OF THE MALAY PENINSULA. L99 



mineral resources which nature has conferred so lavishly on other 

 States, still by the Maharaja's exertions, his just rule, and his 

 careful preservation of life and property, his country has attained 

 a foremost position amongst the Native States of the Peninsula. 



In settling the Native States near Malacca, a considerable 

 benefit would be conferred on Johor, which, like Malacca, has been 

 subject to constant raids from lawless bands who invariably found 

 a safe refuge from pursuit in one or other of these Provinces. 



Of Pahang we know little, but since the accession of the pre- 

 sent Bcnclahara, there have been no disturbances there of any im- 

 portance. In spite, however, of Pahang's rich deposits of gold and 

 tin, its large population (about 60,000) and its almost total freedom 

 from taxation, it does not advance in prosperity or importance, 

 nor do many Chinese appear to have been induced to settle there. 

 Much might be done in Pahang, if there were there an energetic 

 Chief, or an able adviser who held his confidence. 



Pahang is not dependent on foreign imports, for, besides the 

 richness of its mineral deposits, it produces enough rice to feed the 

 whole population, whilst it has skilled weavers who make quantities 

 of the silk " sarongs " which often form the only dress of the 

 Malays. 



Between Pahang and Johor, however, there is anything but 

 good feeling, and until their boundary is clearly defined this does 

 not appear likely to be altered. 



In 1855 the Bendahara of Pahang was Kttn Ali Sewaeaja, 

 and he had two sons — Che Wan Indttt and Che Wan Ahmed, — 

 the former of whom succeeded his father. Che Wan Indttt had 

 a son named Che Wan Long, and the father during his lifetime 

 appears to have abdicated in favour of the son. Wan Ahmed 

 claimed certain territories in Pahang, as left to him by his father 

 for his inheritance as the younger son, but his elder brother denied 

 the claim, and this gave rise to a struggle between Che Wan Indut 

 and Che AY an Long on the one side, and Che Wan Ahmed on the 

 other ; Che Wan Long's sister having been married to Abitbakeu, 



