THE SAMOAN TROUBLE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14018, 25 March 1909, Page 6

THE SAMOAN TROUBLE.

SYSTEM OF TERRORISM. THE GOVERNOR'S POSITION. [FROM OUR OWN" CORRESPONDENT.] Apia, March 15. There is nothing fresh' to report as to the unrest among the natives here. Various rumours are in circulation, however, and on© never knows exactly what there is behind them. For instance, it was reported that Governor Solf sent out a printed circular on thel3th tost, to all-Govern-ment employees announcing that ho had retired from the Governorship, and that Dr. Schultz, Chief Justice, would again become Acting-Governor, but the reportis denied. That the best of relations do not exist between the Governor and the various officials here is well known. The natives are quiet. They still want to see the accounts for the past eight years, and learn where the money has gone to. They still see too many foreigners walking about, without other employment than drawing salaries and allowances, and it is noted that some eight persons are this year clamouring for trips to Europe months' leave and full pay, with all expenses paid. Every time the Dawn goes to Savaii on needless errands the natives figure out the cost, and argue that such expensive trips are. unnecessary. Natives from Tonga have not neglected to point out the lack of advancement in 'Samoa as compared with go-ahead Tonga, and it is probable that Samoans living in Tutuila do the samo sort of missionary business. Tims, as there is no attempt made here to economise, native troubles are sure to recur, unless changes take place. There is not. the slightest reason why German Samoa should not be more prosperous than Tonga, for it has far more advantages and natural resources, but the system of rule is against advancement. Unfortunately, any sort of criticism locally made, is regarded as sedition, and any inquiry into the public finances,would be regarded as treason. Conversations over dining tables, and on the street, regarded as harmless, are gravely reported by spies, and a sort of terrorism has been established. It is idle to blame Governor Solf for a situation which lie could not prevent; he has brought in an amended scheme for increased taxes, all of which fall upon the merchants and traders. The amount which he seeks to raise is an insignificant sum, arid will be paid without grumbling, but it is a mere flea-bite as compared with what is needed for the advancement of the islands and their internal improvement. > No more, has been heard of the trials for sedition which were started. From lack of evidence they seem to have come to nought. :/ : ■ .f. r '- : -- "' The as. Navua, which arrived from the Islands yesterday, brought no news relating to the trouble in Samoa. When the steamer left Apia there were no signs of the three warships that were then on the way to German Samoa from the China station, but they would have arrived there a few days after. As was officially stated, disturbances ' amongst the natives are apprehended in connection with -.the succession to Mataafa, and this is the reason for the visit of the warships. ;,'/■'