The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1875-07-22

The ReguluS Of the Netherlands.

In 1866 far away across the Atlantic
and Indian oceans, on the tropical island
of Java, the city Of Batavia was daily
growing in Importance. Adhering to their
habits in the old country the Dutch built
on the lowest land, and by means of
canals, dug with great labor, merchan-
disc was carried to and from its destina-
ton. Batavia was already a central
point of commerce with Hindostan and
China. Thence vessels sailed, laden with
spices and tea and all the rich products
of the tropics, enriching the small but
energetic Republics of the Netherlands
To-day the islands of Java, Sumatra
Celebes and part of Borneo, with a pop
ulation of nearly 30,6000O0, are under
Dutch dominion; but in 1865 part of the
island of Java was yet in possession of
native chiefs under the titles of "Sultans"
and "Rajahs," protesting the Mahometan
creed and anxious to maintain them
selves against the increasing dominion
of Europeans. Among them the Sultan
of Padang waged fierce and treacher-
GUS war upon the Hollanders. His bands
of horsemen we're the terror of the plant
ers, and even the natives looked with
dismay as they thundered past, madden
ed with opium, and ready to throw away
their lives to gain the sensual paradise OF
Mahomet. But the Netherlands with
their guns and blunderbusses made sad
havoc among the maddened columns and
Sultan Musha was soon forced to retreat.
His stronghold, the EraaI of Borang, was
nearly surrounded by European soldiers,
who, overcome by tropical heat and the
fatigue of continual warfare while guard
ing their posts, felt that desperate sor-
tie would be hard to Withstand.
81 tell you General" said Haringsman,
the army chaplain, the second evening
after their encampment, "the men can
not bear this long l have been around
and tried my best to give them words of
encouragement, but they are down-heart'
ed. Half our best men, they say, are
gone, and many of the rest are fever
stricken. Numbers of the soldiers are
lying down, and would not care if the
infidels made an end of them this very
night"
"Rather hard" answered the General,
"after such brave fighting to come to such
a pass If we break up and retreat we
shall never reach home; for am sure
the Sultan of Soerang is on the lookout,
and will Join Musha as soon as he has a
chance"
"Methinks we might propose such
terms as would lead to peace" said Har-
ingsma, "and if thou wilt, shall be the
bearer"
"That is it. You are acquainted with
their language, and have ready tongue,
as our soldiers can testify. I'll call my
officers in council"
Meantime" said Haringsma, rising
from his seat, IL shall make round in
the camp. There are some who will not
see the morning sun. In an hour | will
be here"
Alas 1t was not to be SO. The kind
and stout hearted pastor went upon his
errand of mercy. Many were encour-
aged by his cheering words, many went
in peaceful slumber to their last rest;
many said "F0t MOgen Dominic" who
never saw the morning, Absorbed in
what to him was his life work, the chap
lain not only forgot his appointment,
but, moving through the tangled brush
10 which the troops were camping, he
lost his way. Going on and on, he was
caught by some Javenese who were
prowling like tigers around the camp.
Had he been soldier stab would soon
have finished him; bnt well they knew
the priest of the Nazarene, and as a
prize Of value they brought him to the
krddI
In vain he asked to see the Sultan.
"Not before the sun has risen, thou inf
dell Dost thou think we will disturb his
rest for thee?" So he passed the night in
anxious prayer, until the morning sun
arose and cast its gleam of light over the
dark and gloomy kraal, with its mud
walls and narrow gates, then over the
surrounding brush, where could be seen
here and there the tents of Velden's
much reduced army.
All at once there was roar of drums
and horns in the camp. From the prison
cell where Haringsma was kept he could
see the tri-colored flags moving and
squadrons forming, while wild "Hur-
rah" echoed, in strong contrast with the
quietness at the kradl. Yes, they had
missed their chaplain--they knew he
was in the hands of the heathen. Fever
and ague were disregarded; they would
save him if alive, or avenge him if dead.
Two rough looking Malays took hold
of Haringsma and dragged him into the
presence Of Sultan Musha, who, with