Dodgeville chronicle. [volume] (Dodgeville, Wis.) 1862-current, 1875-07-16
THE REGULUS OF THE NEITHER
LANDS.

In 1865, 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, merchandise was
carried to and from its destination. Ba-
tavia was already central point of COM
merce with Hindostan and China. Thence
vessels sailed, laden with spices and tea
and all the rich products of the tropics,
enriching the small bat energetic Republics
Of the Netherlands
To-day the islands of Java, Sumatra,
Cplcbcs and part of BorucU, with a pOpu-
lation of nearly 30,000,000 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 themselves
against the increasing dominion of Euro
pcans. Among them the Sultan of Pa
dang waged a fierce and treacherous war
upon the Hollanders. His bands of horse
men were the terror Of the planters, and
even the natives looked with dismay as
they Numbered past, maddened with
opium, and ready to throw away their
lives to gain the sensual paradise of Ma
hOmet. But the Netherlands with their
guns and blunderbusses made sad havoc
among the maddened columns, and Sui
tan Musha was soon forced to retreat. His
stronghold, the brddy 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 sortie
would he hard to withstand.
81 tell you, General" said Haringsma,
the army chaplain, the second evening
after their encampment, (" the men cannot
tried my best to give them words of en-
enlargement; but they are dOwn-hearted.
Half our best men, they say, are gone, and
many of the rest are fever-stricken. Num-
bers of the soldiers are lying down, and
would not care if the infdels made an end
of them this very night"
Rather hard" answered the General,
after such brave fighting to come to
such passl If we break up and retreat
we shall never reach home; for l am sure
the Sultan of Soerang is ON the lookout,
and will join Musha as soon as he has
chance"
" Methinks we might propose such
terms as would lead to peace" said Har
ingsma; "andsif 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"
"Meantlme," said Haringsma, rising
from his seat " [ shall make round in
the camp. There are some who will not
see the morning sun. In an hour L will
be here"
Alas 1t was not to be so. The kind
and stout hearted pastor went upon his er-
rand of mercy. Many were encouraged
by his cheering words; many went in
peaceful slumber to their last rest; many
said " F0t Morgen Dominie" who never
saw the morrow. Absorbed in what to
him was his life work, the chaplain not
only forgot his appointment, but moving
through the tangled brush in 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 a soldier
stab would soon have finished him: but
well they knew the priest of the Nazarene.
and as prize of value they brought him
to the krddl.
In vain he asked to see the Sultan.
Not before the sun has risen, thou inf
del! 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 CLEAN of light over the
dark and gloomy braal with its mud walls
and narrow gates, then over the surround
ing brush, where could be seen here and
there the tents of Velden's much reduced
army.
All at once there was a 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 squad
rons forming, while wild Hurrahl"
echoed, in strong contrast with the quiet
ness at the kraal. Yes, they had missed
their chaplain-they knew he was in the
hands of the heather. Fever and ague