A war-party was armed in Apia, and despatched across the island against Mataafa villages, where it was to seize the women and children.
It was absent for some days, engaged in feasting with those whom it went out to fight; and returned at last, innocuous and replete.

In this fortunate though undignified ending we may read the fact that the natives on Laupepa's side are sometimes more wise than their advisers.

Indeed, for our last twelve months of miraculous peace under what seem to be two rival kings, the credit is due first of all to Mataafa, and second to the half-heartedness, or the forbearance, or both, of the natives in the other camp.

The voice of the two whites has ever been for war.

They have published at least one incendiary proclamation; they have armed and sent into the field at least one Samoan war-party; they have continually besieged captains of war-ships to attack Malie, and the captains of the war-ships have religiously refused.