BOENEO 263 



Borneo, a reputation for wisdom, for goodness, and for 

 honour which will dignify the name of Englishman for 

 generations to come.^ 



Since the days of its founder, the State of Sarawak 

 has much increased in extent. For a long time the 

 Bintulu river formed its north-eastern boundary, which 

 was afterwards extended to Baram Point. Later, diffi- 

 culties occurring with regard to the Trusan river, in the 

 east of Brunei, led to the cession of it to Sarawak, a wedge 

 of territory thus being interposed between the North 

 Borneo Company's land and that of the Sultan of Brunei. 

 The constant revolts of the tribes on the Upper Limbang 

 later brought about a similar result, but in this case the 

 cession, which took place in 1890, was compulsory, not 

 voluntary. On the 14th June, 1888, a British Pro- 

 tectorate of Sarawak was proclaimed. 



The territory, which thus hardly allows of much further 

 expansion, comprises a large area of valuable land within 

 easy reach of Singapore, the great market of the Eastern 

 Archipelago. It is rich in minerals and has several 

 navigable rivers. It is progressing steadily, although the 

 development of its resources can be hardly said as yet 

 to have fairly begun. The government is an absolute 

 monarchy, but is in effect very much that of an English 

 Crown Colony. Associated with the Piaja is a Supreme 

 Council of two European officials, and four natives of high 

 rank, nominated by the Eaja. All ordinary legislative 

 business is thus carried on, but the sovereign can at all 

 times exercise his right of autocracy, though this step is 

 not often taken. In addition to the Supreme Council, 

 there is a General Council of fifty members, which meets 

 triennially, or on special occasions. The country is divided 



1 This account of Sir James Brooke's rule is chiefly founded on Mr. 

 Wallace's personal observation. 



