The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-05-12
SANOANS WELL PLEASED
They Accept the Sovereignty of the
United States.
Commander Tiiley Describes Cerc-
monies at Page Page Attending
Observation-Disclosures Partici pate Heart
ny-A Conference With Leaders.

\ batch of official documents interest
ing historically and otherwise, descriptive
of the ceremonies of placing the Island of
Tutula ard other United States posses
sions in Samoa under American authority,
has been received at the Navy Department
from Commander B. f. Tiliey, United
States Navy, mrianding the Abarenda,
who is the senior representative of
this Government in the new Amer
lean territory. The formal cere-
monies took place at Page Page, Tu-
tuila, on April II. Prior to that time the
chiefs of Tutuila had declared their allie
glance TO the United States. Before having
the flag raised Commander Tilley deemed
1t wise TO go to the island OF Manua to
ask the natives of that island TO partici
pate. He took with him to Manua all the
high chiefs of Tutuiia The Manua chiefs
appointed phono. or conference, and an
interesting account of this is contained in
one of the reports from Commander Tiiley,
who says:
Il attended this phono, accompanied by
most of the officers OF the Abarenda and
Consul General L. W. Osborn, whom had
invited to come down from Apia. The
phono was conducted with great ceremony,
and before any business could be con-
| Quoted two hours were taken up with
drinking kava. Finally we were all ready
| for business and the TUT Manua tking)
| addressed me very courteously, giving me
| hearty welcome TO Manua. l handed
| him a copy of the Presidents proclamation
| of February 16, 1900. announcing that the
United States had assumed the sover-
| eighty and protection of the islands of the
Samoan Group east of the list degree OF
longitude west ofGreenwich. l then spoke to
the assembled chiefs, urging them TO &C.
| cept the new government and to cooperate
with me, and pointing out the many ad-
vantages to them winch would result. The
phono lasted until p. m. without much
result Finally l told them l would meei
them again In the evening. l urged then
; to consider the matter carefully among
themselves and to give me reply as Il
. their intentions at the evening phono. AT
ter this l left them and went on boart
. ship.
The evening session was opened witt
prayers and singing. the TUT Manua him
. | self leading in the religious exercises
J Immediately after the prayers the Tu
Manua handed me letter accepting
gracefully for himself the chiefs and III,
. people. the sovereignty and protection o.
. the United States of America for the thS
. island of Manua. l felt much gratifiet
with the result Of the days work. Manu-;
| is a beautiful and prosperous island.
is in most happy and peaceful state ant
! is well governed. The people are all pro
Tossing Christians. No changes in tn,
| local government of the island will b,
necessary. Ii could not be better but th'
! | protection of the United States will Civ,
/ | II security.
THE TUT Manua, of Manua, is the right
) full heir to the Office, his father havin;
died as king. The present TUT Manua ha
. been educated by the London Missionar.
. Society and is man of very strong char
> acter and enlightened mind. He is al
: earnest Christian and was for many year
. one OF the native teachers of the mission
. airy society. The island of Manua will Civ
: our Government very little trouble an,
! it is most fortunate that 1t has such
. desirable ruler as the present TUT Manua
. sailed from Manua on the following
i morning for Page Pago. taking with m
| about 100 of the natives who had accepte
. my invitation to participate in the cere
I | monies attending the hosting of TIL
. | American flag"
The ceremonies at Page Page OF plac
!. | ing the Islands under American authorit
!. | lasted two days. Commander Tilley rea
+ President McKinley's proclamation. IL
= chiefs of the Tutuila presented cordi;
address. and religious exercises were cor
Quoted by Rev. E. V. Cooper. of the Lor
don Missionary Society, and Father MieI
adler, of the Roman Catholic mission
Tutuila. The declaration of soyeregnt
and the protection Of the United State
over the islands then read, and tn
was followed by the hosting of the Amer
lean flag by Commander Tilley. III
teacher and pupils of the London Mis-
sionary Society sang America. and III
Abarenda and the German cruiser Coz
moran fred salutes while the flag va
concluded with an address by Unite
States Consul General Osborn. In Il
afternoon the natives gave several TIA
9 tolos" TO Commander Tilley. This is
ceremony Of acknowledging allegiance.
consists of a procession passing before Il
ruler. and each native, dressed in h
: aboriginal costume, presents to the rul,
I some present of food, such as chicken
L pie, or fruit. The other exercises Taste
| until the evening of April is. They COZ
l sisted principally of athletic sports, Il
successful competitors receiving prizes
food, clothing, or other useful article
Commander Tilley says:
Nearly the whole population of Tutui
was present and participated in the exc
cises and sports. They showed great Ell
: thusiasm, and think it is most gratifyir
. TO these people that the United Statt
has taken charge of the island. | W;
treated with the greatest respect by II
l natives.
| The German cruiser Cormoran can
| down from Apia TO be present at the GER
/ monies Governor Solf. the German Co
Il =.