The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-08-03
CBDED BY TEE SAhOAuS
Chiefs of Tutuila Island Ackaow.-
edge American Sovereignty.
Commander TfIIcy Transmits to the
Navy Department Agreement
with Them-RiEhts Accorded the
Native Leaders-RcSuIatiOn Con-
corning Firearms and IntoSfcnnts.

Advices received by the Navy Depart
ment from Commander Tilley, at the
United States naval station at TutuiIa
Samoa. dated July u, relate that an in
strument OF cession has been executed De
tween the chiefs of Tutuila and the United
States Government. This document is In
the Samoan language and Is accompanied
by a translation in English. which is veri-
fed by Edwin w. Gurr. of Apia, barrister
and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Sa-
moa, and an attorney OF the court of the
United States Consulate General for Sa-
moa.
The document was signed by the marks
of the chiefs, with their seals affixed. or
the 18th of April. 1900. Immediately Prior
to the raising of the United States flag at
the naval station at Pago Page. 1t sets
forth that whereas Germany Great Brit
ain, and the United States OF America
, have recognized the sovereignty of Samoa,
and whereas, because of civil war, these
Governments deemed it necessary to as
sumo control OF the legislation of the
State. and whereas. On the 18th OF Febru-
airy, 1900. by agreements. the Governments
determined to partition the State, and
whereas Great Britain and Germany have
Withdrawn all rights to the Islands after
described; and whereas, for the promotion
of the peace and welfare OF the people OF
the Islands and for the establishment Of
good government and preservation 81 the
rights and property of the Inhabitants, the
chiefs, rulers, and people are desi-ous of
granting unto the United States Govern
ment full power to enact legis lition for
the islands. and are further d. sirous Of
removing the disabilities that may exist
in connection Herewith, and to ratify the
grant Of the rule of the islands OF re %
OF April. 1860, the chiefs, as the ltredi-
tary representatives of the people OF the
islands cede and transfer to Commander
rilley as representative OF the Govern
ment OF the United States of America. the
islands OF Tutuila and Aunuu and all other
islands rocks. reefs. foreshores. and wa
tiers lying between certain degrees of lati-
tude and longitude named, with the rights
possessed by the chiefs to hold the terri
tory, to the Government of the United
States to erect the same into separate
district to be known as the District OF
Tutuila. The Government shall respect
and protect the individual rights OF all
people to their lands and other property,
and IL the Government require lands. shall
take the same on payment of fair consid-
Grafton therefor.
The chiefs OF the towns shall be entitled
separate towns, II that control be in ac-
coTdance with the laws of the United
States concerning Tutuila. and if not OBJ
structive 10 the peace Of the people and to
the advancement of civilization subject to
the supervision of the Government.
The instrument is signed By twenty-five
chiefs; that is to say. it is signed by
Leoso in the presence Of and at the re-
quest of the chiefs of division of Fofo and
Aitulagi, and further signed by Pele, at
the request of the chiefs of Sua. and by
Vafanua; all this in conformity with Sa-
moa custom.
Commander Tilley visited Rose Island on
the 10th OF July. This is the eastern isl
and Of the Samoan group. Here he hoisted
the American flag with appropriate cere-
monies, TUT M3nua King of Manua and
tho leading chiefs of Manua being present.
TUT Manua made short prayer and then
declared the island TO be part of the terri
tory OF the United States.
Rose Island lies seventy miles east Of
Manua. 1t is Uninhabited and is OF no
value. The island is nothing but coral
atoll, with patch of wooded land of about
ten acres on the southern part of the reef
There is no anchorage near it. Commander
Tilley took soundings in every direction,
but could not find bottom at a safe dis
lance from the reef
Commander Tilley has issued very strln-
gent regulations prohibiting the importa-
ton OF firearms, dynamite. or other ex-
plosives into the naval station at TutuiIa.
The natives are not allowed to obtain in
toxicating liquors. Commander TiIley re-
ports that as far as he can judge the ma
tives do not care for liquor An order re-
Gently issued prohibits the Importation of
wines. beers. or liquors into Tutulla ex-
cept by permission of the commandment