388 SINGAPORE. 



those of the Chinese, for there seemed a disposition to be rude and 

 overbearing to the crowd. Some noble-looking men, dressed in red 

 and white, with turbans* on their heads, had a very distinguished look, 

 particularly the Bugis from the isle of Borneo, a number of whom 

 were pointed out to me, who might be known by their stature. The 

 temple, after having been paraded both by night and day, was thrown 

 into the sea about four o'clock, and entirely destroyed. For this 

 singular termination I could find no explanation, except that what 

 had been consecrated to the Prophet was not to be defiled by the hands 

 of men. 



In various shanties near the sea-shore, theatrical performances were 

 going forward, but with little spirit, for all seemed worn out with the 

 night and day's exertions. They were very polite and attentive to us, 

 getting us seats, &c. ; but, after sitting some time, we saw this was 

 but a sorry exhibition compared with that we had seen enacted by 

 the Chinese; the music consisted of small drums and triangles, mixed 

 occasionally with a whistle, shrill enough to deafen, which was made 

 by putting the fingers in the mouth. 



I was very much struck with the order and good behaviour existing 

 among such an incongruous mass of human beings as we saw col- 

 lected together, speaking a vast variety of tongues, and some who 

 would infallibly have been at war with each other elsewhere. Al- 

 though there was much noise, and various games going on, yet I did 

 not learn that a single quarrel had taken place.f I understood that 

 the rarity of quarrels between the different races and religions is more 

 owing to the consideration of the place being neutral ground, where 

 all ought to abstain from hostility, than to any effect produced by the 

 police. 



The Hindoos of the Gentoo faith, also, have various amusements, 

 among which are vertical revolving swings, with four boxes or seats, 

 in which the occupants maintain a horizontal position. These are 

 seen among us ; but it is in the East that the fashion has originated. 

 The machine was awkwardly made, and with its creaking added not 

 a little to the general din. 



Mr. Balestier was kind enough to have an exhibition for us on his 



* There was one man with a green turban, which is the exclusive privilege of those in 

 the direct line of descent from the Prophet. 



t Rows, however, do sometimes occur on such occasions, and one took place in 1840, in 

 which one life was lost, and several other persons were badly wounded. It arose as the 

 Hindoo Mahomedans were passing in procession near the Chinese temples, when, being 

 interrupted in their march, they began to throw stones at the temple, and finally resort was 

 had to fire-arms ; but the affray was soon quelled by the police. 



