Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1910-08-24

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n the Samoan islands that many
"a American citizens are not even
aware that to the United States
government belongs the finest
oaling station, at one Of the most
trategic points in the south seas.
Dating back to the early part of the
ear 1899, the two rival factions OF
Iamoa, the "Tumua," or party led by
thief Mataafa, and the Matua, or par
led by Chief Malietoa, held a
fono" or mass meeting at Apia, on
he island Of Upolu.
Both Mataafa and Malietoa aspired
the throne of Samoa, and the OBJ
ect of this meeting was to settle the
dispute and place the rightful king on
he throne, writes Eugene D. Park,
r., yeoman, U. S. NJ, in Los Angeles
fines. The decision, when rendered,
declared Malietoa to be the reigning
Apg of Samoa, and this decision was
r/held by the United States, Ger
nany and England.
Mataafa now became hostile, and
ell back with his followers, the Tu-
nua faction. After this ensued the
Engagements betw1en the United
states, Germany and England with
6alietoa on the one side and Mataafa
md his rebels on the other.
The trouble was finally brought to
n end and adjusted through COM
nission sent by the three countries
nd the representative from the Uni
ed States must have been a splendid
hplomat to have secured Tutuila.
This commission conceded to Ger
many the island Of Upolu, on whose
hores the town of Apia is situated,
England was given the island of
laval, which Germany later gained
possession of in exchange for her
reaty rights to Tonga, and for the
United States was obtained the
stands of Tutuila and Manua.
Whatever attraction Manua had l
10 not know, but in getting posses
don of Tutuila the United States Sc
mred the prize grab of Neptune's
outh sea collection, for here is To-
.ated the navigable and lan@-locked
larbor Of Pago-Pago; in fact, it is
he only harbor in Samoa where a
ressel could seek adequate protection
rom storms.
This harbor is commodious enough
o shelter a feet and the Pacific feet,
Ieven cruisers and seven torpedo
,oats, rode at anchor here without
inconvenience. Since ship must be
allowed enough floating space to
wing completely around her anchor
with the change of tide. it can be
plainly seen that the harbor of Page
Page is a valuable aid to the United
States.
AS the harbor opens to view to the
.yes of the visitor it presents beau
hful aspect, one which is simultane
,usly grand, awe-inspiring, quaint
and restful. Being completely sur
-ounded by high mountains, the har
Dor seems like the gigantic crater OF
some extinct volcano which, In its
hnal struggle for existence, expired
with one last rend which tore out 6
narrow channel to the Pacific, allow
ing that peaceful old mother o.
oceans to sweep in and put can enc
10 all volcanic disturbances.
Along the entire distance around
the shore can be seen groups of ma
tive houses, rearing themselves
against background of towering
hills, whose sides present the aspec
Of an impenetrable jungle.
When ashore for the first time IL
Tutuila one is both surprised ant
pleased at his reception by the ma
tives Their hospitality seems I'm
bounded. AS you walk by any Sa
moan house you are cordially invited
to enter. A clean mat will be spreat
for you to sit cross-legged upon, yo1
will be treated to the best that thu
house affords, and usually the mai,
of the house will make you bowl o
kava, the national drink.
After you have been feted an,
praised until you imagine that 20,
are the original bale Of virtues, you
glowing opinion 4 the Samoan's keel
insight into human nature and you
first impressions Of his noble hosp
tally are rudely nipped in the bu
by finding that all his attentions an
praises were simply commercis
transaction on his part. for he full
expects you to reimburse him two 70
one for every little trouble he ma
have gone to to entertain you. an
for many that he has not.
II you should fail to come across
with the expected filthy lucre he wi
not hesitate to tell you about your d,
ficiency, and after that, II you ar
still going to stick to the establishe
standards of hospitality, which you
mistaken father and mother taugl
you to uphold, these hospitable 81
means Will accompany your disorde
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