210 
COMPENDIUM OF GEOGRAPHY AND TRAVEL 
The system of administration varies with the condition 
of the inhabitants. Thus the Ache “ Government ” is 
such only in name except at certain of the coast towns, 
and over a great portion of the centre of the island the 
Dutch have no rule or authority whatsoever. In other 
districts a species of suzerainty exists, the chiefs paying 
tribute or acknowledging the Government, but ruling 
their subjects without intervention. In others again the 
Dutch have engrafted their administration firmly upon 
the old communal native system, and rule much as they 
do in Java. The most settled districts are Dili, Benkulen, 
and the country between this town and Palembang, and 
the highlands of Padang. 
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11. Chief Towns. 
The four chief towns of Sumatra are Padang, Ache 
(Kota Eaja), Benkulen, and Palembang. Padang is in 
some ways the most important; it has about 16,000 
inhabitants, and is a place of considerable trade, there 
being many European merchants, with Arabs, Chinese, 
Javanese, Battaks, and Mas islanders settled within its 
limits. The town presents the aspect of a beautiful 
park, and is situated on the right bank of the Padang 
river, whose mouth is dominated by the picturesque 
Apenberg. The port is inferior and exposed to westerly 
weather. The country to the north is flat, with extensive 
rice fields, and good roads shaded by avenues of trees 
lead inland. Westward, at a distance of a few miles, the 
hills begin, on ascending which the rich Padang plateau or 
“bovenland” is reached, where the climate is well suited 
for coffee cultivation. Here, at an elevation of about 
3000 feet, are Fort de Kock, the seat of the Resident, 
and the garrison; and a few miles to the south, in the 
