Honolulu star-bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1912-2010, 1914-10-27
DEFENDS GERMANS IN SAMOA.

Elitos oStODtE E@s 1Stf.
Editor Honolulu Star Bulletin.
Sir: / was moved to write the fol-
lowing lines (foF which / hope you
will find ROOM after reading Mr..
Churchill's article in the Star-Buiie-
tin Of October IL. relative to condI-
tons In German Samoa. To me it
seems so manifestIy unfair and biased
that could not refrain from stating
my views OF it.
1t often amuses Inc to see with what
freedom and celebrity some travellers
arrive at conclusions concerning condi-
| lions in the countries they have visit
! ed. sometimes for the briefest period
OF time. H., 81.
If German professors made their de-
duetions with equal agility tconsider-
ing the time Mr.. c. used for his inves.
tigations) German universities would
not be the mecca for students that
they are --. ia 49,.
II is quite probable that Mr.. c. I'm
derstood neither German nor Samoan,
and was therefore at great disad
vantage in obtaining reliable inforlaa
ton. ~.
at which time became acquainted
with Mr.. Blackjack, the former Ameri,
can consul at Apia. and Chief Justice,
Garr of TutpilIi, both OF whom were
married TO SamDaRs. So IL.
! also became Intimately acquainted
with German who had bought Robert
Louis Steyenson's old home, "Yanima,"
near Apia. These gentlemen gave me
a great deal of Interesting information
about Samoan history and customs.
They all spoke in the highest terms
OF the Justice with which the Germans
ruled the SamoaIs,
according to my own observations
the Germans, English, Americans and
Samoans seemed to be living on the
! most friendly terms. also, / failed
to see the least sign of poverty and of
dissatisfaction among the Samoans
They all We're well dressed, well fed
and happy
Contrast this condition with. what 81
saw in Shanghai and Hongkong IN
1907, and Penang, Singapore, Colombo
and Aden-Tall British colonies in
/ 1908. Just off the main streets in ali
these cities ! saw the most Wretched
signs OF poverty that one can imagine
Hundreds Of half-starved, ragged, mis-
cradle people were to be seen in every
one of the cities have nentiond.
But even with what saw 4 could not
honestly say that the teatire countries
back of the cities were IS. bad. Other
travellers less scrnpulops would prob
ably have damned the powers tresDon-
sible for this condition from Genesis
to Revelations.
II is quite likely that had the present
war not come when It did Mr.. C. would
not have thought of criticising the
German colonial administration. But
as 1t seemed the fashion to blame
Germany for ali the present trouble.
he could not resist the temptation to
kick a foe apparently Ia, the minority.
Speaking Of the lack CT hospitals on
one island-take these islands for ex.
ample. Are there not many remote
hamlets In the Hawaiian islands with
out hospitals? Such being the case.
would it be right or Just for some half
baked tourist to come along and criti. |
else us harshly?
he says that personally be had no
complaint to make of his treatment in /,
Samoa. When | was in Apta in 1901
found the Germans the pink of cour-
tesy and their hospitality was famous. |
He says American Samoa, meaning Tu-
tuillL has hospitals and surgeons. They |
have exactly one hospital at Pangol
PansO on Page Pogo harbor, and ma
tiyes who live on the other side OF this |
very mountainous island (Tntuilli) |
must come TO the hospital By water, as
II is almost impossible on account of
the lack OF roads to come any other
way.
In conclusion, let me say that |
think Mr.. Churchill allowed his per-
sonal feelings to warp his judgment /
when he wrote the article alluded to,
or so kindly allowed himself to be in
teryiewed.
Thanking you for your Kindness in
printing this. article. i remain, yours
respectfully,
L cCIIFTnIsDr Il