The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1854-01-20


Java. Inferior 10 size only TO Bornso and New Guinea
limeasrres more than thousand miles in length, With
an average breadth of hundred and thirty miles The
surface Of this extensive country is diversified by deep
valleys OF astonishing fertility. and spacious levels COW
cred with forests. which lie between the mountain
chains.
Among the mountains. which in many places break
iAto double or treble lines. extensive lakes petu-
resquey Graded among rocks and by vol
canc peaks. They are fed by perennial springs, and
form the sources OF nnumerable rivers which discharge
themselves along the OF these some are navlga-
BILE for gates such the Palembans and the Jambee.
at considerable distance from the others bear only
native craft, and Others alone to besow graces
the landscapes OF this beautiful country, by showerng
their streams the crests OF hills into natural basins
of rock About one-hh Of the waters of Sumalra fall
into the Indian ocean, the remainder flowing into the
straits OF Malacca, or tho Java sea.
Favored in It's situation and natural facilities for COM
nerce Suma,ra abounds in material resources and once
disputed with Ceyon the title OF Taprobane and Golden
Chersonese This part OF India, informed by Jo-
sephus called by the ancienis Sophara, the Land
of Gold Be that il may the chief wealth OF Sumatra
is mineral Iron OF magnetic quality exists in
ous parts but most plentiully in Menankabao and the
steel wrought in that sultanate excels, according to
Marsden, the celebrated manufactures OF Europe.
The tin OF the island the Straits tin" known in the
markets Of the United States. though esteemed inferior
tina, Of Banca is exported largely India and Chna
as well 10 the markets Of the West Sulphur, salt
petre alum. arsenic. and valuable coloed earhs have
been discovered; and excellent btumnous coal has
been found al various points, indicating the existence Of
inexhaus,loe beds OF this most valuable Of minerals
OF III vegetable productions rice, the chief sustenance
OF 90 many millions among the inhabitants OF Asia, 10
grown in every province. Other grains are produced in
less abundance. Camphor OF good but peculiar quality
guta percha, caou,chouc cassla, benzoin and aIoes
indigo gambr cotton coffee, sugar. tobacco silk pepper
cinnamon, and betel nuts, with salt urpentine
several rare gums and magnificent ivory, constitute ma
terals of trade, besides the edible birds nests so ucra
live article OF commerce, being richly esteemed BY
the epicureans China In the forests are discovered
teak timber ebony of beauty, eagle on and sandel
wood while the jungles afford rattans fully equal TO
those Of Borneo and Malacca.
The animal kingdom Of Sumalra is large and varied
Elephants, which added TO the pomp OF its kings, and
were used for conveyance by the PEOPLE the tapr the
double horned rhinoceros the stag, the Masyan bear,
The wild boar the buffalo, and the Tiger frequent its vast
forests while many creatures useful TO man have been
domes,cated in the populous districts. Birds adorned
with the splendid plumaze distinguishing the winged
creation Of the East live in vast numbers in the woods
and Jungle. Then rich and brilliant tnts- orange, green
red bright steel blue and gold-contrbuie touches
OF beauty 10 The landscapes CT the island hamonizing
with the gorgeous vegetation Of Sumatran forest. In
the estimation OF delighted traveller. (farsdsn)
which also that Of the writer OF this article. Sumatra
is enormous orchard, perpe'uay filled with the cap.
,ivaiing perfume OF fruit and flowers
This island has extraordinary and diversified popu-
aton. There the wild trbesa remnant OF lie orig.
ina nhabitants-sca,erred from end 10 end in secluded
communities among the jungly hills They bear different
names; found in patches-as the Orang Kooboo be-
tween Palembang and Jambee the Lampongs, dwelling
shers in the muddy creeks along the sea. noun
tain nomades the Passumahs, the head hunters Of the
South. Their aggregate number i. about 10000. The
present Malays of Sumaa form, for their numbers, their
wealth, their influence and their civilization, the
important division Of its Inhabitants They occupy the
whole Of the wide middle region and northern portion
or about iwo,hds OF The island-wi,h is finest hills,
lis most fertile valleys. its productive mines. and
predominant over all The Altogether the population
of Samara may be estimated al little above 3,oo0ooO
souls.
the situation OF this island for 10 Of the
most advantageous in the eastern Many OF our
Boston and Salem merchants have long been familiar with
lis importance; but have only occasionally ventarsd
upon hazardous experiment. to send their vessels 10
trade upon lis coasts in conseq oil the absence OF all
protection interests in that quarter On account oil
numerous representations OF New York aud Baltimore
merchants in regard 10 the value of more general
commerce with Sumara, the late administration was
induced 10 send Mr. Joseph Balestier on a special mis-
sion 10 many OF the independent s0vcregntes OF the
Indian Archpelago and his instructions from the State
Department he was directed to visit the pepper coast
on the island OF Sumaa, which for many years has bsen
irsquenied by trading ships and where on more than
one OCCASION our with the natives has unfor
tunaely led TO dispute and loss OF life and with vsw
to place affairs on proper and safe footing the nierpo-
siion OF our public ships has been found necessary and
as has b,sa called BY any Of SHIPS
for some years. uoMd noib om that they should again
BE- visited" This mission not accomplished, on ac-
count OF dsagreements between the envoy and the
modorc (voorhees) who convey him TO the scene
OF his negotiations Mr. Baleslier did not succeed in
touching any OF the ports Of Suma,rs !, is important
ha, the msaion should be revived and carried out
successful Issue The present administration will no
doubt give due consideration TO the advancement Of our
in Sumatra, and throughout the Eastern Ar
chpeago IN general LAXAMANA
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