New-York tribune., 1900-08-03
CHIEFS CEDE TUTUILA.
AMERICAN SOVEREIGNTY WELCOMED
BY SAMOAN NATIVES.
IBr TELEGRAPH TO rHE rR1suxE.l


the sovereignty Of the United States and, for the
first time in years all the chiefs are at peace and the
whole population is working for the prosperity of
the islands. The latest mail which came to-day is
dated at Pago-Pago. Tutuila, July u. Commodore
Tilley transmits to the Navy Department an In
strument Of cession.' executed by the chiefs of
Tutuila and the United States Government. This
document is In the Samoan language and Is ac-
companied by a translation in English. which is
verified by Edwin w Gurr of ApIa barrister and
solicitor of the Supreme Court Of Samoa and an
attorney Of the Court Of the United States Con-
sulate-General for Samoa The document was
signed by the marks CT the chiefs with their seals
affixed, April II. 1900. Immediately before the
raising of the United States flag the naval sta
ton at Pago-Pago.
II sets forth that. whereas Germany Great
Britain and the United States of America have
recognized the sovereignty of Samoa; and whereas
because Of civil war these governments deemed it
necessary to assume control of the legislation of
the State; and whereas on February Is 1900 by
agreements the governments determined 20 par
tition 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Germany have withdrawn all rights to the islands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 gov
eminent and preservation Of the rights and prop
erty OF the inhabitants the chiefs rulers and peo
pie are desirous of granting 10 the United States
Government full power enact legislation for the
islands. and are further desirous of removing the
disabilities that may exist in connection there
with and TO ratify the grant of the rule Of the
islands Of April 2 1900. the chiefs as the hered-
itary representatives OF the people the islands,
cede and transfer to Commander Tilley as repre-
sentative of the Government Of the United States
OF America, the islands Of Tutuila and Aunuu and
all other Islands, rocks. reefs. foreshores and
waters lying between certain degrees of latitude
and longitude named with the rights possessed bv
the chiefs to hold the territory the Government
OF the United States, to erect the into sep
arate district to be known a the District OF
Tututla- The Government shall respect and pro-
tect the individual rights of all people to their
lands and other property, and If the Government
require lands, shall take the same on payment Of a
falr consideration therefor. The chiefs of the
towns shall be entitled to retain their individual
control Of the separate towns, II that control be
in accordance with the laws of the United States
concerning Tutuila. and If not obstructive to the
peace of the people and to the advancement Of
civilization subject to the supervision of the Gov
ernment.
HOSTING THE STARS AND STRIPES.
The instrument is signed by twenty-five chiefs:
that is to say it IS signed by Leoso, in the pres
ence OF and at the request of the chiefs Of the
division of Fofo and Aituagi. and further signed
by Pele at the request Of the chiefs OF Sua and
by Vaifanua; all this In conformity with Samoan
custom.
Commander Tflley visited Rose Island on July 10
This is the eastern island of the Samoan group
ate ceremonies. TUT Manua King of Manua and
the leading chiefs Of Manua being present. TUT
Manua made a short prayer and then declared the
island to be part OF the territory of the Unite >
State5-
Rose Island lies seventy miles east Of Manua
1t is uninhabited and is Of no commercial value.
The island is only a coral atoH with patch OF
wooded land about ten acres in area on the south
ern part Of the reef There is no anchorage near
it Commander TIey took soundIngs in every
dfraOf J,fT4n o.7IA
tance from the reef.
Commander Tilley has issued stringent reguIa-
lions prohibiting the Importation of firearms.
dynamite or other explosives into the naval sta
tion at Tutuila- The natives not allowed 10
obtain intoxicating liquors. 1t is gratifying TO
observe that Commander Tilley reports that, so
far as he can judge. the natives do not for
liquor. An order recently issued prohibits the i'm
portation of wines, beers liquors into Tutuila
except by permission Of the commandant.
PRAISE FROM A MISSIONARY.
The same mail brought the following letter TO
Secretary Long:
FagaleIe, Leone Tutuila Samoa July l. 1900
My Dear Sir: I feel sure you will not take it
amiss if 1 venture to write you to express both
fact, but with the manner in which these islands
OF Tutuila and the Manua group have recently been
lection of your Government.
As the resident English missionary Tutuila.
aayhs % nag ioT Iog years @ pdSI 1e eTe oven
am perhaps in better position to gauge and
express the feelings OF the ISLANDERS on the changes
dent in these islands. OF the six thousand popula-
benign nag have Intimate dealings with over fvs
thousand and am in close touch with their ideas.
have sort of hesitation in saying that the
native population are more than satisfied to find
u1SI S er1 HI ~ & O yoo s
pie. 1t must be very gratifying, If not dattering. to
heartily, and showing themselves content to
be led and instructed in matters OF internal rule
and ride w q q
appointed 10 act Governors over these islands, or
Yet not merely as the missionary of fve-sixths
of the islanders of Eastern Samoa, under your
sionary society, which all Samoa owes its
gelzing and its enlightenment 1t Is sincere pleas
ure 20 me 70 express my personal gratitude and
satisfaction that your people ana Government have
but make for the betterment and progress OF the
bered that the Government of the United States
through Commander B. F. Tiley. Is now promul-
name and enlightened basis for the first time in
the history Of missionary enterprise IN these isl
ton part, and IL must be equally gratifying
these ISLANDERS to better circumstances 1neP
which they may live together peaceahly and pro-
gressivley. while you are securing great advantages
OF political character TO meet your growing needs
and the ever increasing influence Of your people
in the waters and on the shores Of this great Pa
years, and closely Identified with the Society and
Austral islands, in Eastern Polynesia Up to the
ILIne OF InSLI dHueAdIOu Oy lNe FRENCH knowing
how difficult IL has often turned out 10 be to treat
with native races. and especially where their in
dependence has been at stake / may perhaps be
permitted to say a word out OF my own heart con-
cerning Commander Tilley. l cannot conceive OF
your finding better man 10 represent your Gov
ernment in such delicate and difficult matters as
must always be associated with the task of "au-
nexing" than Commander T1lley. His kindly nature
and tactfulness his approachableness and adnira7
BILE patience, and his desire to be alike just and
firm have had a little TO do in easing the dir
fcult task OF superseding the old order OF things
among proud and conservative people, and sue
cessfully setting up newly orsanized body Of
supreme control and direction Of the commandant
OF your naval station. Commander Tiey has done
a great deal in a short time. and has done II well