THE SAMOAN TROUBLE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 10019, 10 April 1894, Page 2

THE SAMOAN TROUBLE.

With reference to the cause of the outbreak of hostilities in Samoa, the Apia correspondent of the New Zealand Herald wrote under date the 22nd March .—

Many different reasons are assigned for the present trouble. Some "old hands" assert that it is the revival of an ancient quarrel betwen tha Island of Savaii and the distriot of Aana in Upolu. Others thiuk that it has its origin in a desire on the part of young Tamasese to drive Malietoa Laupepa from tho throne, and restore the Tupna dynasty. Others consider that the old Mataafa party have fomented the strife, as one of the demands made is that Mataafa and hi 3 fellow exiles at Jaluit should, be brought back to Samoa. Still others assert that tho Aana people were much incensed at what they deem tho unjast punishment of their most prominent chief a few weeks ago. It is roundly asserted that they wero decoyed to Mulinuu, under the pretext of a safe conduct, it being understood that their differences with the Government were to be the subject of arbitration only. There is little doubt that, had it not been for this belief, they would never have voluntarily submitted themselves. But when their own case against the Government failed, tbey were arraigned criminally and heavily punished by the Supreme Court. I understand that a petition was presented to the King some little time ago on behalf of the convicts. It seems that a number of them were fined, and sentenced to imprisonmont until the fines were paid. It is claimed on their behalf that this sentence is bad in law, as being indefinite. What was done with the petition I do not know, but the prisoners have not been pardoned or released, and they are in constant fear lest, in revenge for losses sustained on the Government side, they should some day be massacred in their cells by their Savaii foes. lam inclined to believe that all things I have mentioned have contributed to tho present trouble, another element being the obnoxious poll tax. The natives have contributed large sums to the Government, and they havo all beeu Bwallowed up without their receiving a particle of benefit from the money paid by them.

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