1835.] Naning in the Malay Peninsula. 303 



should invariably pursue, and how far their authority extends in the 

 administration of civil cases." 



" These points having been translated into the Malay language, we 

 had it proclaimed, and made known to all people, through the medium 

 of Raja Merah, who informed us, that the inhabitants accepted these 

 rules with due deference, but made some difficulty in complying with 

 the contents of that paragraph which enjoins them to keep the river 

 clear, for they consider themselves as his (Raja Mbrah's) subjects, 

 not his slaves. Raja. Merah further states, that the limited authority 

 with which he is invested is not calculated to command obedience. 

 But it is our wish, that Raja Merah confer with the chiefs and inha- 

 bitants on the matter, and inform them that what we had resolved is 

 principally to px*omote their interest. The clearing away on the banks 

 of the river is a service which could be performed by four persons, 

 and in a short space of time. The banks of the river should be cleared, 

 widened, and made navigable from Naning to the town ; but they are 

 required to keep the river clear only as far as Pankallang Nauwar, 

 from thence it will be the business of our inhabitants to preserve the 

 cleanliness of the river. They ought to recollect, that this improvement 

 would, in a great measure, promote the prosperity of Naning ; and 

 how convenient it would be felt by every body in the transport of 

 paddy, sirih, and other produce. Perceiving their objection, we de- 

 sired, that the inhabitants should be summoned by beat of gong, in 

 order that they might consider this object more attentively. Raja 

 Merah and chiefs did accordingly hold a consultation with the inha- 

 bitants. We directed Alexander Mendos to be present at this 

 meeting, and to inform himself of every circumstance which might 

 occur, and instructed him how he should conduct himself towards 

 these obstinate people. 



" Alexander Mendos having appeared in the meeting, and hearing- 

 some of the Manikdbowes making difficulties to obey the order regard- 

 ing the clearing of the river, alleging that their houses were too far 

 situated from the river, replied, that they should not murmur at such 

 a trivial labour, considering that the Governor himself had left the 

 town, and come up here for the purpose of punishing the wicked and 

 disobedient, and protecting the innocent and faithful, it would there- 

 fore be very imprudent to resist his wishes. Mendos and Raja Me- 

 rah, impressed these salutary precepts on the minds of the inhabitants 

 of the villages under subjection, who with one consent and loud voice 

 exclaimed, *• the will of the Governor of Malacca be done," and pro- 

 mised to be obedient to all his orders. In this manner did Raja 

 Merah, the chiefs, and inhabitants declare their willingness to accede 

 to the rules which we had prescribed to them, 



