The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1854-01-22

Nor was il unknown TO the Arsbans for it seems clear
ly to be identical with their Mhraj in the wonderful ro
nance OF 'Essindbad of the Sea" Ii then imagined
mat chip might there be ireghied in few days with
the raesI productions OF the earhwhe and pure pearls,
dueiile gold, camphor sweet and fragrant gums, per-
tuned oils spices and gems OF imperial splendor while
the soil yielded, in exubeant prouson. every grain and
fruit discovered in the richest parts of Asia. Quail
flying the OF the ancient variations by allowance
for the ford style inspired from sanguiae mind too
credulous of good find Them. however, TO bear close
comparison with the most authentic records of late re-
search.
Borneo is divided by the equator into two unequal
parts, and is with the exception of New Holland, the
largest island in The world II extends from 100 deg 40
min to 10 deg. AS min east of Greenwich, and from
deg north 10 deg 20 min. south ali,ude-a length of
about 900, and breadth OF about $50 miles The
has been computed at about ll4.o0O square miles.
1t is little than thirty years since Borneo was
described blank the map; and until recently, no
more than the outlines OF its geography were known
10 America but the maps of the voyager in the
"Flr have given us an insight into the topography OF
this great island Every glimpse of light that is thrown
upon il reveals incentive to the enterprise OF a
commercial nation, and no suggestion OF policy is want
ing 10 engage people in securing share in the trade,
not IN the territory Of that important island It's position
in the mercantile route TO China and japan its numer-
Gus valuable rivers; its valuable productions and the
fertility OF its soil I; Its immense extent; and the appa
reut saubrity OF its climate in many parts, with the
character OF its numerous population, promise every
ward TO the company Of American merchants who design
a development Of lis resources.
The population cannot, with any accuracy, be estima.
ted; every statement must be loose and hazardous
conjecture but from various data it is probable that il
does fall short of 900 souls On every side OF
the island rivers discharge themselves, some
sprnging from undiscovered in the INTERIOR and
aggrandzed by The tribute Of many afiuent streams
others rising among The hills, and descending with
serpenne course 10 their enbouchure. On the north,
the largest are those OF Bruno. ReaDg. Serebas Saka
ran, and Sarawak; the south, the great Banjav
the southeast. the river Of Passir and the east Ko-
tall OF large volume, besides many others capable Of
navigation. II eus, indeed, Tie heart of that mighty
island be laid opsn to Anss,ican enterprise A be through
these which render Borneo OF the best wateed
countries in the world. comparing favoraby in this
spect with Brazil. Between The province OF Sarawak
and the city of Bruno may be counted the mouths Of
than twenty rivers. available for purposes OF trade
In the woods OF Borneo live immense tribes of the
MAS pappan the orang outang and others of that genus,
deghting in humid atmosphere. They are bold and
strobg--hsse " four-handed men, astonishingy nu.
and very destructive TO the rice fields and fruit
plantations; 50 that constant is carried between
them and The Dyaks There are wild men in this island.
well in Sumara, that make the heart of humanity
sick for in the contemplation Of them it approaches
limit where the existence OF soul seems possible yet
problematical.
OF the productions OF Borneo which. may be made
available for purposes OF commerce, for domestic in
dusiry and consumption there is long catalogue to De
made and one still far from complete, OF minerals, coal,
sntimony, iron, lin nickel, quicksilver, and gold in
absndance diamonds equal TO those OF India or Brazil
while beautiful Respondent, sand has been suggested by
Low, in his "Sarawak," as indicating the vicinity Of
other gems. Timber OF various kinds and qualities, for
ship and house building and ornamental manufacture.
abounds 10 the woods. The climate is favorable to
vegetation and, though exceedingly healthy for persons
who not compelled 10 undergo much exposure is
moist that its surface perpetual tint Of green.
The soil is rich and deep, capable of producing sugar
cane, nuimegs in abundance, cinnamon, oranges, aud
many other fruits and vegetables not originally found
there The cabbage-pam, the bamboo, nuts, sage.
the gomuli palm, the areca, ratlans npab, and other
Trees yield the areesior native consumption, with
rice so grateful to the inhabitants OF the East There
are, besides, vegetable taiop and vegetable Native
OIL wood, and various seed OLE gutia peoha the sap OF
climbing plant, dammar, wild cinnamon. cotton, pep
per- coffee, gambler, tobacco, dye-s,us, and
aoes are among the commodities for expectation. Wax,
edible birds nests, bezoaF stones, and iortoseshel may
be added to the list of articles Of commercial value.
The inhabitants OF Borneo may be divided into three
asses-the Dysks, subject race, inspired by hopes Of
vengeance upon lis tyans; the dominant Mslays, who
Cypress The aborgines and the colonsts OF China an
active and industrious, but turbulent and inirsclabe part
Of the population. The Dyaks-herce, rockies, OF life,
and ho,.booded in their ns,ueae nevertheless hosp,a
ble kind and faithful 10 their void There apecuary
about these people, scientifically volupuous novelty
with the sexual organs tina, is much sin
gular and extraordinary than the w,ll-known natural
phenomenon tha, belongs to the Holtentots.
In regard 10 The political slate Of Borneo, II has,
since II was known TO Europeans been divided into seve
ra sulianstss and chefdoms, constantly changing the
limits OF their territories and their influence Among the
most ancient and powerful Of the Malay Kingdoms Is
Bruno on the northwest which, however, is much
decsyed from its former significance. Our govern
ment, during the late administration, sought TO es-
tabisb an improved state Of commercial relations
with i,s Sultan, Omar Ali Safeedip Ebu Msrhoun
Mahomed Jamal Alan. convention OF friendship and