130 



THE TOWN. 



sion is, that commerce can elevate the most 

 barren and unproductive spot to a place of 

 high importance ? Look at the magnificent 

 private mansions, warehouses, and the extent of 

 commerce, showing the present and increasing 

 wealth of this rising settlement. The town is 

 erected upon the banks of a salt-water creek, 

 more commonly named the Singapore river : 

 one side contains the warehouses, offices, stores, 

 &c. of the merchants and shopkeepers, as well 

 as the native streets, bazaars, &c. Opposite to 

 it is an extensive plain, adorned by several 

 elegant mansions ; and beyond the Kampong 

 Glam,* and Malay town, with the residence of 

 the sultan of Johore and his followers : from him 

 the island was purchased by the British govern- 

 ment, for which he still receives the annual pen- 

 sion which had been stipulated at the time. 

 Close to the creek, which has received the more 

 dignified appellation of the " Singapore river," 

 wharfs extend from and opposite to the offices 

 and warehouses of the merchants. The two most 

 extensive and splendid buildings are those re- 

 cently erected by Messrs. Armstrong and Gem- 

 mil. The Commercial Square contains some 



* Kampong Glam, near Singapore, has its name derived, 

 it is said, from Kampong, signifying a village, and Glam, the 

 name of a particular kind of tree. 



