so
and Muro were the first to agree to the plan, and it was quickly
followed by all except the Tuolos and the Illyas.

The Chiefs themselves, under this plan, were to receive one quarter of
the acreage, and of the residue, one-third was to be turned into what
was called a state fund, to be used for schools and for administrative
purposes, while the balance was to be given to the people, who were to
select their own land.

For the purpose of enabling proper deeds to be made, it was necessary to
make a survey of the islands, and this had been completed six months
previously, so that many of the people who now understood that the lands
selected belonged to them, and could not be taken from them without
their consent, were only too happy to consent to remain on their own
land.

But here another problem presented itself. It was desirable that the
people should build homes on these farms, and Blakely and John evolved
the plan to provide certain quantities of lumber, at a low price, to be
paid for from the products of the land. This had a most stimulating
effect, and applications were coming in from every quarter. As a result
small saw mills were put up in the territorial limits of each of the
tribes, so that it was an easy matter for the people to get the lumber
near home.

But that which taxed the energies of Blakely most, was to provide the
farming implements and the seed and instruction necessary to start them
on the way. As it was impossible to provide all the tools and implements
required for this purpose, Blakely had recourse to the States, and by
inserting a few advertisements in the agricultural papers throughout our
country, it was not long before the implements were forthcoming, all of
which were paid for from the reserve fund which had been provided.

And now another thing of the utmost importance happened. It was noised
about from Maine to California that there was an immense opportunity to
make money in the now well-known Wonder Island. Every return trip of the
_Wonder_ from the nearest South American port, brought Americans, with
funds to invest in plantations and in setting out coffee trees and
banana groves.

Many Americans came from the great ranches of South America,
particularly Brazil, which furnishes full three-fourths of all the
coffee of commerce. These men went through the islands and began the
barter for the lands.

At first this was encouraged, but it was soon, discovered that the
shrewd, a