Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-06-16
SAMOA CROWS FAST UNDER u. S.
Barely Enought Land to Care for Natives Is Possibility
Comparatively Near Future-Health of People Greatly
Improved-Form of Government.

been brought to every village. Hygiene
has been taught and Is now generally
practiced. More than so miles of good
roads have been constructed. Many
| schools have been established. Free
disnensaries under competent directors
have been located where they serve
practically the whole population. A
large. modern hospital has been built
| and is maintained by the Navy.
The Navy also has protected the
Islands from exploitation and from be-
! ing overrun by undesirableS OF the
| beachcomber type. These and many
other benefits have accrued to the ma
tives under the naval government.
There are three general administra-
tive divisions-based on ancient Sa-
moan political divisions: The western
and eastern districts of the Island OF
Tutuila, and the Manua district, which
embraces the small islands OF the
Manua group.
Native Governor Named.
A native governor presides over each
district. He is appointed by the naval
governor. Districts are subdivided into
counties, each OF which has its own
county chief. All the land divisions
follow ancient political divisions, and
most of the ruling chiefs are heredi-
tary chiefs who normally would rule
these land divisions according to Sa-
moan custom. They are all appointed
| by the naval governor to hold ONCE
during good conduct.
The governors of the three districts
are chosen from the ruling county
chiefs Village councils are composed
/ of "matais," from whose number one
| is chosen to preside and is called the
pule nu'u (village chief. When pule
| nuu is to be chosen the district mag
istrate presides. Each Of the village
county and district. chiefs has police
man who assists him in keeping order.
| A general meeting Of fono is held
| once a year. The naval governor pre-
sides. Delegates chosen from all parts
of the group attend. They are notified
| in advance regarding matters 70 De
considered and those matters are thor
oughly discussed at district meetings
before the general fono assemblies.
At the general fono new laws and
amendments to old laws are recon-
mended and debated. Matters OF gem
eraI interest and those connected with
the administration OF the government
are also discussed, but the laws are
actually promulgated by decree OF the
| governor.
Customs duties are charged on most
imports. A small head tax is levied
This revenue Is used to pay salaries OF
native officers, teachers. etc, and for
necessary Improvements. 1t is all spent
| in Samoa. The costs OF free medical
service, water transportation to Manu-
and other benefits are paid by the
Navy.
There is no wealth in Samoa as we
understand the term. A Samoan Is
considered rich" according to the
number of finely woven mats he owns:
What can be done in the matter OF
supplying the Samoans with an organic
act seems to depend upon two things;
The willingness OF Congress 10 De
moderate and helpful, and the self
control and willingness Of the Samoans
to undergo a period of instruction In
| self-government.
The whole problem must be carefully
considered before q form OF govern
ment can be devised which will provide
not only for the present needs OF the
people, but also for their future welfare