SINGAPORE. 375 



the accumulation of filth, surprised as well as disgusted ; for although 

 it was reached at every tide by the water, yet there was ample neces- 

 sity for the use of brooms and shovels. The Chinese, though cleanly 

 in their persons, are far from being so in their general habits, if we may 

 judge from those that I have met in the places we have visited. 



On landing, that which impresses a stranger most strongly, is the 

 great variety both of costume and of race. Almost every person that 

 is encountered appears different from his predecessor, so that it is some 

 time before it can be decided which nation predominates ; but on 

 reaching the old town, this is no longer doubtful, for the Chinese are 

 soon found to be the most numerous. 



The variety of religious sects also soon become evident. All have 

 their places of worship, and enjoy the free exercise of their religion, so 

 that in passing around, the mosque of the Mahomedan, the temple of 

 the Chinese, and the churches of various Christian sects, are met with 

 in their turn. 



The number of spoken languages is such as to recall the idea of 

 Babel, and to excite a desire to learn the cause of such a collection of 

 nations. This is partly to be found in the favourable commercial site 

 of Singapore, on the great highway between the Eastern and Western 

 nations, and in the protection afforded to all by its being under a 

 European power, but chiefly in the fact of its being a free port, in 

 every sense of the word. All are allowed to visit it without any 

 question being asked ; pirates of any nation may refit here, and no 

 doubt frequently do, without any molestation, so long as they keep the 

 peace. 



I was much struck with the apparent absence of either police or 

 military force ; but after some inquiry, I was satisfied, by the order and 

 general quiet of the multitude, that there must be a controlling power 

 within reach, and found the policemen under the semblance of Persians, 

 easily distinguishable by their neat and cleanly appearance. They are 

 generally better dressed than the body of the inhabitants, and are to 

 be known by their red and black sashes, and turbaned heads. Without 

 the precincts of the town, a regiment of Sepoys, six hundred strong, and 

 officered by Europeans, is stationed. These are to be seen habited like 

 English soldiers, in close-bodied red coats, than which a more inappro- 

 priate dress in such a climate as this can scarcely be imagined. 



Before proceeding with the description of Singapore, it will be as 

 well to give some account of its settlement and progress to its present 

 prosperous condition. 



It appears that the idea of occupying a position in the Straits of 

 Malacca did not occur to the East India Company until they were 



