SINGAPORE. 
377 
found to have circumscribed the limits of the ceded district to but a 
small portion of the south coast of the island, and the jurisdiction to 
extend only as far as a cannon-shot into the interior immediately 
around the factory. This limit continued until 1824, when a cession 
of the entire island was obtained, and a treaty of alliance and friendship 
was concluded between the Company and the Sultan. The jurisdiction 
was also for ever ceded to the Company of the seas and islands within 
ten geographical miles of the coast of Singapore. In consideration of 
these concessions, the Company gave the Sultan thirty-three thousand 
dollars, with an annuity of fifteen thousand, and to the Tumungong 
twenty-six thousand dollars, and an annuity of eight thousand. The 
annuities were to be paid monthly; and it was farther agreed, that if 
the Sultan or the Tumungong desired to remove at any time from the 
island of Singapore to other parts of their dominions, they should be 
entitled to the further sum of ten and fifteen thousand dollars, for all 
their right and title to any immovable property they might possess. 
This treaty secured free commercial intercourse for both parties, 
with perfect neutrality in all respects, and freedom from offensive and 
defensive alliances. Under this tenure Singapore is now held. 
Singapore being the only free port in this part of the world, soon 
attracted to it all the surrounding nations, not only on account of the 
absence of duties, or of any regulations impeding trade, but as offering 
a mart where they could with ease dispose of their goods, and obtain 
supplies. Many of the most opulent merchants of the East have settled 
here, and the Chinese in particular have found it to afford a suitable 
field for the exercise of their trades. 
The jurisdiction of Singapore, or the “ Straits Government,” as it 
is here called, embraces Malacca and Prince of Wales Island. The 
office of governor was filled during our visit, by Samuel George 
Bonham, Esq., whose usual residence is at Singapore, but I had not 
the pleasure of seeing him, as he was absent on a tour of duty. A 
steamer is attached to this service, and enables the governor to 
communicate freely with the three ports. At each port there is a 
recorder’s court, for the trial of offences, and the settlement of com¬ 
mercial difficulties. A chief justice, who resides at Singapore, is 
the principal law officer for criminal offences, and is appointed by the 
crown. Capital punishment is referred for approval to the authorities 
at home. 
By the treaty of 1824, the Dutch gave up Malacca, which had 
become useless to them, and the English bound themselves not to 
make settlements on any of the islands to the south of it. This was 
certainly a very unwise covenant on the part of Great Britain, and 
2 G 2 48 
VOL. v. 
