104 UPOLU — MANONO — SAVAII. 



We then entered upon the discussion of the proposed regulations, 

 which were adopted in a form which promises to be mutually bene- 

 ficial, being highly advantageous to them, and at the same time insuring 

 a certainty of security to American vessels that may visit the islands 

 they could not before enjoy.* 



One of the articles referred to the redress of injuries committed by 

 the natives, and provided for the punishment of those who had been 

 guilty of crime, by giving them up. 



Wishing to rid 'these islands of a pest both to natives and foreigners, 

 I now, as authorized by the spirit of this article, made a demand for 

 the murderer, Opotuno, and stated that a compliance with this would 

 settle all disputes between us. This demand produced a great sensa- 

 tion among the chiefs, and much excitement prevailed in the meeting. 

 Malietoa, in reply to it, expressed himself strongly in detestation of the 

 character of Opotuno, and stated that his capture by us would give him 

 satisfaction, but argued that the regulations now enacted could not 

 apply to his past misdeeds, and that he would only come within its 

 operation should he be again guilty of like crimes. He in short pleaded 

 that the law could have no ex post facto bearing. 



He next argued, that the inevitable consequence of any attempt on 

 their part to seize Opotuno, would be to involve the whole group in a 

 civil war, for he was not only a powerful chief himself, but connected 

 with others still more so ; and that a civil war was that which he most 

 desired to avoid. He however went on to say, that so far as he was 

 concerned, no opposition would be made to any steps on our part to 

 secure one whom they knew to be guilty of great outrages ; but he 

 could not in any way assist. 



In conclusion, he stated that the islands had, until within the few 

 years that had elapsed since he obtained the command, been the seat 

 of continual wars ; that they were now aware of the advantages of 

 peace, and had a just sense of the benefits they in consequence enjoyed ; 

 and declared that he should do all in his power to preserve the blessings 

 of peace, and maintain the unwonted state of prosperity. For these 

 blessings he ascribed high acknowledgments to the missionaries, saying 

 that he hoped the Samoan people would in due time profit by the 

 lessons taught them, and adopt all the improvements of the Papalangis. 



Few persons have ever inspired me with more respect than this old 

 chief, and his sentiments were delivered by Tooa in an impressive 

 manner. 



It was not my object to drive them to extremities, or to press for an 



* A copy of these regulations will be found in Appendix IX. 



