Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-02-04

SO completely as well as SO quickly
that the impression made on the OBJ
server somewhat reccmbles that made
by the seal whose head is espicd bob
bling like a bit of driftwood above a
distant ripple and the next instant
both the ripple and the seal are gone
and the onlooker is inclined to rub his
eyes and doubt his senses.
But the seal after his habit hobs up
serenely again, if you only keep look
out and the Samoan sensation in the
nature of things is likely to do the
same. A writer in the Fortnightly Re-
view remarks on this characteristic of
the situation existing on those little
islands:
Samoa may be likened to caldron
in which several conflicting elements
seethe and strive for mastery. This
has been the normal condition of the
islands since they became known to
the civilized world. During the last
few years there has been a reign of
outward and comparative calm. but
this is now threatened with rude ter
mination. 1t would be unfair to tax
either the natives or any one of the
three protecting powers with sole re-
sponsibility for such denouement-th
natural sequence of an inappropriate
and artificial system of government
which has only been tolerated thus
long because anything seemed prefer
able to changes likely to reawaken
dormant jealousies. A crisis having
arisen, Germany, as usual, appeared
best prepared to meet it: but, contrary
to general expectation. she -has-as ten
years ago-faltered to take full adj
vantage of her opportunities. Whether
this hesitation should be credited to
treaty ScrUpleS or apprehenSiOnS of
foreign opposition it would be vain to
inquire. Yet, at the same time. it is
we'll to remember that Germany has at
present at her command in Polynesian
waters a naval squadron of quite I'M
usual strength, strangely reminiscent.
both as regards power and occasion. of
the concentration of 1888. which was
intended to hasten Samoan annexation.
but ended only in disaster and total
wreck.
Samoa is quite capable of supplying
all the immediate needs of her chill
dren. even in their present state OF
uuasi-refinement. Although Christian
ity is general. and the Samoans are be-
ing gradually weaned from their print
tive customs. their progress toward
"civilization''-as understood by the
trader-is lamentably slow. Family
pride and. objection to sustained labor
are the Samoans' equivalent for caste.
They are gastronomes after a fashion,
but the luxuriant vegetation and fer
tility of their lands, together with the
many products of their prolific waters,
provide every necessary for we'll
nourished and healthful existence.
THE white residents in Upolu-for
that is the only island in which they
settle, except as occasional units-sel-
dom exceed 40 in number. About 81
per cent. are British subjects, English
or colonial born, not few, being
"beachcombers" of the types familiar
to readers of fiction, and consequently
meriting but slight regard in the coun-
ellis of the mOtherland. Others have
achieved more or less success as own
crs or managers of plantations, while
a third and considerable section share
with members of other natiOnalities
connection with the Apia stores. The
Germans resident in Samoa number
only about 100, but, generally speaking,
they possess greater influence. and are
more lavishly blessed with the worlds
goods than their British or American
rivals. From the very beginning they
suffered under no restriction in procur-
ing imported labor. whereas the other
whites for many years were prohibited
from equivalent rights. Thus during a
considerable period the Germans in
Samoa enjoyed practical monopoly,
| which proved the foundation Of their
| export trade