Party

Samoans Form a “National”

Party Slight to Malietoa Bitterly Resented

TWO factors —both created by the high handed Mau majority in the new Fono —are now operating to bring a new party into existence, and create disunity where, professedly, only unity was sought.

The influential Malietoa faction strongly resents the slight to the Malietoa family, conveyed in the Man's demand for the resignation of the High Chief Malietoa from his position as a member of the Legis lative Council.

The policy of the Mau leaders, in trying to remove all Samoan chiefs not in sym pathy with the Mau Movement, from posi tions of influence, has already caused deep anger among all moderate sections of the Samoan population—especially in view of the professed desire of the Mau leaders to promote unity. They are supported by the Mataafa section.

The dissatisfied Samoans are at the pre sent time busy organising themselves into an opposition party to the Mau, which is to be called the “National Party” and is to have a flag and a uniform of its own.

One special grievance is that the Mau, in contradiction of all former Samoan policies, has attempted again and again, to force the appointment of a European of mixed descent, Mr. O. F. Nelson, as Fa’atonu, or virtual dictator, upon the whole of the Samoan people, while trying to push aside the hereditary leader and highest chief in the country, High Chief Malietoa Tanu.

The respect for tradition and time-hal lowed hereditary customs, and loyalty to the old ruling houses of Samoan royalty are still very much alive among Samoan people, and thus the Fono’s insult to the head of the Malietoa clan, rankles very deeply.

It is possible that this will mean the break-up of the Mau, and that there will be wholesale desertions from the Mau to the new party.

It is certain that serious dissensions among the Samoan natives are imminent.