THE RAJAH AND RANEE
The Rajah shortly after his marriage returned to Sarawak with the Ranee.
This was in 1870.
When the Ranee arrived in the country which was to be her home for many
years, and where by the exercise of a kindly and tactful influence she
was soon to gain the enduring affection and esteem of all her people,
Kuching presented a very different appearance to what it does now. It
was a small place then, with but few roads, with no places of recreation
or amusement, and with a very limited society. But it possessed the
charm of romance, of beautiful though sometimes to the English exile
wearying scenery, and above all an interesting and lovable people, proud
and courteous, yet simple and childlike in many ways. Kuching is more
than double the size now, and all the recreations and amusements in
which Britons delight can now be indulged in there.
[Illustration:
KUCHING, LOOKING UP RIVER.]
As the _Royalist_, on board which were the Rajah and Ranee, rounded a
tree-covered point, the lower suburbs of the town opened up. On the
right hand, Malay Kampongs, set in groves of dark-foliaged fruit trees,
enlivened by groups of welcoming Malays on the verandahs and on the
banks, dressed in their best garments of bright colours, and by little
brown children sporting in the wash of the steamer. Opposite, the
Chinese sago factories, gay with strips of Turkey-red cloth embossed
with words of welcome, and enveloped in the smoke of an incessant salute
of crackers and bombs. At the head of the long and broad reach the river
banks on both sides rise to small hills, as if guarding the entrance to
the main town. At the foot of the hill on the left are the Borneo
Company's offices and godowns,[336] above, their bungalows set in deep
verdure. On the hill opposite, where now Fort Margherita domineers over
the town like a castle with its square tower and flanking turrets, were
the Residency (now the Commandant's house) and the barracks. Rounding
the bend between these hills, the main town, seated on the banks of a
broad stretch of river, broke into view, the Chinese bazaars, or town,
and the public buildings on the left, with the old white fort (now the
jail) on the point above. On the right, the Astana, or palace, standing
in park-like gardens amid tall palms and other trees. On both banks
above are the upper Malay Kampongs, and in the distant back-ground the
jungle-clad range of Matang in sapphire blue, rising to the noble peak
of Serapi.
The bazaars were gaily decorated in the showy and profuse fashion
affected by the Chinese, and the native shipping—brigs, schooners,
junks, and prahus of all descriptions—were gay with bunting, the ensign
of Sarawak predominating, and here and there the red, white, and blue
flag of the Netherlands; the Natuna flag, black with a white canton; and
the triangular mercantile flag of China, a green three-clawed dragon on
a yellow ground. From the British Consulate only flapped in the light
wind the Union Jack.
As the _Royalist_, with the Rajah's flag flying at the main, steamed
slowly up to her anchorage, the booming of cannon announced to the
people far and wide the return of their Ruler with his bride, and
simultaneously with the first gun, down the whole length of the town
burst forth a deafening crash of crackers and bombs—the Chinese
time-honoured method of saluting.
From the parade-ground, led by the Commandant, defiled a line of white
uniformed Rangers, with black facings and belts, the guard of honour
marching to the Astana. The Siamese state-barge[337] manned by Rangers,
and with the Resident on board, shot alongside to convey their
Highnesses ashore, and, as they landed, an orderly[338] unfurled the
symbol of sovereignty—the large yellow umbrella.
At the Astana landing-place were all the English residents, Malay
chiefs, the leading Chinese, and a few Indian merchants. A bright
picture this assembly presented, with the handsome uniforms of the
officials, the rich-coloured robes and turbans of the hajis, and the
loose silk costumes of the Chinese. Above was seen a knot of brown
Dayaks, the men wearing long decorated waistcloths of gay colours, black
leglets and ivory armlets; the women in short petticoats fringed with
silver coins, and in all the splendour of their brass and copper
corselets, armlets, anklets, and coronets, burnished and sparkling in
the sun.
With a tear on his bronzed cheek, a tear of joy, the old Datu
Bandar,[339] the worthy son of a gallant father, steps forward to
welcome his beloved Chief with his beautiful bride, and his was not the
least valued of the many fervent greetings they received that day.
As the Rajah and Ranee passed on to the Astana the Royal salute was
given by the guard of honour in a manner worthy of the best-drilled
troops; but one thing was lacking,—a national anthem,—and little did any
one there present dream that the accomplished lady then stepping for the
first time on Sarawak soil would shortly supply that want by composing
one for the country, which was to become so dear to her.[340]
Something must be said of the Astana,[341] the residence of the Rajah
and Ranee, which had then just been completed. It is built of brick in
three separate sections, with a roof of iron-wood shingles, in
appearance closely resembling slates. The illustration will best convey
an idea of its exterior appearance, which in the opinion of some has
been sacrificed for the sake of internal comfort. However that may be,
no more comfortable or cooler house exists in the East. On the first or
upper floor of the centre section are the drawing-rooms and dining-room,
spacious and lofty, and surrounded by a broad verandah. At the back of
the house, off the dining-room, is the library. The side blocks contain
the bedrooms, the lateral verandahs of which are connected with those of
the central block by covered bridges. In the basement are the Rajah's
office, guard-room, household offices, bathrooms, etc. The entrance is
in the tower, in the lower part of which is the main staircase, and
above is the billiard room. In a separate building, connected with the
main building by a covered passage, are the bachelors' quarters.
[Illustration:
DRAWING-ROOM, ASTANA.]
[Illustration:
DINING-ROOM, ASTANA.]
The well-laid-out gardens are extensive, and contain many beautiful
tropical plants. Behind the Astana is the old graveyard of the former
Malay Rajahs, in which are some well-carved monuments of iron-wood.
Beyond the gardens are grazing lands. The Rajah has two cattle farms,
and he takes a great interest in rearing cattle, importing pedigree
bulls from England to improve the stock in the country. Kuching is
almost wholly supplied with milk and butter from the Astana dairies.
Above the Astana are Malay Kampongs, below, the fort and barracks, and
beyond these more Malay Kampongs. On the opposite side of the river is
the town, the upper part of which is comprised of the principal Malay
Kampongs, where reside the datus; and these stretch along the river for
a mile on each side of the road which runs parallel with it down to the
Malay Mosque. This is a square building of some dignity, with a
pyramidical roof supported inside by noble pillars, and near the mosque
is the Datus' Court-house, and one of the Government schools for Malays.
Adjoining this is the business portion of the town, substantially built
of brick, whitewashed and clean, which extends down to the creek, from
which the town takes its name, in two long streets with cross-connecting
streets. In the centre is the Court-house with the Government offices;
the markets are on one side, and the jail on the other; behind are the
Police Station and the Government Dispensary. Beyond the Kuching creek
are the Borneo Company's offices and godowns, above which, on the hill
behind, are the houses of the manager and his assistants. Beyond again
another Kampong, in which there are a good many houses of foreign Malays
and some Chinese, and this portion of the town extends to the
race-course. Between these and the river are the sago factories.
Behind the central portion of the town is the S.P.G. Mission ground,
upon which are the church, Bishop's House, and Vicarage, the Boys' and
Girls' Schools, and the Public Library. On the opposite side of the road
is the esplanade with the band-stand, and beyond the police barracks.
Then, landwards, are bungalows, club-houses, the Museum, and the
Residency, behind which is another Malay Kampong, and farther on the
Roman Catholic church, convent, and schools, and beyond these the golf
links. The town reservoirs and the General Hospital are beyond the
S.P.G. Mission ground. Dotted about in the suburbs are the houses and
bungalows of Europeans and well-to-do Chinese, standing in pleasant
gardens, and intermingled with these are the humbler homes of Chinese
and Malay gardeners.
[Illustration:
THE ESPLANADE, KUCHING.]
Kuching is well supplied with roads, and is the only town in Borneo in
which wheel-traffic is general. It has practically an inexhaustible
water-supply, the water being brought down in pipes a distance of 11
miles from Matang mountain, a work lately completed at great cost. It
has a telephone service, which extends to upper Sarawak, and which will
be gradually extended along the coast to all the principal out-stations.
The town is lighted with Lux lamps. Its public buildings are well
constructed and adequate for their purposes. In addition to the Mission
schools are three Government schools, of which notice shall be made in a
following chapter. The Museum is a handsome building, and contains both
an ethnographical and a natural history collection, which have gained a
wide reputation.
In 1839, Kuching was nothing but a small collection of wooden thatched
hovels, now it is one of the largest towns in Borneo, if not the
largest, and is commercially the most important. On pages 61 and 91 will
be found illustrations showing what Kuching was then, and what it is
now. Then, Bruni, though fast declining from its former prosperous
state, was in a far more flourishing condition than Kuching, which had
been reduced to desolation by oppression. Fifty years later an anonymous
writer, evidently a naval officer, after giving a good account of Bruni
and its circumstances, wrote:—
When we left we could not but draw an unfavourable contrast between
the ancient town and the young capital of the adjacent State of
Sarawak, Kuching, which we had lately visited. There, under European
rule, the jungle has been cleared, and a well built and planned town
has sprung up, with good roads, handsome public buildings, an
efficient police—all the essentials of civilisation in fact; Malays,
Dayaks, and Chinese live and trade amicably together, and all the
resources of a rich country are being opened up; while the
river-banks are beautified with picturesque bungalows nestling among
the trees, with green lawns, such as one rarely sees out of England,
stretching down to the water's edge.[342]
On September, 21, 1870, was born to the Rajah a daughter, Ghita, and on
February 20, 1872, twin sons, James and Charles. The birth of these sons
was a cause of general rejoicing among the natives of all classes in
Kuching; but Ghita, a very charming child, was the principal pet among
the Malays, who entertained a lively and tender affection for her, which
she reciprocated, for the little girl seemed to be never so happy as
when in their company.
In August, 1872, the Rajah and Ranee visited Pontianak, where they met
with a very cordial reception by the Dutch Resident, Mr. Van der Shulk,
and the civil, naval, and military officers; in November, in the same
year, they paid a visit to the Governor-General of Batavia, by whom they
were also most cordially received. The Dutch had long since given up
their expectation and hope of acquiring Sarawak.
In September, 1873, the Rajah and Ranee left for England, leaving the
administration of the country in the hands of Mr. J. B. Cruickshank and
a Committee of Administration.
In ascending the Red Sea in the _Hydaspes_ the heat was intense.
All in a hot and copper sky,
The bloody sun at noon
Right up above the mast did stand,
No bigger than the moon.
The poor children, parched, panting, struck with heat apoplexy, died one
after another. James on October 11, Ghita on October 14, and Charles on
October 17, and were committed to the deep.
The Rajah was created a Commander of the Crown of Italy in April, 1874,
and in July, 1899, was promoted to be Grand Officer.
On September 26, 1874, Charles Vyner, the Rajah Muda, was born. The name
Vyner was taken from Sir Thomas Vyner, Lord Mayor of London in 1654, who
entertained Oliver Cromwell in the Guildhall. His only son, Sir Robert
Vyner, on the contrary was a zealous Royalist, and sacrificed some
wealth for the cause of the King, and being also in turn Lord Mayor,
entertained King Charles II. in 1670. He had been created a baronet, but
the baronetcy became extinct in his only son, George, and then the
estate of Eastbury in Essex, purchased by the profit of the old
Puritan's merchandise, passed to the two daughters of the grandson, the
founder of the family, and from one of them, Edith, the Brookes claim
descent, through Elizabeth Collet, great-great-granddaughter of Edith,
who married a Captain Robert Brooke (son of Robert Brooke of
Goodmansfields, London), and Mr. Thomas Brooke, father of the first
Rajah, was their grandson.
Whilst the Rajah was in England, the late Lord Derby was at the Foreign
Office. He was always very friendly towards Sarawak, and paid the Rajah
the compliment of saying that the British Government could never have
made such a success of Sarawak, as he had done. This was a fact _qui
saute aux yeux_ of all such as knew anything of Foreign Office and
Colonial Office ways, but it was none the less satisfactory that the
obvious truth should be admitted. Lord Derby and Lord Clarendon were the
only two Foreign Secretaries who displayed any appreciation of the work
that was being done in Sarawak, and who did not consider its Ruler as
beneath their notice.
Lord Grey, formerly Secretary for Colonial Affairs, and the reformer of
Colonial administration, was another Minister who extended his
sympathies towards Sarawak, and continued to do so long after he had
ceased to hold office. In 1894, a few years before his death, he wrote
to the Rajah, "Though I do not remember ever having had the advantage of
meeting you, the long friendship with your uncle, which I enjoyed,
induces me to write you a few lines for the purpose of expressing the
great pleasure with which I have read the account of the present state
of Sarawak in the _Pall Mall Gazette_. From the first, as you may be
aware, I have taken a deep interest in the work done by Sir James Brooke
in Borneo, and have never ceased to follow up the history of the
Settlement he formed. I am glad to learn how wisely and successfully you
have been carrying on his work, and it has been a great satisfaction to
me to read the account of the continued prosperity of your little
State." Little in regard to population perhaps, but as large in area as
the four Federated Malay States along with Johore.
The Rajah and Ranee returned to Sarawak in June, 1875, and were received
with demonstrations of the greatest joy, but at the same time with
tokens of sincere sympathy for their loss.
The difficulties that the Rajah had to overcome in suppressing the many
intertribal feuds still existing among the thousands of warlike natives,
of so many different tribes and races, comprising the interior
population of Sarawak, receive illustration from the grievances
presented to him on his visiting Baleh fort in the same year. This fort
was 180 miles up the Rejang, and had been constructed during his absence
in England. It has since been moved down to Kapit.
The complaints made were these:—
Uniat, a Kayan chief, complained that fourteen of his women and
children, among the latter two of his own, had been killed by the Poi
Dayaks.
Kanian, a Dayak chief, complained of six of his people having been
killed by Kayans of the Tinjar (Baram) then in Bruni territory. No
redress could be promised in such a case as this.
[Illustration:
THE GENERAL HOSPITAL, KUCHING.]
Apai Bansa, a Dayak, brought as his grievance that seven of his people
had been murdered by Lisums, a wild tribe living far in the interior. In
this case also, the Rajah was not in a position to afford help.
Ingan, a Dayak, complained about the murder of his father and fifteen
companions, by Pieng Kayans of the Mahkam or Koti in Dutch territory.
Madang, a Dayak, complained that one of his followers had been murdered
by another Dayak.
Among other matters gone into was the attack in force of Rejang Dayaks
upon the Tamans and Bunut Malays of the Kapuas, provoked by the
treacherous and cold-blooded murder of six Dayaks who had gone on a
peaceful errand to that river to search for some lost relatives, who had
been captured by Tamans on a former raid. This matter has already been
referred to in the preceding chapter.
If it has been found impossible in half a century to crush out
completely all traces of head-hunting in a country larger than Great
Britain and Ireland put together, one cannot forget that it is not
so many generations since the wild Highlander was seen descending
upon fold and shepherd, willing to risk his own life, and when needs
must be, to take that of another, provided he could but return to
his own filthy hovel, laden with spoil.
All praise then be to those whom philanthropy has induced to lend a
helping hand to this once wretched spot, so long shut out from
civilising influence, and to those, who in the face of a life of
isolation and discomfort, are still found willing to grapple with
barbarism in its most hideous form—to him who rules the country,
whose entire life has been devoted to the interests of his people,
as is now that of his Ranee, beloved by all who know her; and let
him, too, be remembered whose genius, enterprise, and unselfishness
founded this plucky little kingdom of Sarawak, the good Sir James
Brooke, who died battling hard—as his successor still earnestly
strives—to instil into the minds of his wild subjects that beautiful
precept "Pax hominibus bonæ voluntatis."[343]
On August 4, 1875, the Rajah wrote to the Netherlands Resident of
Western Borneo:—
I fear the time has not yet arrived for peace in these inland
regions, and that years of disquiet will take place before these
people turn their minds entirely to peaceful pursuits, but I am
fully aware it is utterly beyond the power of any civilised power to
put a stop to the proceedings of these wild and unapproachable
people
—referring to the distant tribes living on the borders. "Time and
continual exertion must work out the problem of improvement," was the
opinion the Rajah expressed somewhat later, who years before, whilst
condemning arbitrary measures, stated his opinion that "forbearance
should not go beyond a certain point in dealing with Dayaks, who have
the feelings of children; kindness and severity must proceed hand in
hand with such a people," and no better authority upon the management of
such people exists.
On August 8, 1876, Bertram Willes Dayrell Brooke, the Tuan Muda, was
born.[344]
Upon April 11, 1877, the Rajah had a very narrow escape from drowning
whilst ascending the Rejang, accompanied by Messrs. M. G. Gueritz[345]
and Deshon, in a small Government steamer, the _Ghita_.
Upon approaching Baleh fort, a heavy fresh was coming down the river
Baleh, and, on attempting to cross this to gain the anchorage in the
main river, the steamer was driven into the bank. She was almost pressed
under water, and as a general smash appeared imminent, the Rajah seized
a branch, hoping to swing himself ashore. It snapped, by the vessel
being rammed against it, and he was precipitated into a whirlpool, which
sucked him under and swept him away. Fortunately, as he rose for the
last time, a boat coming from the fort was carried by the stream past
him, he was laid hold of, and pulled on board, unconscious from
exhaustion. Messrs. Gueritz and Deshon stuck to the steamer, which had
been forced on her beam ends, and had her funnel, awnings, and
stanchions torn off by the overhanging boughs. Nearly all on board were
forced into the current, but were saved by the Dayak boats that came
hurrying to the rescue.
As is the case in these inland rivers, the force of the fresh quickly
subsided, and with the help of many willing Dayaks the steamer was
extricated from her perilous position and towed to her anchorage.
Harry Keppel Brooke, the Tuan Bongsu, was born on November 10, 1879.
In June, 1882, as already related in the preceding chapter, the Rajah
visited Bruni, and obtained from the Sultan the cession of the districts
lying between Kedurong Point and the Baram.
Owing to the disturbed condition of Limbang and Bruni, the Rajah left
for England in September 1887, to watch the interests of Sarawak, and to
lay before the British Government the true state of affairs in these
places. He was accompanied by the Ranee and their three sons, who had
joined him in Sarawak a few months previously. He wished to impress upon
the Government the real feelings of the Limbang people in regard to
annexation to Sarawak, and to remove the impression that his Government
had been fostering discontent in the former place with a view to
encroachment. Before leaving Singapore, the Rajah wrote the following
note to Mr. F. R. O. Maxwell, in whose charge the Government had been
left:—
Before leaving this for England, I must express my very sincere
gratification for the kind way all Europeans, Datus, and Natives
have received our sons in Sarawak. I can assure you and all, it has
given both the Ranee and myself great satisfaction, and we feel we
cannot be too thankful to the whole community for this mark of their
confidence and good feeling.
The Rajah returned to Sarawak in May, 1888, and laid before the Supreme
Council a memorandum which had been agreed upon by her Majesty's Cabinet
Council granting protection to Sarawak. Subject to one alteration, the
memorandum was accepted. This alteration was admitted by the Cabinet
Council, and on the 14th June, the agreement affording British
protection to the State was signed and sealed by the Rajah in Council.
This agreement acknowledges the Rajah as the lawful Ruler of the State
of Sarawak, which shall continue to be governed and administered by him
and his successors as an independent State under the protection of Great
Britain, and confers no power on her Majesty's Government to interfere
with the internal administration of the State. Any question arising
respecting the succession to the present or any future Ruler of Sarawak
is to be referred to her Majesty's Government for decision. The foreign
relations of the State are to be conducted by her Majesty's Government,
and in accordance with its directions. Her Majesty's Government have the
right to establish British Consular officers in any part of the State,
but these are to receive exequaturs from the Rajah. It confers the
rights of the most favoured nations upon British subjects, commerce, and
shipping, and such rights and privileges as may be enjoyed by the
subjects, commerce, and shipping of Sarawak. It, moreover, provides that
no cession or alienation of any part of the territory of Sarawak shall
be made to any foreign State, or to the subjects and citizens thereof,
without the consent of her Majesty's Government.
[Illustration:
MALAY MEMBERS OF SUPREME COUNCIL.
From left to right—The Datu Hakim (Haji Muhammad Ali), The Datu Bandar
(Muhammad Kasim), The Datu Imaum (Haji Muhammad Rais), and Inchi
Muhammad Zin.]
Sarawak, for nearly fifty years, without protection, assistance, or
encouragement of any kind, had gone on her way progressing slowly but
surely, and maintaining her independence in spite of many reverses and
misfortunes; and, long before the protection was granted, had developed
into a prosperous State with a bright future before her. For her
advancement and security, that protection which the late Rajah had so
ardently desired and so sorely needed, time has shown was not really
necessary. Could he have foreseen this in the days of his country's
adversity, he might have spared himself many rebuffs from those who
should have upheld him in his noble work, but who chose either to flout
or to obstruct it. He was impressed with the conviction, not
unreasonably entertained, that the Dutch cast a lickerish eye upon
Sarawak, and he was afraid that, failing England, Sarawak would have to
fall back on the Netherlands Government for help in the event of an
insuperable reverse or of bankruptcy. That would lead to the little
State being annexed to the Dutch possessions in the island; and he was
by no means confident that the British Government would not allow this
to take place. But since that period, in the desire for colonial
extension, which has grown in foreign nations, appeared another danger
to the independence of the State, a danger which, if it arose, it would
have been impossible for its Ruler to have averted unless protected, and
state-craft offers many methods, and has shown many examples of a strong
power starting a quarrel with one that is weak, that has led to
annexation. Consequently, for Sarawak protection was needed; and for
England it seemed to be imperative, to prevent a country in such a
commanding position and with so many conveniences falling into the hands
of a foreign power.[346]
On August 15, 1889, the fiftieth anniversary of the landing of Sir James
Brooke, in a speech the Rajah said:—
That he had had the honour, and perhaps the misfortune, to figure in
the Government through the greater portion of that time. No country
could traverse so long a period without great changes taking place
in her for better or for worse. A half century is long enough to
make or to break any nation or government, any man or people.
Fortunately, we are all here to witness the fact that Sarawak has
weathered the storms and escaped the breakers that were deemed
likely to wreck her. She rode safely to port, or, to change the
metaphor, she stood now, he believed, upon a surer and more solid
basis than ever before. He would not say that this country had
advanced with rapidity, though many might entertain a contrary
opinion, but we knew that we have been left to work out the problem
of government and development of commerce for ourselves, and, if he
might say so, to paddle our own canoe, with but scant assistance
from without. It was just that slow and gradual development—first
the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear—the law
of all healthy growth—which had taught us how to govern this country
with its many dusky races. There is give and take in all departments
of life, and the native inhabitants had taught us, and we had taught
them, till both ourselves and they had acquired, and he might say,
been saturated with perfect mutual confidence, the one with the
other. This perfect mutual confidence was the true basis on which
the prosperity and security of the State reposed, and none more
solid could be conceived; none of which all present had a greater
right to be proud. Nothing, he would venture to say, had been rushed
or pushed forward with inordinate precipitation, so as to cause
reaction or to injure the prospects of the future.
[Illustration:
THE KUCHING POLICE.
The total police of the State numbers about 225 men; of which about 80
are Sikhs and Sepoys, the rest being Malays.]
Writing on the subject of Sarawak for the Geographical Society of
Australia, the French writer and explorer, Edmond Cotteau, who visited
Sarawak in 1884, says:—
In reality thirty Englishmen, no more, govern and administer
economically the country, and that with only a few hundred native
soldiers and policemen, and almost without written laws. A handful
of men of a strange race is blindly obeyed by 300,000 Asiatics! To
what must we attribute this great result if not to the justice and
the extreme simplicity of the Government? What better example could
be followed in the future when the great island of New Guinea
becomes a dependency of some European Power?
The Rajah was created a G.C.M.G. at the time that protection was
granted.
In October, 1889, the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, issued
instructions that her Majesty's ships were in future to salute the Rajah
with twenty-one guns.
His Highness left for England in October, 1889, again to confer with the
Foreign Office on the Limbang question, and returned in February, 1890,
when he at once proceeded to Limbang, which river was annexed to Sarawak
by him on March 17. The events that led up to this step being taken, and
the reasons that induced the Rajah to take them, have been fully
explained in the chapter on Bruni. Though it was evident to all with the
smallest acquaintance with Bornean affairs that the Rajah's action was
purely protective in the interests of the inhabitants of Limbang, and
was taken at their earnest desire; that it was even to the advantage of
Bruni itself, menaced as it was by the rebels in the Limbang, the
British Government having declined to interfere, yet this action was
generally condemned by the English public, who knew nothing of the
circumstances, and regarded it as an injustice done to the Sultan, the
very person, and about the only person, against whom his subjects needed
protection. The British Government had offered the Sultan assistance,
but the acceptance of this would have involved the appointment of a
British Resident, and the consequent adoption of a just Government; this
did not in anywise accord with the views of the Sultan. He then turned
to the Rajah, who was willing to assist him in bringing about peace by
peaceful means, but this also was not what the Sultan wanted. An
agreement exists between Bruni and Sarawak that the latter shall help
the former if troubles beset her, but the Sultan's view, that Sarawak
should reduce the Limbang people to submission by force of arms and
subject them to a crushing tyranny, was not an interpretation of this
agreement which the Rajah could or would accept.
Mr. L. V. Helms,[347] a Dane, twice visited the Limbang river a short
time before its annexation, and he wrote:—
I have come in contact with many of the principal chiefs, and have
heard from them a story of misrule which is a scandal even in an
Asiatic country, and should disentitle the rulers to be considered a
government, or to enjoy the rights and privileges as such. When the
subject has to abandon his house and property and seek concealment
in the jungle to avoid being robbed of his goods and perhaps of his
children by the Sultan and his menials, then they rightly forfeit
their position as rulers. The present state of things in this river
is very deplorable, and unjust to the natives, who sit on the rail,
uncertain who will be their master, anxious to give allegiance to
Rajah Brooke's government, but dreading lest they should be handed
back to their old taskmasters.
For the sake of humanity it is to be hoped that this suspense may
soon be terminated by the transfer of the river to the Sarawak
Rajah's government, who may justly point to the history of Sarawak
and its position to-day as a good title to the last territory of a
Ruler who has long ceased to perform the duties of that office to
his subjects.
On July 31, 1891, the Rajah, at a meeting of the Council Negri,
proclaimed his son, Vyner, as his successor, whenever it should please
God to take him hence; and decreed that seven days after his own death
the Rajah Muda should be proclaimed Rajah of Sarawak. This duty he
entrusted to the members of Council, both European and native, to see
that it was solemnly carried out.
Having bought up some questionable rights over North Borneo, which do
not appear to have been utilised, granted by the Sultan to some
Americans in 1865, Mr. (now Sir Alfred) Dent and Baron Von Overbeck, an
Austrian, in 1877 and 1878, obtained from the Sultans of Sulu and Bruni
the cession of North Borneo, from the Sibuku river on the east coast to
the Kimanis on the west coast,[348] a territory containing some 30,000
square miles, with a population of about 150,000; and this led to the
formation of the chartered British North Borneo Company in 1881.
During the first few years of its administration, the Company made such
tardy advance towards the realisation of the bright promises that had
been held out by its promoters, and the prospects before it being
considered by many to offer but little hope of ultimate success, in 1893
it was proposed by some persons interested in North Borneo, that the
country should be incorporated with Sarawak, provided that the Rajah
would guarantee to the shareholders a small interest upon the capital
paid up, to be increased _pro rata_ with the increase of the revenue.
The capital invested was to be viewed in the light of a loan to the
State, and was to be paid off as the Rajah could find the means to do
so. The shareholders, however, had so great a faith in the undeveloped
resources of their property that they declined to part with it. But,
being sensible of the benefit they would derive from the Rajah's
influence and experience in subjecting to order a people not altogether
satisfied with the new régime, as also in establishing a form of
government adapted to them and to the conditions of the country, they
empowered their Directors to offer him the position of Governor-General.
Needless to say, the Rajah could not accept this honour, and so the
matter dropped.
Had this measure been effected, whatever benefit the northern State
might have derived, it is obvious that it might in many ways have proved
detrimental to the interests of Sarawak. An union of the two States
would have ensured economy in administration to British North Borneo,
and probably a more beneficial government to its people. This was the
opinion of Lord Brassey, himself a Director of the Company, an opinion
which appears to have been shared by other Directors:—
I hold strongly to the opinion, said his Lordship, that the North
Borneo Company would do well to hand over its territory to Rajah
Brooke. I believe the attempt to administer the affairs of the
country by a Board of Directors in London is simply hopeless. The
members of the Board have no local knowledge, they are entirely in
the hands of their local officers, and the tendency is to increase
the staff and create an expensive system of administration, which is
not suitable to the circumstances of the country. North Borneo is an
exceedingly poor country, and I see very little prospect for it.
Rajah Brooke is a man of responsibility and high standing in those
parts of Borneo, and would bring to bear upon the Government a
life-long personal experience. He has a deep knowledge of the Malay
population, with whom he has great influence. He could maintain an
adequate authority with a much smaller staff of officials than we
now require. He would have no need of a system of police such as we
have created, consisting of Sikhs from the Army of India, who are
necessarily paid at a high rate. The cost of the Sikh police is far
beyond the resources of the country.
[Illustration:
CHINESE SHOPS. KUCHING.]
North Borneo has prospered beyond Lord Brassey's expectations; but the
country is burdened with a heavy debt.
Early in 1900, the veteran, the Hon. Sir Henry Keppel, G.C.B., then
Admiral of the Fleet, paid his final visit to Sarawak. His last visit
had been in 1867, and we have noticed (Chap. III. p. 89) how he had been
impressed by the changes he saw, but considerable as the progress had
then been, he must have found some difficulty in recognising the town in
1900, and in discovering familiar landmarks.
The regard and friendship which the old Admiral bore for the late Rajah
was extended to his "old friend and shipmate," the present Rajah, whom
he has described as being "quiet, reserved, and gentlemanlike, with a
determination not to be surpassed, and with a keen sense of justice—
qualifications fully appreciated by the chiefs."
The last letter he wrote to the Rajah just before his death three years
later will be of interest to our readers.
Many thanks, my dear Rajah, for your kind letter. I was wondering
when or whether we were to meet again. I should like to see my most
promising Mid again and shake him by the hand before I depart hence.
Our late profession is disappearing, and few will ever see or know
what we knew. May you long live to increase doing good, and few will
have led a happier or more useful life.... Our last meet was in
London when you were off to the country to look after your hunters,
and with the coronation in view I hardly expected to see you again.
I am here enjoying the climate I love so well, and care not at my
age if I never return, but must I suppose put in an appearance in
England, although unfit to attend the coronation. I am uncertain in
my movements, and am afraid I shall be unable to pay you a visit;
and for the few months I may be allowed to live I can form no future
plans.
Sarawak had no more faithful, no truer friend.
Partly on account of her having to superintend the education of her
sons, and of having to make for them a home in England, but mainly owing
to her health rendering any long sojourn in the tropics inadvisable, the
Ranee has not been able to reside in Sarawak for some years, a matter of
deep regret to all. Her last visit was one of six months, after an
absence of eight years, and of this visit the _Sarawak Gazette_ says:
"universally popular as her Highness always has been amongst all
classes, her visit has done much to maintain and increase the native
contentment and appreciation of the rule of an Englishman over the
country." Indeed her presence in Sarawak has always been greatly valued
by all, natives and Europeans alike. In the former she took the deepest
interest, an interest which has not been discontinued since her
departure from the country. To her the absence of most of the pleasures
and luxuries of a civilised life was more than counterbalanced by the
interests that occupied her time and thoughts in her adopted country,
and of her adopted people, amongst whom she was always happy and at
home, even under trying circumstances. She was the moving spirit in the
promotion of the social and industrial welfare of the women and
children, and was always an honoured and welcome guest at the social
functions of the Malays, to whom her receptions at the Astana were
always open. Writing of a levée at the Astana, Beccari[349] says:—
It is pleasant to record the general reciprocity of good feeling
which is such a characteristic of the Sarawak community, cordially
uniting Europeans and natives in bonds of mutual consideration and
esteem. The barriers of race and rank are obliterated in this mutual
and cordial goodwill. Together with representatives of the people,
there was at the Astana a large sprinkling of the Malay aristocracy,
which has always shown itself faithful to the enlightened government
of the Brookes, even at the most critical times.
[Illustration:
INTERIOR OF MUSEUM.]
In August 1897, having finished his education (Winchester and Magdalene
College, Cambridge) the Rajah Muda permanently joined the Rajah's staff
to learn the methods of his government, and to gain a knowledge of the
diversified races over which he is destined to rule. After having spent
several years in the provinces as Resident of different districts, on
May 12, 1904, by proclamation the Rajah decreed that the Rajah Muda
should in future share his duties, and make the capital his principal
residence. He was to preside in the Courts of Law, with the reservation
of right of appeal to the Rajah; to take the Rajah's place in the
Supreme and General Councils, when the Rajah was not present or unable
to preside; the direction of out-station affairs was to be placed in his
hands; he was to conduct all office routine as the Rajah had done; and
he was entitled to use the Rajah's flag and the yellow umbrella. The
Rajah retained the initiative control over the Treasury, Military,
Naval, Police, and Public Works Departments, and he made it known that
in advancing the Rajah Muda to a position in which he might share his
labours and to which he considered him to be entitled, he did not lay
down any of the rights or powers invested in himself as Rajah.
Since this the Rajah has divided his time between Sarawak and England,
spending the summer months in the former country, chiefly on his yacht,
visiting every corner of it, and the winter months in the latter, where
he passes his time in hunting, a sport to which he is devoted. During
his absence from Sarawak the Government is administered by the Rajah
Muda.
Sarawak continued to be a haven for those seeking to escape from the
shackles of oppression. We have already recorded in Chapter XIII. how
many of the subjects of the Sultan of Bruni had taken refuge there; the
people of the Natuna Islands have done the same. These beautiful islands
are tributary to the Sultan of Rhio, and are under Dutch control, though
nominally so only, for the Sultan appears to work his own will unchecked
on the islanders through his agents, who are periodically sent to the
islands with the sole object of gathering in what they can for the royal
exchequer. Accompanied by a large force, the Sultan's heir, Rajah Ali,
on one occasion, honoured the island with a visit, and found pretext to
relieve the Datu of Sirhasan (one of the largest of these islands) of
all his property, to the value of some $3000, and to annex his cocoa-nut
grove containing 6000 palms. Even a gold watch and a telescope, given to
the datu by the captain of a shipwrecked steamer as a return for his
hospitality to crew and passengers, were not spared. A few years
previously the same datu had been similarly plundered. If such were the
treatment meted out to the chiefs, the lot of the common people may well
be supposed to have been hopeless. They had none to complain to but the
Rajah, and he could help them in no other way than by reporting their
grievances to the Dutch authorities, who did nothing. Any attempt on
their part to lay their complaints before the Resident at Rhio would
have been frustrated, and would have met with cruel chastisement.
We have little more of public interest to record concerning the history
of the Raj and the lives of its Rajahs. The commercial and industrial
progress is dealt with in a later chapter, and that will show the
gradual development of the country to its present prosperous condition,
and the achievement of an unique undertaking which has been carried into
effect slowly, but surely and with determination.
We quote the following extract from Consul Keyser's report to the
Foreign Office for 1899:—
This country (Sarawak) makes no sensational advances in its
progress. Reference to statistics, however, will prove that this
progress is sure, if slow, and each year adds money to the Treasury
in addition to the main work of extending a civilisation so gradual
that it comes without friction to the people. It is because the
ruler of the country regards his position as a trust held by him for
the benefit of the inhabitants that this progresses necessarily
slow, since sudden jumps from the methods of the past to the
up-to-dateism of modern ideas, though advantageous to the pocket,
and on paper attractive, are not always conductive to the happiness
of the people when peremptorily translated. Yet all the time good
work is being quietly done. Improvements are made and commerce
pushed, wherever possible, without fuss or the elements of
speculation.
The prosperity of the country has not been built up out of the great
natural riches of a State such as that of the Malayan peninsula, backed
by Imperial support, nor with the aid of the capital and credit of a
chartered company, but has followed in the train of a hard and
single-handed struggle to convert a desolated country into one happy and
contented, and it has succeeded so far as to place Sarawak foremost
amongst the Bornean States in commercial wealth.
We have shown how this has been achieved, and "if it is owing to Sir
James Brooke that Sarawak is now a civilised state, his nephew, the
present Rajah, has the high merit of having completed and extended that
work, following out the humane and liberal views of his uncle. The name
of Brooke will always have an honoured place in the history of the
development of civilisation in the Far East."[350]
We will give in the Rajah's own words his views as to the form of
government best adapted to the nature and requirements of an oriental
people, written in 1901:—
To keep such people in order a just and impartial rule, in which
both rulers and ruled alike do their portion of work, is required.
Like all Easterns they need a government simply formed and tutored
by experience gained in the country itself, experienced in the
manners and methods of the people, devoted to their welfare and
interests, an indigenous product of the country which it governs,
untroubled by agents or officials sent from outside, who, partly
owing to want of reciprocal feeling and sympathy with the people,
partly through ignorance, and partly through adherence to
impracticable laws are liable to make such fatal mistakes in their
dealings with Easterns which naturally leads to discontent, and even
to rebellion.
The success this policy has met with is borne out by the testimony of
Sir W. Gifford Palgrave, the Arabian scholar and traveller, and Mr.
Alleyne Ireland, as well as by that of many others whom we have already
quoted.
The former, when British Minister at Bangkok, visited Sarawak in 1882,
and subsequently wrote to the Rajah:—
It is a pleasure to me to think that I shall be able to bear
personal witness, when in England, to the success of your
administration, which by its justice, firmness and prudence seems to
me to work up better towards that almost utopian climax of "the
greatest happiness to the greatest numbers" than any Eastern
government (white or brown) that I have yet seen.
Mr. Alleyne Ireland was sent out from the United States by the
University of Chicago to study British and other Tropical Colonies and
to report thereon. A preliminary report was published in 1905, under the
title of _The Far Eastern Tropics_. After commenting severely on the
mistaken methods adopted in the Philippines by the U.S.A., he turned to
Sarawak, where a method in all points the reverse had been steadily
pursued under the two Rajahs. This is what he says:—
For the last two months (written in January 1903) I have been in
Sarawak, travelling up and down the coast, and into the interior,
and working in Kuching, the capital. At the end of it, I find myself
unable to express the high opinion I have formed of the
administration of the country without a fear that I shall lay myself
open to the charge of exaggeration. With such knowledge of
administrative systems in the tropics as may be gained by actual
observation in almost every part of the British Empire, except the
African Colonies, I can say that in no country which I have ever
visited are there to be observed so many signs of a wide and
generous rule, such abundant indications of good government as are
to be seen on every hand in Sarawak.
And again:—
The impression of the country which I carry away with me is that of
a land full of contentment and prosperity, a land in which neither
the native nor the white man has pushed his views of life to the
logical conclusion, but where each has been willing to yield to the
other something of his extreme convictions. There has been here a
tacit understanding on both sides that those qualities which alone
can insure the _permanence_ of good government in the State are to
be found in the White Man and not in the Native; and the final
control remains therefore in European hands, although every
opportunity is taken of consulting the natives and of benefiting by
their intimate knowledge of the country and its people.
The wise and essential policy of granting the natives through their
chiefs a part in the administration of the Government and in its
deliberations, and in the selection of these chiefs of regarding the
voice of the people, has always been maintained. Sympathy between the
ruled and the rulers has been the guiding feature of the Rajah's policy,
and this has led to the singular smoothness with which the wheels of the
Government run. It must always exist, as it has ever existed, and still
exists. That the country belongs to the natives must never be forgotten,
and the people on their part will never forget that they owe their
independence solely through the single-hearted endeavours of their white
Rajahs on their behalf.
"The real strength of the Government," writes the Rajah, "lies in
the native element, and depends upon it, though many Europeans may
hold different views, especially those with a limited experience of
the East. The unbiased native opinion, Malay and Dayak, concerning
matters relating to the country is simply invaluable."
All with a true knowledge of natives, to whom his remarks may be said to
apply generally, as well as to the Malays, will agree with Sir Frank
Swettenham:—
That when you take the Malay, Sultan, Haji, chief, or simple village
headman into your confidence, when you consult him on all questions
affecting his country, you can carry him with you, secure his keen
interest and co-operation, and he will travel quite as fast as is
expedient along the path of progress. If, however, he is neglected
and ignored, he will resent treatment to which he is not accustomed,
and which he is conscious is undeserved. If such a mistake were ever
made (and the Malay is not a person who is always asserting himself,
airing grievances, and clamouring for rights) it would be found that
the administration had gone too fast, had left the Malay behind,
left him discontented, perhaps offended, and that would mean trouble
and many years of effort to set matters right again.[351]
Sir Frank Swettenham pays a high tribute to the Malays of rank of the
Malay Peninsula, quite as justly have those of Sarawak earned the same
praise. Foremost amongst these latter stood the old Datu Patinggi Ali,
the champion of his people's cause, before the deliverer from oppression
came in the person of the late Rajah, in whose service he gallantly
sacrificed his life. Of a different type was his eldest son, the Datu
Bandar Muhammad Lana, whose courage was masked by a gentle and retiring
disposition, though it flashed forth on many occasions, notably at the
time of the Chinese rebellion. His brother, who succeeded him on his
death, the late Datu Bandar Haji Bua Hasan, previously the Datu Imaum,
was one of the most trustworthy and faithful chiefs the Government has
had. By his long and faithful service of over fifty years he had won the
most honoured place amongst those chiefs who so nobly assisted the two
Rajahs in their work in laying the foundation of law, order, and
civilisation in Sarawak. He was held in esteem and respect by all
people, and his dignified and familiar figure is greatly missed. He died
on October 6, 1906, over one hundred years of age, another example of
longevity of life amongst Malays. As his descendants number exactly one
hundred and fifty, the continuity of old Rajah Jarom's line is ensured.
Two of his sons, Muhammad Kasim and Muhammad Ali, are now respectively
the Datu Bandar and the Datu Hakim. The third son of Datu Patinggi Ali,
Haji Muhammad Aim, became the Datu Imaum in 1877. He died in 1898,
justly loved by all for his kindly nature and strict probity; no truer
or more courteous gentleman could be found.
[Illustration: THE MUSEUM, MAIN BAZAAR, THE COURT HOUSE, THE JAIL]
Of another family and of a very different type was the bluff old Datu
Temanggong Mersal, with the reputation of having been a pirate in the
bad old days, but who had "a fine spirit of chivalry which made up for a
hundred faults."[352] He was a stout and staunch servant. Of him the
late Rajah, referring to the Datu's Court, humorously wrote:—
The old Temanggong is likewise a judge in Israel, and sometimes he
breaks into the Court, upsets the gravity of all present by laying
down _his_ law for a quarter of an hour—Krising and hanging,
flogging and fining all offenders, past, present or future, and
after creating a strong impression vanishes for a month or two.
Absolutely fearless as himself were his sons Abang Pata and Muhammad
Hasan. How the former distinguished himself we have already noticed. On
the death of his father in 1863 the latter succeeded him as Datu
Temanggong. He was a tall, handsome man of a distinct Arab type. Though
a good Muhammadan, he was the least bigoted of a broad-minded class, and
owing to his liking for their society he was probably the most popular
with Europeans of all the datus, and at their club he was a constant and
welcome guest. He died on the haj at Mecca in October, 1883.
Other native officials, whose names will ever live in the annals of
Sarawak, are some who served in the out-stations, and these have been
already noticed. The qualities which distinguished these men, and which
brought them to the fore, were grit, sound common-sense and
fearlessness, and upon their shoulders fell the hardest task of managing
the Sea-Dayaks and other interior tribes, a task fraught with danger and
discomfort, and one that gave them little rest, but which they shared
with their white leaders faithfully and without a murmur.
Sarawak has been exceptionally fortunate in having been able to draw
upon a good class of men capable of supplying the State with servants
fitted by intelligence and rank to become native officers. Though,
_autre temps, autre mœurs_, the type is changing, yet the people
generally are jealous of their country, and honour its traditions.
Contented, they seek no change, and they are ready to uphold their Rajah
and to maintain their independence as vigorously now as they have done
in the past—an independence which Lord John Russell had many years ago
graciously intimated they were at liberty to achieve and maintain as far
as it lay in their power; though he declined to hold out a helping hand.
These are wholesome and promising indications that good men will always
be found worthy to take the places which their forefathers so nobly
filled.
[Illustration:
THE GENERAL MARKET, KUCHING.]
Sarawak owes its prosperity, and the people their rights and liberty, to
the Brookes, and to the Brookes alone. Equality between high and low,
rich and poor, undisturbed rights over property, freedom from the bonds
of slavery and from harsh and cruel laws are blessings which but for the
Brookes in all probability would have been denied them for many more
weary years of desolating tyranny.
In a country like Sarawak, peopled by Easterns of so great a diversity
of races, customs and ideas, an union of the people for their common
weal is an impossibility. For them the best and only practical form of
government is that which they now enjoy, a mild and benevolent
despotism, under a Ruler of a superior and exotic race, standing firm
and isolated amidst racial jealousies, as no native Ruler could do, and
unsuspected of racial partiality; a Ruler upon whom all can depend as a
common friend, and a Ruler who has devoted his life to their common
welfare.
Strength of character and integrity of purpose, tact and courage,
firmness and compassion, combined with a thorough knowledge, not only of
their languages and customs, but of the innermost thoughts of his
people, to be gained only by a long experience, are qualities without
which a despotic Ruler must fall into the hands of the strongest
faction, and, eventually bring disaster on himself and his country; but
are those which have enabled the Rajah to tide over many political
troubles, to consolidate the many and diverse interests of his people,
and to guide the State to its present position of prosperity and
content.
[Illustration:
CHESTERTON HOUSE, CIRENCESTER.
The Rajah's residence in England.]
-----
Footnote 336:
From the Malay word gedong—a warehouse.
Footnote 337:
See footnote 2, p. 296.
Footnote 338:
Stout old Inchi Subu, mentioned before.
Footnote 339:
Bua Hasan. He succeeded his brother Muhammad Lana, who had died some
time before.
Footnote 340:
The words were written by the Rajah—it is an ode in honour of the late
Rajah.
Footnote 341:
Sanskrit. Asthana—palace.
Footnote 342:
"The Lake City of Borneo," _St. James' Budget_, June 9, 1888.
Footnote 343:
A. H. Gray, _Wanderings in Borneo_, 1874.
Footnote 344:
Educated at Winchester, and Trinity College, Cambridge. He rowed in
the Cambridge eight in 1900, and again in 1901, when he was President
of the University Boat Club. Served in the Royal Field Artillery from
1901 to 1904, when he retired. He was A.D.C. to the Governor of
Queensland, 1905-1907. Married, July 1904, Gladys Milton, only
daughter of Sir Walter Palmer, Bart., M.P., and has one daughter.
Footnote 345:
Joined the Service in 1870; died at Baram, of which district he was
the Resident, in 1884.
Footnote 346:
As far back as 1865, Mr. Layard (afterwards Sir Henry), then
Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs, foresaw the possibility of the
seizure of Sarawak by another country, and he "held decisively,
looking at the progress of the French and the conduct of the Dutch,
that Sarawak should not be allowed to pass into the hands of either of
these nations." He was, therefore, in favour of protection, and his
opinions were a reflection of those of Lord John Russell; but the New
Zealand troubles again scared the Cabinet.
Footnote 347:
Formerly manager of the Borneo Company, Limited, mentioned in Chaps.
VI. and IX.
Footnote 348:
The borders of British North Borneo now march with those of Sarawak,
further cessions to the south having since been obtained by the
former, and to the north by the latter State.
Footnote 349:
_Wanderings in the Great Forests of Borneo_, p. 355.
Footnote 350:
Beccari, _op. cit._ 260, 359.
Footnote 351:
_British Malaya_, 1907.
Footnote 352:
S. St John, _Forests of the Far East_.
[Illustration:
THE BORNEO COMPANY'S OFFICES, KUCHING.]