|
PAGE |
| Preliminary Expeditions—The Limbang River—Stories connected
with it—The Madalam—River flowing under a Pile
of Rocks—Caverns—Batu Rikan—The River issuing from
under the Mountain of Molu—Ascend the Precipices—No
Water—Long Roots—No Soil—Second Expedition—A
Flood—Dangerous Position—Wakeful Night—Beautiful
Flowers—Palms and Rhododendrons—Old Kayan Encampment—Detached
Rocks—Ascent of Molu—Two new Species
of Nepenthes—Difficult Climbing—New Rhododendrons—Stopped
by a Precipice—Sharp-edged Rocks—Descent—Limestone
Rock—Cave—Heavy Rain—Swollen
River—Quick Return—Prepare for a distant Expedition—Alarm
of the Brunean Government—Warnings—Preparations—Boats—My
Headman, Musa—A Travelled Dayak—Stories
of Molu—Weapons—Merchandise |
1 |
| Start—Discovery of Bones and ancient Ornaments—At the
Site of the Old City—At the Stone Fort—At Sarawak—The
Trusan, or connecting Passage—Apathy of the Government
and People—Sago—Method of preparing it for the
Market—The Limbang River—The Inhabitants—Winding
Stream—The Orang Kaya Upit of Kruei—Sampirs—Gadong
Hill—Scenery—Molu—The Raman Palm—Delays—Cholera—Orang
Kaya Napur—Panglima Prang—The
Weather—State of the River—Origin of the Ponds—Native
Geographical Information—The Upper Country—Cataract—Enchanted
Mountain—Native Travelling—Dreams and
Omen Birds—Religion of Pakatans—Cause of Head-hunting—The
Wild Boar—Trouble in procuring Guides—Pengkalan
Tarap—Desolation of the Country—Causes
of it—Selling Children—Kayan Barbarity—Chinese at
Batang Parak—Site of Burnt Villages—Posts of Houses—Two
kinds of Sago Palm—Their Growth—Kayan Encampment—Cultivation—The
River—Rocks—Salt Springs—Native
Explanation—Anecdote—Time to halt—Birds—Rare,
except in certain Districts—Monkeys—Alligators—The
Man-eater—A Challenge accepted—Disappearance of
the Siol Alligator—Combat with two in a Cave—Method
of Capturing them in Siam—Laying Eggs in the Jungle—Ducks
and Drakes—Malay Cookery—Very tasty—Blachang—How
to make a Curry—Anecdotes of Bornean
Rule—Attack on the Limpasong Village—Insurrection of
the Aborigines—Forced Trade—Qualities necessary in a
Malay Ruler—The great Mountain of Tilong—Discomfort
of possessing a large Diamond—Diamonds found in
Borneo |
16 |
| Wet Morning—Wild Cattle—A Night Adventure—View of
Molu Mountain—A Pebbly Flat—Moose Deer—Our Tents—Kayan—Their
Attack—Desolation—Course they
pursue to invade these Districts—Difficulties—Attack the
Lepuasing Muruts—Fearful Retaliation—Attacks on the
Villages of the Lower Limbang—Makota’s Treachery—His
Cupidity—Surprise of Balat Ikan—Alarm Signal—Advance—Fresh
Kayan Marks—Inundations—Unskilful
Sportsmen—Difficult Rapids—The Sertab Hills—Enter
the Limestone District—A New Kayan Hut—High Pork
—Effect of Pebbles on the Rock—Agreeable Evening—Omen
Birds—Japer’s Method of easing a sore Heart—The
Punan Tribe—The Spy—The Alligator Omen—The
Bird Omen—Attack the Village—Poisoned Arrows—Destruction
of a Tribe—Effect of such Forays on the
Country—The Ghosts on the Tapang Tree—Numerous
Bees’ Nests—Sand Flies—Seribas Omen Bird—The Salindong—Kayan
Resting-place—Traces of Captives taken—Precautions—Difficulties
increase—Limestone Country—Severe
Toil—Accidents avoided—Hauling the Boats—River
narrows—A Fresh—Towing-ropes—Story of the
Death of Orang Kaya Apo—Enter the Sandstone District
again—Broader River—Snakes on Trees—The same Colour
as the Boughs and Foliage—Biawaks or Guanas—A large
One—Their Ways—The Fowls and the Cobra—Heavy
Day’s Work—Future Plans—Two Ways of reaching Adang—The
flying Foxes—Huge Frog—The Madihit—Leave
our Boats—Handsome Trees—Appearance of the Country—Sand
Flies—Preparations for the Overland Journey—Division
of Food—Our famous Hunters—A Cache—The
Chinese on the Madihit |
49 |
| Start on the Land Journey—Our Course—Ascend the Rawan
Torrent—Attacked by Hornets—Native Remedy—Severe
Effect of Sting—Disturbed by Ants—Japer left behind—Fresh
Traces of Strangers in the Forest—Appearance of
the Country—Water Snake killed—Our Adventure with
One—The Swimming Cobra—Romantic but timely Meeting—Story
of Pangeran Mumein and the Murut Concubine—Malay
Revenge—Punishment of an Offender—Cause of
the Borneans being converted to Mahomedanism—Capturing
the Daughter of Johore—Independent Position of the
Pablat Borneans—Reach the Wax-seekers’ Hut—Flesh of
the Wild Boar—The Adang Muruts—Their Sumpitans—The
Poison on the Arrows—Melted in hot Water—Weapons
purchased, not made by them—Dress of the
Muruts—Japer rejoins us—Continue our Journey with
new Guide—Method of catching Fish—Effect of Loss of
Blood by Leeches—Extraordinary Insect—The Freshwater
Turtle—Its Description—Curious Fly—Poisoning the
River—Getting short of Provisions—Galton’s Method of
dividing Food—Adopt it—Improvidence of the Malays—Cry
of the Wahwah—Rejoin the Limbang—Omen Bird—Prepare
for Enemies—Quarrel among the Guides—Divide
the Party—Hard Walking—The Otter—A Fight with
my Dogs—Still beyond the Mountain—Find good Huts—The
Stragglers—The last of the Food—Ascend the Mountains—Exhaustion
of the Guides—The Remains of the
Ham—Its Effects—Reach the Summit—Descend to the
Farms—Meet the Adang Muruts—Hearty “Welcome—Names—Recent
History of these Villagers—Kayan Attacks—Driven
from the Limbang—The Geography of the
Country—The Houses—Cold, and Fire-places—Arrival of
my Followers—Sir James Brooke—The Friend of the
Aborigines—His Fame had preceded me—How Reports
spread—The Tigers’ Cave—Curious Story |
80 |
| Women’s Ornaments—Adorning in Public—Confidence shown
by a young Girl—Geography—Leech Bites—Tapioca—The
Manipa Stream—The False and True Brayong—Nothing
but Rice to be purchased—Wild Raspberries—Good Shots—The
Rifle Carbine—Death of a Kite—Picking a
Cocoa-nut—Curious Statement—A Village of Runaways—Proposed
Slave Hunt—Disappointment—Appearance of the
Women—Old Look of the Children—Devoid of Drapery—Preparing
the Plantations—No Goods for Sale—Edible
Bird’s-nest Cave—Difficulties in penetrating farther—Determine
to return—Climate—New Route—Custom in
Drinking similar to the Chinese—Anecdote of Irish
Labourers—Change of Plans—Fashion of wearing Brass
Wire—Start on a Tour among the Villages—The Burning
Path—Village of Purté—Refreshing Drink—The Upper
Trusan—Distant Ranges—Inviting and receiving Invitations—Fatal
Midnight Revel—Tabari’s Village—Alarm
of Orang Kaya Upit—Suspension Bridge—Inhabitants—Scheme
of the Adangs to return to their old Districts—Deers’
Horns—Mourning—Difficult Walking—The
Tiger’s Leap—Meet Si Puntara—No Real Enemies—Murud—The
Gura Peak—The Main Muruts—Salt as well
as Slave Dealers—Bearskin Jacket—White Marble—Uncertainty
whence procured—Leaden Earrings—Unbecoming
Custom—Lofty Mountains—Lawi Cloud-hidden—Muruts
busy Farming—Two Harvests a Year—Agricultural
Produce plentiful—Obtain a Goat—Dress of the
Men—Bead Petticoats—Custom of burying on the Tops of
the Lofty Hills—Desecration of Graves—Jars—Discovery
of one in Brunei—Similar Millanau Customs |
109 |
| Commence the return Journey—Kayan Embassy—Indian Corn—Confidence
of the People—Ophthalmia—Old Jar—Gratitude
rarely shown—Anecdote—Warning to Amateur
Doctors—Bezoar Stones—Arrangements at Si Lopong’s—A
Nightcap—Desertion of our Guides—Murut Music—Start
for the Adang—Warned of Difficulties—Abundance of
Rice—Cross the Adang Mountains—Active Girls—The
Anœctochilus—Attack of Fever—Arrangements in case of
its continuance—Loss of Chamber to Revolver—Reach
the Adang—Legend—Construct four Rafts—Pleasant
Movement—Trying Position of one of the Men—The first
Rapid passed—Difficulties at the second—Bold Swimmer—A
Whirlpool—Danger of Drowning—Our Raft tested—Abandoned—The
rest wrecked—Pass the Umur—Reach
the Limbang—Construct fresh Rafts—Uneasy Anticipations—Heavy
Fresh—Fine Specimen of a Raft—Push off—Dangers
and Troubles—The Rafts ungovernable—The Roaring
of Waters—Overhanging Cliffs—The Cataract—Awe
of the Men—Shoot the Cataract—Narrow Escape—Its
Height—The Men recover their Voice—Ineffectual Attempts
to stop the Raft—Caught in a Whirlpool—Safety—Arrival
of the other Rafts—Dangers ahead—Walk—Abandon the
Rafts—State of Provisions—Nearly all consumed—Ahtan’s
Secret Store—Rocks—Advance over the Kalio Hills—Sparing
the Food—Exhausting climbing—“Jog on”—Feed
on the Cabbages of the Bengkala Palm—Almost a
Mutiny—Facing the Difficulty—Reach the Summit of
the Paya Paya, or “very difficult” Hills—Night on the
Summit—Our Tent—The last Fowl—Molu—The greatest
Difficulties passed—Country more open—Follow the Banks
of the River—Distress of the Men—Improvidence—Curious
Sounds in the old Forests—Cry of the Argus Pheasant—Of
the Jelatuk—Rending of a Mighty Tree—Danger from
Decaying Trees—Cock-fights among the Argus Pheasants |
131 |
| Stopped for a Day—Five Start for Provisions—The Sick Men
left behind join us—No Shoes—Weakness from want of
Food—Leeches—Stop again—Collect Food—Anecdote of
Female Orang Utan and Murut—Again construct Rafts—Present
of a Cup full of Rice—Start on the Rafts—Abandon
them—A Bear—The River—Immense Pebbly Flats—Long
Walks—Traces of the Advance Party—Wild Fruit—Sour
Oranges—Recognize a Hill—Fruit of the Jintawan,
or India-rubber Plant—Find Remains of Bees’-nest—The
British Flag—Reach the Madihit—Bad Conduct of the
Advance Party—Food nearly all consumed—An unfeeling
Father—Proposed Punishment—Ravages of the Bears—Anecdote
of Ahtan—Return in the Boats—The Herd of
Wild Cattle—Wound a Bull, but do not get it—A slight
Supper—Start in a Sampir—Ahtan ill—The last of the
Food—News from Brunei—Reach the Town—Arrival of
the rest of the Party—Bornean travelling—Measure Distance
by Fatigue—Slow Progress necessary—Active Murut—Average
Rate of Advance—Great Mistakes made in the
Estimates of Distance—Instances—Mr. Motley’s Account
of his advance up the Limbang—Mr. De Crespigny’s Mistake
in the Latitude of the River Damit and Position of the
Mountain of Molu—Remarks on the Map—Causes of the
continued Health of my Followers—The Tents—Mistake
in trusting to Native Huts—Native Geographical Information
tested—Found correct—Arrival of the Orang Kaya
Upit—Tragical Death of Pangeran Mokata, the Shabandar—Two
Years after—Sad Fate of a Party of Adang Muruts—Murder
by Orang Kaya Gomba—Head-hunting—Heads
valued, but none seen—Incident of meeting Head-hunters—No
treacherous Designs—Inefficient Government—Desecration
of the Graveyards—Chinese Secret Societies, or
Hués—Ahtan joins one—Robbery of the Iron Chest from
the Consulate—The Sultan’s Method of extorting a Confession—Obstinacy
of Ahtan—Officers of the Secret
Society—Chest restored—Prisoners released—The Hué
broken up—Treatment of Prisoners—Musa and the Priest—Threats—Personal
Regard for some of my Followers |
154 |
| Picturesque Islands—Balambañgan—An old English Settlement—Large
Monkeys—Optical Illusions—Flights of Birds—The
Curlew—The way we shot them in Sarawak—Game—Banguey—Mali
Wali—Cleared Hills—Fine Water—Sweet-smelling
Jasmine—Cagayan Sulu—Intercourse with the
Inhabitants—Appearance of the Country—Lovely Scenery—Market—Inhabitants—Insolent
Traders—The Crater
Harbour—Wall of Evergreen—Inner Lake—Climb the
Cliff—Scenery—Alligators numerous—Sulu—Appearance
from the Ship—Sugh, the Capital—Mr. Wyndham—The
Watering-place—Suspicious Natives—Fugitives from
Balignini—Reports—A Market—The Mountaineers civil—Walk
to the Palace—The Stockades—Armed Crowd—Audience
Hall—Absurd Reports—The Sultan and his
Nobles—Dress—Politeness of the Sultan—Return to the
Ship—Datu Daniel—The Racecourse—Effect of Dutch
Shot—Tulyan Bay—Alarm of Villagers—Sulu Government—Laws—Feuds—The
Mahomedan and the Pork—Population—Fighting-men—Slave Market—Dignified
carriage of the Nobles—Dress—The Balignini—Dutch
Attack—Appearance of the Country—Good position of
Island—Tulyan—Basilan—Numerous Islets—Samboañgan
—Spanish Convict Settlement—Description of Country—Fort—Town—Shops—The
Church—The Men—The
Women—The Corner Shop—A Ball—Dancing difficult—Waltzes—Supplies
at Saraboañgan—A lonely Grave |
178 |
| Reach Sugh—Mr. Wyndham comes on board—His News—Commercial
Rivalry—The Stockades—Visit the Audience
Hall—Appearance of the Sultan—Visit Datu Daniel’s
Stockaded House—Guns—Datu Daniel—Appearance of
the principal Chamber—The Bed—Boxes—Property—General
look of Discomfort—Spittoons—Dismounted Iron
Guns—Taken from the English—Excitement in the Town—Hereditary
Hatred of the Sulus to the Spaniards—Their
Treaty with Spain—Sandakan Bay—Supplies—Variegated
Wood—Salute—English popular—An Exception—Death
of a Sulu Lady from Grief—The Rumah Bechara—A Ship
taken—Interview with the Sultan—Rope—Character of
Datus—The Balignini—Capture an English Ship—Captives
brought to Sulu—Result of the Action of the Nemesis—The
Lanuns—At Magindanau and Cape Unsang—A
narrow Escape—Mate to Lord Cochrane—Capture of the
Maria Frederica—Cold-blooded Murder of the Captain—Jilolo
Prahus—Their Rencontre with Sir Edward Belcher—Pirates
off the Arru Group—Sulu Justice—Appearance
of the People—Attack on the Spanish Gunboats—Public
Audience with the Sultan—Private Visit to the House of
his Bride—The Women—Opium-smoking—Invitation to
revisit Sulu—The Spanish Gunboats—Samboañgan—The
Corner Shop—Sunday’s Amusements—Appearance of the
Neighbourhood—A Breakfast in the Country—Long Walks—People
comfortable—Story of the Loss and Re-capture of
the Dolphin—The Dolphin sails for Maludu Bay—Quarrels—Surprised—Death
of Mr. Burns and the Captain—Murder
of a Woman—Injury to Trade—Datu Badrudin’s
Monopolies—The Tungku Pirates—Visit the chief Town
of Maludu—Sherif Hasin’s Account of the Surprise of the
Dolphin—The Re-capture of the Vessel by Sherif Yasin—Arrival
at Benggaya—Dolphin delivered up—Visit the
Village of Sherif Yasin—His Appearance—His Account of
the Re-capture—His Position—Smoking over Powder—Delivery
of the Cargo—Return to the Ship—Argus Pheasants—Meet
with Baju Boats—Pearl Fishers—Retaliation—Fishing
for Pearls—Mr. Edwardes’ Pearl—Story of the
Datu, and his great good Fortune—The Mermaid Pearl—Present
State of Piracy on the North-West Coast—Cruise
of the Balignini in 1861—Ransom of Inchi Ngah—Names
of present Haunts of the Balignini—A Mangrove Swamp—Present
System of Balignini—Escape of a Native—The
Lanuns—A Dayak’s Experience—A Slave Mart—Spanish
Attack on Sugh—Severe Fight—Bravery of the Sulus—Capture
of the Town—The Sulu Government retire to the
Hills, and refuse to submit—A Teak Forest burnt—No
Teak in Borneo—Elephants extinct in Sulu |
200 |
| Its Nominal Extent—Its Government—The Sultan—The Viziers—The
Shabandar—The inferior Officers—Their Influence—“The
Abode of Peace”—Poverty-stricken Gentlemen—Possessions
of the Nobles—The Country parcelled out among
them—Distant Dependencies becoming independent—Oppression
of the surrounding Districts—Divisions among the
Nobles—Poverty of the Nobles—Population of Brunei—System
of Plunder—Sale of Children—Handsome Brass
Guns—Their Fate—No Justice—Crime nominally punished—No
Possibility of Improvement—Anecdotes—System of
Local Self-government—The Parishes—Their Names, and
the Occupation of their Inhabitants—Fishing—Shell Heaps—Asylum—Treatment
of a Slave Girl—Political Parties—Religious
Schism—An attempted Explanation—Followers
of each Party—Difference of Length of Fast Month—Visiting
the Graves of Ancestors—A pretty Custom—Search
after Excitement—Story Tellers—Conjurors—Their
Arts—Practice of Abortion—The Egg-cooking Trick—The
Sultan’s Palace—Its Inhabitants—His Wife and his Concubines—Their
Treatment—Bold Lovers—Anecdote—Tragical
Termination—The Women deceive their Lords—The
Inverted Language—Education neglected—Sight of a
Harim—Mutual Disappointment—Rajah’s pleasant Companions—Their
Customs—Tenacious of Rank—Decay of
Brunei—Exactions suffered by the Aborigines—The Kadayans—Tradition—Hill
Men united—Commotion—Kadayans
have great Influence—Lovely Country—Kadayans
removed to Labuan—Short Description of that Colony—Excellent
Position—Coal—Telegraphic Communication—Good
Effect of our Colony—Trade Increasing—Pepper—Exports—Cotton—Fine
Jungle—Method of Collecting the
Camphor and the Gamboge in Siam—The Coal-fields—Revenue
of the Sultan—Brunei Government no Power—Crime
unpunished—A Bold Thief—Makota and the Fire—Nominal
Punishments—Cutting off the Hand—The Fall of
Ashes—Singing Fish—Curious Method of Catching
Prawns—Tuba Fishing—Superstition—Money—Coinage of
the Capital—Cloth—Iron—Gun-metal—Good Manufactures
of Brass Ordnance—A 12-pounder—Similarity of Customs—The
Sultan—The Heir to his Subjects—Makota and his
Gold |
244 |
| First Visit—Appearance of the Country—Scenery—Lovely
Isles—Turtle—Method of securing their Eggs—Their
Enemies—Fish—The Dugong—Method of capturing them—Graves
of Englishmen at Po Point—First Evening in
Borneo—A Welcome to the Rajah—Boats—Salute and
Manning Yards—The Muaratabas Entrance—The River—The
Town of Kuching—Sunset—Arrival—A noisy Procession—Extent
of Sarawak—A well-watered Country—The
Rejang—Extent of fertile Soil adapted to Sugar—Its
Inhabitants—Different Races and Tribes—Population—Kuching,
the Capital—Increase—Trade—Sago Districts—Cotton—Seed
sent by the Cotton Supply Association—Imported
Labour required—Increased Production—Inferior
Cultivation—Soil adapted to most Tropical Productions—
Water Communication—Minerals—Coal, Antimony, and
Gold—Indications of other Minerals—Former Condition of
the Country—Difficulties of Management—Forced Trade—Comfortable
Position of the Dayaks—Influence of New
System on the Malays—Distant Voyages—Remarkable
Honesty—Anecdote—System of Government—An unteachable
Chief—Sons of Patinggi Ali—Their good Conduct—Effect
of associating the Natives in the Government—The
System introduced into all the Dependencies—Effect
of Sir James Brooke’s Government—Anecdote of an
old Chief—Gradual Developments—Necessity for Support—The
Chinese an Industrious and Saving Nation—Soundness
in the System of Government—England with a
Chinese Colony—Future of Borneo—Chinese amalgamate
with Native Population—Female Emigration from China—Administration
of Justice—The Sarawak Courts—Character
of the Malays |
280 |
| Intercourse between China and the Northern Part of Borneo—References
to the Chinese—Names of Places and Rivers—Sites
of Gardens and Houses—One of the original Settlers—The
Sultan’s Recollections—Chinese numerous in his
Youth—Reasons for their Disappearing—Anecdote of a
Murut Chief—Aborigines speaking Chinese—Mixed Breed—Good
Husbands—Chinese at Batang Parak—At Madihit—Pepper
Planters—Origin of the Borneans—Chinese
Features observed also among the Aborigines—Careful
Agriculture—A remnant of Chinese Teaching—Traditions
of a Chinese Kingdom—Effect of Treaty with Brunei—Unsuccessful
attempt to revive Pepper Planting—Chinese
scattering on the North-west coast—A Spark of Enlightenment—Attempt
to prevent Intercourse between the Chinese
and Aborigines—Decay of Junk Trade—Cochin Chinese—Conduct
of the Chinese—Papar—Anecdote—Fatal result
of Insulting a Woman—Skirmish—Misrepresented in
Labuan—Question of British Protection to the Chinese—Their
Insolence—Anecdote—Unpleasant Position—A
Check—Difficulty of obtaining Information—Cause of
former Disputes—Insurrection of the Chinese of Brunei—Sarawak—Early
efforts of the Chinese to establish themselves
there—Lawless Malays—A Murder—Retaliation—Defeat
of the Chinese—Arrival of Sir James Brooke—Mixed
Breed in Sambas—Form Self-governing Communities—Defeat
of the Dutch Forces—Subjugation of the
Chinese—The Pamangkat Agriculturists—Flight into
Sarawak—Change in the appearance of the Country—Mission
School—Visit the Interior—Kunsis, or Gold
Companies—Appearance of the Country—Method of Gold-working—The
Reservoir—The Ditch—The Sluice—Wasteful
method of working—Abundance of Gold—Impetus—Failure
of first Agricultural Schemes—A great
Flood—Troublesome Gold-workers—Successful Scheme—Disturbance
in Sambas—Flight of Chinese—Illiberal Regulation—Tour
through the Chinese Settlements—Agriculture—Siniawan—Chinese
Workings—Hot Spring—Gold at
Piat in Quartz—Antimony Works—Extensive Reservoirs—Arrival
of Chinese from Sambas—Denial by the Kunsi—Hard
Work at the Gold Diggings—Scenery—Path to
Sambas—Chinese Station—Numbers of the Chinese before
the Insurrection |
308 |
| Secret Societies—Extensive Intercourse—Smuggling—The
Gold Company Fined—Punishment of Three of its Members—Arrogance
of the Kunsi—A Police Case—Real Causes of
the insurrection—An Emissary from the Tien Ti Secret
Society—Reported Encouragement given by the Sultan of
Sambas—Sambas Nobles speak Chinese—Their Nurses—The
Nobles Conspiring—An Emissary arrives in Brunei—Proposal—Knowledge
of the Intended Insurrection—Proposed
Attack on the Consulate—The Tumanggong’s
Threat—The Emissary before the Court—Letter from the
Tien Ti Hué—Rumours of Intended Insurrection—Preparations
and Inquiries—Commencement of the Revolt—Useless
Warnings—Surprise of the Government House—
Danger of the Rajah—Cowardice of the Chinese—Escape—Swims
the River—Death of Mr. Nicholets—Attacks on
the other Houses—On the Stockade—Gallant Conduct of
Mr. Crymble and the Malay Fortmen—Warm Reception
of the Rebels—Death of a Madman—A Bravo Corporal—Escape
of Mr. Crymble—His last Blow—Fortmen again
behave well—Confusion in the Town—Peaceful Assurances—Attempt
to organize a Defence—Panic-striken—Departure—Conduct
of the People—Next Morning—Killed
and Wounded—The Chinese in Power—The Court-house—A
Check to Joy—Oath of Fidelity—Courage Shown by
Abang Patah—A Blow struck—Second Descent of the
Chinese—A Boat Action—Gallant Attack—Deaths—Anecdote—The
Second Retreat—The Town in Flames—The
Steamer—The Capital recovered—Pursuit of the
Chinese—They retire to the Interior—Attacks of the Land
Dayaks—Foray of the Chinese—Their Fort taken by the
Datu Bandhar—Pursuit—Disorderly Retreat—Critical
Position—Brave Girls—Pass the Frontier—The Men of the
Kunsi—A Quarrel—Stripped of Plunder—Results of the
Insurrection—Forces at the Disposal of the Sarawak Government—Conduct
of the People—Disastrous to the
Chinese—New System—Arrival of Armed Chinese from
Sambas—Dutch and English Assistance—Revisit Sarawak—Change—Conduct
of the Rajah—Its Effect on the People—Secret
Society at Labuan—Dangers from the Secret
Societies and their Defenders—Curious Incident—Thoughtful
Care of the Rajah |
336 |
| Arrival of the Roman Catholic Mission in Labuan—Signor
Cuarteron its Head—Curious Reports—His real History—Finding
the Treasure—Turns Priest—Ostensible Object of
the Mission—Not attempted—Ease with which Captives
could escape—No Inclination to do so—Turned Mahomedans—Return
of Signor Cuarteron—Courtesy of the
Brunei Government—Intentions of the Italian Priest—Model
Village—The Italian Priests—The Churches—Old
Battery—Regret at the Withdrawal of the Roman Catholic
Mission—Protestant Mission at Sarawak—Present Condition—Comparative
Failure—Partial Success at Lingga
and Lundu—Mr. Chalmers and the Land Dayaks—Causes
of his Influence—Mistake in establishing the Mission at
Kuching—The Reasons—Objectionable Position for
Schools—Proper Position for the Mission—Suitable Spots—Waste
of Funds in Boats and Plantations—Deplorable
Secession of Missionaries—Reasons to account for it—Present
Management faulty—Mr. Gomez in Lundu—Christian
Dayaks warn the Government—Missionaries always welcome
in Sarawak—Important political effect—The Church
should be among the Dayaks—Suitable Men for Missionaries—What
the Head of a Mission should be—What
he too often is, and should not be—Five Recommendations
to increase Efficiency—Unoccupied Room for a great
Increase of the Number of Missionaries—Method of distributing
them—Personal Character—Dayaks an interesting
Race—A Tribe half Mahomedans half Pagans—Use
of eating Pork—Districts unoccupied—Position of the
Missionary in Sarawak—The Bornean Mission an important
one |
365 |