SAMOA. 631 



The office of chief is considered hereditary, thong-h in 

 many cases the chief nominates his successor, o-enerally a son 

 or a near i-ekitive. Sometimes the title will he conferred on 

 an adopted son. Failing a male heir, a dano-hter may be 

 appointed to, or she may assume, the jji-erogative of" chieftain- 

 ship. The appointments are subject formally to the assent 

 of the tribe. Occasionally a clan will select its own chief, or 

 sever its connection ^^'ith its own tribe, and unite with anotiier. 

 This occurs thi'ough quan-els, or where there exists an 

 objection to the family of their late chief or to his appointed 

 successor. 



Kings in ancient times were jmblicly proclaimed and 

 recognised by anointing in the presence of a large assendily 

 of chiefs and people. A sacred stone was consecrated as a. 

 throne, or rather, stool (scnbeUum), on which the king stood, 

 and a priest — who must also be a chief — called upon the gods 

 to behold and bless the king, and pronounced denunciations 

 against the people who failed to obey hhn. He then poured 

 scented oil from a native bottle over the head, shoulders, and 

 body of the king, and proclaimed his several titles and honors. 



The powers and prerogatives of a chief in the ordinary 

 affairs of life are little more than nominal, although he 

 receives outward marks of deference and respect from his 

 subjects. The government is almost democratic, and, for the 

 most part, each man acts according to his own will. The 

 principal duties of a chief consist in administering municipal 

 laws, settling disputes, punishing transgressors, appointing 

 feasts and general tabus, and in leading in war. In the time 

 of war the dignity of chiefs is in the ascendant, and, although 

 little deference may be shown him on ordinary occasions, he 

 then becomes of importance, and more attention is jmid to his 

 authority; still, even then, it is almost impossible to maintain 

 strict discipline. 



Among the various marks of deference shown to a chief 

 are those of designating him by the several titles of the family 

 or tribe, addressing him in chiefs' language, and by always 



central di.staict of Upolu, and Malietoa adherents to oppose Tamasese. This 

 brought on a conflict witli the Germans, ami Monld ])rohably have involved 

 serious troHl)les to the wliole of Samoa ; Ijut the evil was jjrevented by the 

 prompt and determined action of the United States Government. As a result 

 of the conference l)etween the Governments of the United States, Germany, 

 and Great Britain, Maiietoa-laupepa was restored to power, and a tripartite 

 protection accorded to the Sanioans, which is the ])resent ])osition of tlic 

 Samoan Government, and alters very materially the ancient regime. It is to 

 be hoped that a stop is now put to the constantly recuvring' struggles for 

 supremacy. 



