland
four years ago He is well known in both
states. The post is Of much import
ance, intrusting to him the interests of the
three great powers which he is Chosen to
represent.
The Samoan Group.
Judge Chambers said yesterday that the
Samoan Islands are the most beautiful of
all of the Pacific groups The commercial
prospects are not considerable, however,
the sole business Of the islands being the
expectation of copra, which is dried cocoa
nat, and from which a number of articles
Of commerce are made. The part which
the United States has taken in the control
Of Samoa has been in recognition of the
IlRntS OF American CltlZenS IN foreign
lands. This doctrine has received more
recognition probably in Samoa than any
where else. The interests of American
citizens and mere hants were involved, and
that is what led the United States to insist
upon taking hand in the management Of
the affairs of the islands, with England and
Germany.
The present political condition of the is
lands is peaceful Malietoa is king, sustain
ed in his position by the treaty powers.
Mataafa is in exile, living with his chiefs
upon one of the Marshall group Of islands.
where he is supported by the three powers.
Tamasese Is still in Samoa, and while re-
garded as a rebel chieftain, opposed to the
present king, does not make serious war
fare. One war vessel is constantly in the
harbor Of Apia, the capital, to preserve the
condition of things which the great powers
have established.
The Samoan group includes five islands
with a population of about 10000. The
capital is situated upon the Island of
upolu, which has population of about
10000. This island Is about twenty miles
wide by. forty-five miles long, and contains
mountains 1900 feet high. The scenery is
wonderfully beautiful and varied, and the
climate Is the same all the year round. The
United States possesses title to land in
Samoa, and in Pago Pago has established
coaling station. which will be of the ut
most Importance II the Nicaraguan canal Is
ever completed, and will, it is claimed, JUS
tify the pains and expense which the
United States has taken in preserving its
rights In Samoa.
The Samoan people are described as being
the most civilized of all the races of the
Pacific. Thousands of them can read and
write, and the Christian religion is uni
versal. The people are brave, loyal and ex-
tremely courteous. They detest trickery,
and the most Objectionable epithet which
they can level at person Is the word
which is in their language a synonym for
deception. The men and women are well
favored physically. and the race is free
from the degrading characteristics of so
many Of the Inhabitants of the Pacific Is
lands.