To twist such a decision into evidence, either of a prejudice against Samoans or a partiality to whites, is to keep one eye shut and have the other bandaged.
And lastly, one word as to the future.

Laupepa and Mataafa stand over against each other, rivals with no third competitor.

They may be said to hold the great name of Malietoa in commission; each has borne the style, each exercised the authority, of a Samoan king; one is secure of the small but compact and fervent following of the Catholics, the other has the sympathies of a large part of the Protestant majority, and upon any sign of Catholic aggression would have more.

With men so nearly balanced, it may be asked whether a prolonged successful exercise of power be possible for either.

In the case of the feeble Laupepa, it is certainly not; we have the proof before us.