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1 correction by Moorlock - Show corrections

THE GERMANS IN SAMOA.

The Apia correspondent of the Sydney Morn- ing Herald, writing on 14th instant, says that

the withdrawal of Tamasese's adherents left him but a mere handful of supporters in his camp at Mulinuu. Tamasese himself was ignored by his party, and the chiefs began to discuss among themselves what they should do about the payment of the tax, and to consider the situation generally. It was already under- stood that the money would be paid only under pressure, and the question was whether it should be paid in full compliance with the dic- tated law, or lodged with the governors, to be retained by them until a proper method of government be adopted. These discussions took place in several parts of the islands. Along at Atua, the eastern end of this island, there is a feeling towards paying the tax, but exempting old men and women and boys and girls, instead of levying in the wholesale fashion ordered by Tamasese. At one of the strongest districts, a village on Savaii, the people are reluctant to pay at all. They want to see Malietoa again before they pay, and are willing to join in fighting against the enforcement of the tax, even if the Ger- mans should go and burn their village. Like other villages. they ask where their money is going; they do not want to pay anything to   Tamasese or Germany. If Tamasese owes money to the Germans, let him pay it him- self. At Aana, Tamasese's own district, there is an important discussion now in progress. There are engaged in it the leading chiefs of the party whose decision carries the day. This fono began last week. Tamasese heard of it, and sent a notification prohibiting it. The chiefs went on unheeding, and sent back a reply warning Tamasese against talking to them again in the same manner, reminding him that he had never been king before, and that as he had now been made king only by the force of Germany, it would be better for him to keep quiet and leave them alone to hold Their fono. This debate will probably decide the whole situation, for the people will be guided for the most part by the decision of Aana and Atua. The crisis is close at hand, for after the 15th instant (to-morrow) the Tamasese "Government" will have to begin imprisoning all who have not paid their taxes, or else face the consequences of failing to act upon its throat. At this moment it is im- possible to gather whether, and how many of, the Samoans will pay the tax.

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