THE STRAITS SETTLEMENTS, &C. 45 



elsewhere with a girdle of English possessions. 



This and other circumstances mentioned in this paper should re- 

 mind us as a small nation, but with rich and large Colonies, and as 

 the second colonial power of the times in which we live, to caution 

 and urge us to move with the times. 



In our East Indian possessions, where there are such great re- 

 sources, and there is such a rich field for work, we shall, I think, 

 accomplish better results, if we recognize more generally, that the 

 time is past for maintaining our power by artificial means, and if 

 we give our governing oflScials (especially those outside of Java) 

 opportunities, each in his own sphere, to act more independently 

 and thus, with the means at their disposal in their sphere, by de- 

 centralization, to further the development of the immeasurable re- 

 sources of the country, to the good of the population, and the wel- 

 fare of the Mother-country. 



This can then be, in the words of Mr. yan Gennep, in the sit- 

 ting of the First Chamber of the 28th December, the beginning of 

 a new period, of which we may expect the best results in the fields 

 of politics, economics, and finance. 



Steam and electricity have abolished distances. The press dis- 

 cusses everything. The JN'atives know what occurs elsewhere and 

 thus as a Madurese Chief once expressed himself "by building our 

 forts in the hearts of the Natives" we can strengthen ourselves 

 and meet the future with confidence. 



