The accounts I have above given will sufficiently show the nature of
the work the British squadron on the coast of Borneo is called on to
perform, and the character of the people with whom it has to contend,
as also the difficulties our gallant officers and men have to
encounter, and triumphing over them, the benefit they have secured,
both to the native inhabitants and to Great Britain herself. When
Mr. Brooke first went to Borneo, he found the country desolated by
internal wars, the strong remorselessly preying on the weak in every
direction, and, though possessing a soil abounding in the most
valuable natural productions, and capable of yielding, under
cultivation, an almost unlimited supply of the fruits of the earth,
yet, without any domestic or foreign commerce. Within a few years,
by his enlightened exertions, he has, in a great degree, put a stop
to piracy, by aid of the naval force placed at his disposal, he has
induced the native tribes to live at peace with each other, and to
attend to agriculture, and he has opened up an increasing commercial
intercourse through all parts of the country. There breathes not a
truer patriot or a more honest single-minded man than James Brooke,
Rajah of Sarawak. He has since received the honour of knighthood;
but such a man honours those who bestow honours on him--by accepting
them. Whatever may be said to the contrary, we may be well assured
that the British squadron on the coast of Borneo has not only
supported the cause of humanity, but has advanced, in no small
degree, the material interests of Great Britain.