THE UNITED STATES AND SAMOA 209 



Whether or not the signing of the treaty of Berlin in 

 relation to the Samoan matter actually planted the seed of 

 i new political religion must be left to individual opinion, 

 pet the fact is certain that since the making of that treaty in 

 1889, a " new school," advocating a more generous foreign 

 Dolicy, has sprung into existence. Supporters of an aggressive 

 :oreign policy argue that conditions have changed, and that 

 ;he United States, being no longer a fledgling among nations, 

 nust assume its proper share of responsibility in furthering 

 :he common welfare of mankind. 



The term " Samoa " is applied to a group of twelve small 

 slands whose combined area scarcely exceeds that of Rhode 

 [sland. It is one of the many island systems of Polynesia, 

 vhich, like constellations upon a map of the heavens, dot the 

 Southern Pacific chart, converting that vast region into a 

 veritable island world. The position of this particular group 

 s approximately between latitudes 13-15 south, and longi- 

 tudes 168-173 west, and it lies upon the direct route taken by 

 vessels from Western American ports which ply via Honolulu 

 ;o the Australasian colonies. The principal port, in fact 

 ;he only port worthy the name, is Apia, situated on the island 

 )f Upolu. At that point foreign mercantile interests in the 

 trchipelago centre, and there for many years the consular 

 -epresentatives of several countries resided. 



The islands are of volcanic origin, and rise boldly from 

 ;he sea, the isolated mountain-tops of a great submerged 

 *ange. From summit to coral-fringed base, they are blessed 

 tfith luxuriant tropical vegetation, and charm the eye with 

 surpassing loveliness. 



The central position of the group, with its fine climate 

 ind the amiable character of its people, attracted many 

 wanderers to its shores. In the earlier part of the cen- 

 tury Samoa was visited by a few roving traders who came 

 :o barter their calico prints and cheap baubles for copra 

 ind tortoise shell. Numerous adventurers of a recognized 

 South Sea type, mostly escaped convicts from Australia, 



