UPOLU — MANONO — S A V A 1 1. 103 



Tooa, the nephew of Malietoa, who acted as spokesman, and whose 

 countenance betokened the interest he felt in the business, attracted 

 attention in the second degree. Then came Mole, the son of Malietoa, 

 Maletau, their general, the most renowned leader in the war of Aana, 

 and Tai-ma-le-lagi, Malietoa's brother. There were also present a 

 number of chiefs of less distinction, among whom was old Pea of 

 Apia ; although he was compelled to take his place, yet he did not 

 fail to be conspicuous, not merely by his personal appearance, but by 

 his officiousness. 



The proceedings were conducted with great ceremony, but there 

 was a marked difference between this fono, and the solemnity of our 

 Indian councils. The Samoan assembly appeared more quiescent, 

 the proceedings exhibited more refinement, and the customs partook 

 of an Asiatic character. 



In all such meetings, a rigid order of precedence, that seems well 

 understood by every one, is established; all conversation is carried on 

 in a whisper ; no one is seen standing in the presence of a superior, 

 and sitting with outstretched legs is considered indecorous. Articles 

 were never passed over a person, and no native ever ventured to come 

 in contact with a chief. 



The background on the side of the natives was filled up with 

 inhabitants from different parts of the island. 



On the opposite side of the building, the officers of the squadron and 

 the missionaries formed a numerous group. Among the latter was 

 our friend Mr. Williams and his son, whom I had appointed to act as 

 consul until the pleasure of the government of the United States was 

 known, and whom it was intended to present in this capacity to the 

 meeting, in order that he might be recognised formally by the chiefs, 

 Messrs. Heath, Mills, and Wilson were also present ; and Mr. Heath, 

 who was believed to be best acquainted with the Samoan language, 

 was kind enough to officiate as our interpreter. 



The object I had in view, in requesting the fono to be called, was 

 to procure the formal enactment of laws and regulations which might 

 secure to our whale-ships a certainty of protection and security, and 

 at the same time to prevent impositions being practised by them upon 

 the native government, of which, as has been stated, complaint had 

 been made. To the breach of these laws, it was intended that the 

 penalty of a fine should be attached, in order to secure obedience to 

 them. 



The meeting being organized, I in the first place presented Mr. John 

 Williams, as the consul of the United States, whom the chiefs recog- 

 nised as such with great willingness and satisfaction. 



