DISSATISFACTION IN SAMOA.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXXV, Issue 12982, 25 January 1910, Page 4

DISSATISFACTION IN SAMOA.

Reported yesterday that the American and English residents of Samoa are so discontented with (ierman rule that they have formed a secret alliance with the object oi obtaining relief. When nun form “secret alliances" they are playing with lire, and those who encourage or give sympathy to such associations arc likewise toying with that which is inflammable. Consequently, if there be any attempt to work up an agitation in lavour of the American and English residents of Apia, Samoa, it is to he hoped that it will be promptly and sternly discouraged for many reasons. German rule in Samoa is harsh and exacting to the last degree, lint, in the lirsl place, the foreign residents placed themselves under it with their eyes open, and have no one- but themselves to b'ame it they remain under it. And while the !cimans have a right to express dissatisfaction with their own laws, that does j‘. give foreign residents the right to rebel against the laws under which they a.e living. IF'a French or German colony in New Zealand were so dissatisfied with our laws as to petition the French or Germ in Governments to compel ns to alter them, we should consider it an unwarrantable act. For the same reason we have i.o right to interfere with another country s laws. To attempt such would lead ‘;i rrpleasant complications, and for that re; - son alone it is to l>e hoped no cc lose his head over the grievances of Samoa’s foreign residents, however much he may sympathise with them.