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of Egyptian bondage. The planter's argument that because they themselves work on the Sundays they are therefore entitled to make their coolies do the same is ex parte. I am of opinion that there is substantial truth in the reports to me that on some of the plantations belonging to Germans, and on them only, the coolies are often treated in a cruel manner; beaten with whips and otherwise ill-treated; for very trifling causes. I am informed that although on some of the non-German plantations, coolies complain, as above stated of the quality of the food supplied them, no cruelty of the kind just mentioned, is used there. But the Government finds great difficulty in repressing this shameful abuse; through the factious opposition of a section of the German citizens whenever their interests seem to be affected injuriously.
Another just grievance lies in the enormously high price charged to the coolies for opium and for which the Government is responsible because they have made it a monopoly so that the holder can charge what price he likes for it.
In view of the foregoing all future agreements should be limited as now to a three years' contract. And nothing will stop present abuses but forcing planters to see that they will not be able to obtain further labour except under great difficulty should coolies now engaged report when they return to China that they have been ill-treated in Samoa.
In conclusion the chief remedy for abuses seems to