180 GOVERNMENT OF EUROPEANS. 



as low as possible, because much of the forced labour 

 is imposed on each kampong in proportion to its 

 population. 



The Europeans resident in Java are under as 

 despotic a rule as are the natives. By an edict 

 issued in 1 834, no foreigner can be allowed to reside, 

 except at Batavia, nor can stay there more than a 

 year, except by permission given by the King of 

 Holland, on petition supported by the approval of 

 the Governor.* No person, not even when per- 

 mitted to reside, can become a " burgher of the 

 island," or acquire rights of citizenship in it, until 

 after a residence of ten years. The Governor has 

 it in his power to banish any troublesome subject 

 from the island, without the intervention of a court 

 of justice. All European, or white residents of 

 whatever nation, and also all Malays, are obliged to 

 serve a stated time in the militia, or schuyterei, 

 and from April to September must turn out once or 

 twice a week to drill. Europeans above forty-five, 

 or exempt on account of some trifling illness, are 

 obliged to attend the fire department. So also are 

 all Chinese.! 



* So jealous is the Dutch Government of Java, and so desirous 

 of secrecy and seclusion, that they will not allow of the appoint- 

 ment even of consuls, or any other similar authorities belonging 

 to any nation, not even at their principal ports of Batavia and 

 Sourabaya. 



f The Arabs, from some reason, (probably from their being 

 the religious instructors of the Javanese, and therefore not en- 

 tirely trustworthy,) are exempt both from the duties of the militia 

 and fire department. 



