BORNEO 
263 
Borneo, a reputation for wisdom, for goodness, and for 
honour which will dignify the name of Englishman for 
generations to come. 1 
Since the days of its founder, the State of Sarawak 
has much increased in extent. For a long time the 
Bintulu river formed its north-eastern boundary, which 
was afterwards extended to Baram Point. Later, diffi¬ 
culties occurring with regard to the Trusan river, in the 
east of Brunei, led to the cession of it to Sarawak, a wedge 
of territory thus being interposed between the North 
Borneo Company’s land and that of the Sultan of Brunei. 
The constant revolts of the tribes on the Upper Limbang 
later brought about a similar result, but in this case the 
cession, which took place in 1890, was compulsory, not 
voluntary. On the 14th June, 1888, a British Pro¬ 
tectorate of Sarawak was proclaimed. 
The territory, which thus hardly allows of much further 
expansion, comprises a large area of valuable land within 
easy reach of Singapore, the great market of the Eastern 
Archipelago. It is rich in minerals and has several 
navigable rivers. It is progressing steadily, although the 
development of its resources can be hardly said as yet 
to have fairly begun. The government is an absolute 
monarchy, but is in effect very much that of an English 
Crown Colony. Associated with the Kaja is a Supreme 
Council of two European officials, and four natives of high 
rank, nominated by the Kaja. All ordinary legislative 
business is thus carried on, but the sovereign can at all 
times exercise his right of autocracy, though this step is 
not often taken. In addition to the Supreme Council, 
there is a General Council of fifty members, which meets 
triennially, or on special occasions. The country is divided 
1 This account of Sir James Brooke’s rule is chiefly founded on Mr. 
Wallace’s personal observation. 
