The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1854-03-10
Hon. CYRUS BARTON.
The CcEebcs Islands in tile Ea cEGc.


Among the islands of the East Indian ArchpeIa-
go this one, by its astonishing fertility, the abun-
dance Of its natural productions, and as apparently
containing within its soil the richest placers of
gold the world ever saw, is deserving of particular
distinction.
CeIebes occupies the centre Of the tropical zone.
and lies in the Moucca Its length and breadth
it is difficult to estimate, being composed Of four
peninsuas, with an area of about 3 ,578 miles. Its
coast presents great number of bays, CULTS, and
capes Of eccentric outline. Three deep arms of
the penetrate il from east to west, and the
four gigantic tongues of land, united at the centre
by an lnconsiderabe mass Of land, give the Island
its peculiar shape.
Though mountainous Island Celebes presents
along the boaders Of the wide plains covered
with verdure, and beautiful valleys, some Of which
enclose lakes more or less extensive. Nothing en-
hanccs the grace Of landscape more than lake,
and those Of Cclebes are distinguished by their
beauty. Magnificent basins of Iimpd water, raised
on a smooth plateau, encrcled by rim of low
hills tuhed with palm groves, or overlaid with soft
sward, gttor under the sun Of The east, glow like
vast sheets Of silver Waterfowl of many species,
some with crimson and purple cress, inhabit the
lakes, and birds construct their nests the floating
fields Of vegetation, similar those floating isets
on Lake Chnlco, in Mexico. The scenery Of the
island becomes wilder as you leave the sea. 1t
wears more American aspect than any other
island Of the Archipelago. Shallow but beautiful
streams intersect the long sloping plains, springs
Of sweet water rickIe between the rocks, which
are scattered, confused with green knos or thickets
OF Towering shrubs.
CeIebcs is less populous in proportion to its ex.
tent than many other island of the Archipelago.
1t may be true that since the accession Of the Dutch
to dominion over portion of it, ii has declined
from its original condition. 1t is composed of the
Alfuras. and OF nomade or commercial Malays,
probably from their seat Of empire in Sumaira,
who have in Celebes, as in other islands, estab-
llshed themselves on the border, and driven
the old tenants of the soil into the central wilder
ness.
The Bugis, originally from the same stock as
the Malavs, are the ruling race Of Celcbes, and
superior to all other natives Of the Archipelago in
their spirit Of adventure. They are brave, active,
naughty, vigorous race. They love justice, and
faithful to their bonds, but seldom forgive in-
juries. Boasful, indeed, they are, and bulIies !;
but these qualities far more admirable than the
humility and meekness of slaves. The Aluras,
described by HeyIyn, in his g Cosmography,"
a tall comely race, OF brown color, much given TO
piracy, form perhaps the most amiable, il not the
most civilized part o: the population. They pos
sess all the courage and few of the vices prevail
ing among The Bugis and Malays. Some of these
ulOeS are among Inc most singular cOminunUleS
in The world. The ingenuity of the savage and
the amenity of the civilized man are united in
them. They have received the Koran. but not
adjured The practices Of their ancient faith the
dark old idoa1ry once universal in the ArchipeIa
Co. Stones and trees painted red still share their
dcvo'ions with the invisible god Of Islam. But
their chief singuarity consists in the honor and
distinction which rendered by them to women.
They manifesto decided preference TO female rule.
In the Sunaie of Bpni especially, tie female line
al ways takes precedence of the male on he demise
Of sovereign. The miIdness and prosperity
attending the reign OF their Sultana Rajas had
rendered the people of the Archipelago favorable
10 it,
On one occasion, says Marsten, the subordinate
chiefs, who fourished better under a master |
having greater license to plundrr) than mistress,
opposed the elevation Of princess to the throne.
civil war cnsued; two armies net-0ne the hire. |
ings of the pa,rcian order, the other the people |
lrmed TO assert the natural right Of choosing their
'wn rulers. The 6elligerents encamped on each !
,ank Of river. The termination of the contest |
remarkab Bile in Asatic. or, indeed, in any history.
The nobies, The Panyorangs, the Man.rls, the
and Hulubalangs saw the folly of
esis,ance the peoples wishes were granted, and
was passed into law that their governor should
e queen, and on her accession to the throne to
re amalden, not younger than seventeen, nor older
han twenty five. This beautiful and chivalrous
omage TO woman and virgirity is concurred IN
" the bravcst, most prosperous, most independent
nd most Caucasian races Of the Archipelago
they have found the sex to be spirited well as