NARRATIVE OF THE CRUISE 



253 



They sit in a great fale, drink kava, make interminable speeches 

 to each other and watch the "siva-siva" dancing of the young 

 folks. Truly, the life of Reilley. 



They were very gracious to us and gave us a supper in old 

 Samoan style before treating us to the inevitable exhibition of 

 dancing and singing. A kava-ceremony with much display of 

 oratory had been held for us on our arrival. We were afraid 



Gigantic Banyan Tree near Apia 

 This tree is passed on the road to VaiHma, Stevenson's famous estate. 



these people would interpret our visit as a sign of sympathy in 

 their anti-government agitation. They were very flattering to 

 our country in its administration of American Samoa and implied 

 that they desired to see Western Samoa in the same hands. 

 Their preoccupation with political matters extended to every 

 detail of the singing and dancing. Extemporaneous poems were 

 composed for the occasion, mostly symbolic, and extolling the 

 audience to rebellion. After a few hours of this we begged for a 

 chance to retire for we were to leave port next day 



