The Indianapolis journal., 1899-07-31

or Mr.. Bates In his report on Samoa
1T seems impossible TO say OF the office
any good whatever. II Is comparatively
modern as an institution. 1t served no use
ful purpose. In recent years, at any rate.
the King had no authority or practical
power even TO collect taxes beyond the
limits of the municipality and within those
limits his authority was superiuous. The
greater part Of the population was to all In
tents and purposes in permanent rebellion
against him, and the mere fact that orders
were issued through him was liable 20 pro-
woke disobedience in many districts.
Further, 1t seemed impossible to devise
any plan by which undisputed or even
peaceful succession can be secured. The
kingship depends on the grant of certain
titles by certain districts. They are In the
gift not of the whole population. but of
small bodies of electors, who owe their po-
sition TO their rank. Even among these cleo
tors the principle that the majority OF the
vote bestows the title is not accepted and
the gist of all the laws and customs OF
Samoa is that there is nothing TO prevent
two candidates from being duly elected
King al the same time"
Formerly the claims OF such rivals were
decided by force Of arms, but the trainers
of the act of Berlin, who evidently thor
oughly understood Samoan customs and
practice in this matter, laid down that
questions respecting the rightful appoint
ment Of King shall not lead 10 war, but
shall be presented for decision TO the chief
justice Of Samoa Recent experience has
unhappily proved that an attempt to settle
the question in this way also leads to war,
and we are, therefore, strongly of the opin-
ion that the only chance OF preventing such
dissensions in the future iG 10 abolish the
office which provokes them. In the place OF
the kingship we propose TO create system
or native government analogous to that
which works successfully in Fiji. The
islands will be divided into certain admins
trative districts Corresponding as nearly as
possible with those recognized by Samoan
usage), for each Of which a chief will be re-
sponsible, and these chiefs will meet annual
ly at place in a native council to discuss
such matters as interest them and make
recommendations to the administrator and
council. Native courts will be allowed to
punish minor crimes according to native
laws and customs, and every provision has
been made to secure to the Samoan popula-
tion complete independence and self-gov-
ernment.
We fear, however, that the same causes
which produced rival kings will long con-
tinue to produce rival chiefs who will claim
the post of the provincial government and
create continued dissension.
THE GEATEST DIFFICULTY.
Perhaps the evils which it is least easy to
cure are the second class, those which arise
from the rivalry and mutual hostility of the
different nattonalities. This hostility per-
a1I
on one side combine against those on the
other. The municipal council is divided into
two parties, each determined to support its
own programme and defeat that of the
other. Proposed reforms and measures are
judged. not on their merits, but by party
considerations, and officials, however impair
tiai they may wish to be, are consid-
cred to belong to one side or the other, ac-
cording to their nationality, and inevitably
end by becoming more or less partisans.
From the very commencement Of the
late contests for the kingship it was no
mere native quarrel between Mataafa and
Tanu. On the one side were ranged one
Of the nationalities and its officials, and on
the other side two other nationalities with
their officials. and the contest was prolonged
and not allowed to reach its natural ter
mination.
1--WE do not think it will ever be possible
to do away with this state of things under
tripartite administration and we take this
opportunity Of recording our opinion that
the only natural and normal plan of govern
ment for these islands and the only system
which can assure permanent prosperity and
tranquility is a government by one power.
We regard it, however. as beyond our prov
ipne fn lrn H,rt
on such a subject, and we have endeavored
to amend existing arrangements in such a
manner that they may prove, If not en-
tirely satisfactory, at least workable.
I'VE propose to Introduce an element of
unity and Capitalization into the government
by the appointment of an administrator
who will doubtless be chosen from some
disinterested power. He will be assisted by
a council Of delegates from the three gov
ernments. who might exercise such consular
functions as are necessary in Samoa. We
propose to give this administrator a large
measure Of authority. which, IL exercised
by a just and capable man, should enable
him to put an end to many disputes.
1--WE propose that the administrator and
the three delegates should form legislative
council and we have introduced into the
modify existing ordinances. We are of
opinion that the original act of Berlin was
drafted and has been construed in too rigid
a manner and that greater elasticity in its
provisions would have a beneficial effect.
We have, therefore, empowered the council
to make such alterations as it may think
fit in the boundaries of districts, the details
of native government and other matters
enumerated In the proposed act.
TO CREATE HARMONY.
Thirdly, we hope 10 create greater har-
mony among the white residents by abolish
ing consular jurisdiction. We believe that
in other parts of the world such jurisdic-
ton prevails only where the laws OF a coun-
try are. for religious or other reasons. rot
suitable for application to foreigners. But
the chief justice of Samoa is an American or
European and administers American or
European law. 1t would appear. therefore,
that there Is no reason why he should not
take cognizance Of all suits brought against
foreigners. nor why foreigners should en-
Joy privileges Of extraterritoriality except
that of not being amendable TO the juris-
diction of native courts, which viii deal
only with such matters as are decided ac-
cordng TO native customs. Hitherto consular
jurisdiction has been a powerful means
of embittering internal strife in Apia.
ssE.aoh national lity has fits own law and the