198 THE INDEPENDENT NATIVE STATES 



descendant of the Sultans of Johor. It is said Sultan Ali is 

 willing to accept this trust, but the Chiefs of the States, as was 

 to be expected, shew considerable difference of opinion as to whom 

 they would prefer for their Sultan, whilst there are two claimants 

 for this post, one Tunku Antah, son of Eaja Eadin, and the 

 other Tunku Ahmed Tungqal, son of Tunku Imam, both descended 

 from the Menangkfibau Eajas, who once were Sultans of these 

 States. Of these two, Tunku Antah is the favourite, being of 

 Royal blood both on his father's and mother's side. 



No doubt it would be a very good thing to unite these coun- 

 tries in one, under one responsible head — a good thing for the States, 

 as it would put an end to their jealousies of and strifes with each 

 other, and a good thing for the Straits Government, as there would 

 then be but one Chief to refer to, who could be made responsible 

 for his people. 



The States too look upon this proposal with favour as a return 

 to their old customs, and the only thing is to see that the best 

 man is elected to be their Sultan. 



It is possible that the States would accept the candidate who 

 was recommended by this Grovernment, provided an Officer were 

 sent to canvass them, and in that case it only remains for the 

 Government to consider whether Sultan Alt or Tunku Antah 

 has the best claim, and which is the most capable of worthily filling 

 this position should it devolve upon him. 



A most important part of this proposal is that a Eesident 

 British Officer should be appointed to advise and assist the Sultan 

 in carrying out the scheme. In this case the expenses of the Eesident 

 and his establishment would probably fall on the Straits Grovern- 

 ment as the only one of these districts which possesses a large 

 revenue — Sungei Ujong — has in a manner been separated from the 

 rest and has interests and a Eesident of its own. 



We now come to Johor, about which there is little to be said, 

 except in praise of the enlightened administration of its present- 

 ruler, for though Johor has not yet been found to possess those rich 



