THE DUTCH EAST INDIES 99 



their character lies a material and sensuous element ; for 

 them the jpancm et circenscs argument has irresistible 

 attractions ; they are satisfied with their rice, fish, and 

 betel, which they easily earn as careful agriculturists and 

 skilful mariners. If to these blessings be added an occa- 

 sional exhibition of dancing girls, a concert, a visit to the 

 play-house, or a cock-fight, they are more than rewarded, 

 and think no longer of revolting. The natives even thrive 

 under the system, as shown by the enormous increase of 

 the population. That of Madura, for instance, rose from 

 393,426 in 1856 to 676,818 in 1871, thus almost 

 doubhng itself in fifteen years. It \\\\\ also be readily 

 allowed that the condition of afiairs in the districts under 

 Dutch rule is far superior to that of the native states, 

 where the old barbarous systems of slavery, piracy, and 

 spoliation still flourish unrestrained. 



B. System of Government of Netherlands India. 



At the head of the Dutch East Indies is a Governor- 

 General with the authority of a viceroy. He is supreme 

 commander of the laud and sea forces, with the right of 

 declaring peace and war, and concluding treaties with the 

 native princes and peoples, within the limits of his in- 

 structions from the Home Government. He is aided by 

 a council of five of the his-her officials, who are nommated 

 by himself. The colonies are divided into two main 

 divisions, the first comprising Java with Madura, the 

 second the so-called external possessions (Buitenbezit- 

 tingen), that is, all the other possessions and tributary 

 states. They are further subdivided into "Eesidencies" and 

 " Governments." In Java there are twenty-one of these 

 provinces^ each of which is administered by a " Eesident." 



