Governor Hahl visits from New Guinea and announces the “abolition of feudalism” to assembled chiefs.

What happened

Hahl told the assembled chiefs that the old system of tribute was abolished and made them promise in writing not to remove any vassal from his land. He ignored their protest that tribute was their only income. A 1944 US Navy study quoted by Habele says the empty decree cost the government prestige and that chiefs encouraged passive resistance, including against new road building.

Why it matters

This reform led to the labor demands that set off the Sokehs Rebellion in 1910.