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 



vol. v. 2 G -2 43 



