SAMOAN GROUP. 161 



The fono may levy what contributions it pleases, particularly on 

 those they have conquered ; the present " Malo" or government is 

 designated " Malo-to-toa" — the gentle government. 



Although there is no supreme authority acknowledged in any one 

 individual, yet there are instances of chiefs of districts assuming and 

 maintaining it. The late Tamafago, of whom some account has 

 already been given, was one of these. He assumed the attributes, 

 not only of a king, but of a god, and after conquering a rival district 

 on Savaii, he assumed, as has been stated, the name, " O le Tupu o 

 Savaii" — the king of Savaii. After he was killed, Malietoa suc- 

 ceeded to the same title; but it now confers no power, and is 

 considered merely as complimentary. 



Each district and town has its own government. An elderly chief 

 generally presides, or is considered as the head of the village, town, 

 or district. In these primary fonos or meetings, the affairs are gene- 

 rally discussed by the alii (chiefs) and tulafales (landholders), and what 

 they determine on is usually followed. The great fono, or general 

 assembly, is seldom called, except on matters affecting the whole of 

 the island or district. The subject is calmly debated, and most 

 thoroughly discussed ; the final decision, however, is not by vote, but 

 is adopted after consultation, and is governed by the opinions of the 

 most influential chiefs. It thus appears that these assemblies have 

 little influence upon the course the chiefs may have determined to 

 pursue, and serve chiefly to insure the united action of the district 

 in carrying the designs of the chiefs into effect. The tulu-fano, or 

 decree, promulgated by the council, is to be obeyed, and those who 

 fail are punished by the Malo, being plundered by them of their 

 lands, &c. 



In the descent of the office of chief, the rule of primogeniture is not 

 strictly followed, but the authority and title always remain in the 

 same family. 



It is the custom at the fonos to compliment the head chiefs, and 

 invoke blessings on them in prayers, that their lives may be pro- 

 longed and prosperous. I was informed that these assemblies were 

 conducted with much ceremony, but I was much disappointed in the 

 one I witnessed. The forms of proceeding may, however, be different 

 when strangers are not present. The fonos generally begin at an 

 early hour in the morning, and last until late in the afternoon. One 

 of the most pleasing of the ceremonies is that in which the chiefs are 

 supplied with food during the time the meeting is in session. After 



VOL. II. 41 



