The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-09-27
EQUATORIAL ADVENTURES.
Extracts from the Unpublished Diaries
Of the Late Frank Hatton.
Scenes and Incidents ON the Island Of Borneo
Penetrating the River Segama-The
D.te Of Livingstone Re-Enacted.

Specially Transcribed by Mr.. Joseph Hatton.-[Copy-
The following notes of travel and exploration
are chiefly extracted from such papers and dia-
ries as have reached England since the sad dea y
of the young scientist on the then une.
plored Segama river. The fact that Borneo is
at the present time much in evidence in con-
nection with our Eastern trade adds to the
Importance of its exploration and government
but the death of the young traveller at the close
of the series of remarkable expeditions which he
conducted along the Sabah rivers, and far into
the interior gives pathetic interest to his
experiences and impressions:
Labuan is an island lying a few miles north
west of Borneo. 1t is of the smallest and
least known of the British colonies. Coded to
her Majesty in 1847, it possesses the privilege OF
English government and at one time promised
to be an important eoaling station for the fleet.
Approaching it from the European route. you
make the the little haroor in a steamer plying
thither from Singapore Landing at the
only town in the island, Victoria.
row of houses, dignifed by the name of
The Bazaar, is the first thing one sees.
All the trade and commerce of Labuan is trans
acted in this combination of stores. Most OF the
establishments are in the hands of the Chinese.
The locality is redoent of their food and their
tobacco. The Celestial shopkeepers describe
themselves as general Dealers" which means
that bad timed milk, biscuits of ancient date,
curious wines, fossilized potted meats gunpow-
der, shot. old muskets, Manchester cotton goods,
and ''Sarongs" to be had from them at va
rious prices Over each shop door pasted
Chinese Characters in black, on red ground
Two of these found stood for good luck and
stsalve."
The Klnqs are by far the finest type of ma
tives in Labuan They are rather darker in
complexion than the Maays, and are on the
whole sturdier and fner-looking race of people.
had much difficulty in persuading the subject
to let me take picture of him, as he said it was
wicked. But backsheesh induced him to over
look the sn When some days afterwards,
showed him print of himself. he merely asked
Ii it was intended for him, and did not express
any surprise or establishment at all. although it
must have been the first time he had ever seen
picture of his own face
One of the pleasantest and coolest places in
Labuan is Tanyong Kubong or Coal Point on
She northeast side Of the island. Here coal-min-
ing operations on an extensive scale were form
erly conducted; here are four seams of coal, and
q most expensive plant is on the ground; but the
apparatus, machinery, buildings and engines are
how all going to ruin. At one time the mines
were leased to the Oriental Coal Company, of
London and Leith, at yearly rental of ii, QUO.
In 1876 much as 5, 800 tons were turned out;
and 1877 larger output than this was made. In
1878 the colery was given up. the miners were
sent away, the Europeans left the place, and
now. in 1881, Jungle covers large portion of the
houses and plants. The great drawback to sue
cessful mining water; although the mine
had, | am told, only two fourteennch lifts to
combat this difficulty. 1t was proposed. when
the pits were in full swing to make nine miles of
railway through dense jungle to Labuan, to con-
vey the coal instead Of bringing it round the
coast in lighters, as had previously been done:
and, indeed, a tunnel commenced through
one of the tree-covered hills, and was carried
within eight feet of completion, when the ruling
powers at home sent out orders to abandon the
works. Traction engines were also tried along
roads on which there was no possibility or proba-
biity OF their running 1t is melancholy
thing TO see deserted pit at any time but here,
in these out-of the-way regions, where labor is
so scarce and transport SO expensive. 1t is very
depressing to see thousands and thousands of
pounds worth of gear rustlng and decaying with
tall ferns and great weeds growing out of long
silent boilers and disused cylinders.
There are often brilliant sunsets in the far
East I noticed a very impressive effect at
Labuan. The sun was setting in the west The
sky was tinted with brilliant lines of gold and
blue and green; the moon pale, and giving APP
parently no light, had risen in the southeast.
Right under the moon appeared cloud illum-
mated with silvery light In singular con-
trast to the hot red glow in the west was this
cool yellow light, which showed in the east The
sea a deep green from the reflected sunset.
and on the distant coast of Borneo a dark cloud
hung heavily; lightning visible at intervals,
and the far-of thunder rumblings gave signal Of
an approaching storm
In due course | ain to penetrate these strange
regions that indicate themselves in that long,
wild coast line Labuan is the outlook upon
unexplored Borneo. | stand here and wonder
what it is like to be pioneer In an unknown
land, and recall the sensation that thrilled me
hearing the cantata of The Ancient
Mariner" where the chorus sing:
1--WE We're the first that ever burst
Into that silent sea.