Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-05-16

his entire fortune for that purpose and for
public improvements without hesitation At
the same time he was fortunate In having
absolute authority, and the jealousy or
local chiefs toward each other was so great
that they were all willing to submit to his
dictation. But even under those circum-
stances weaker man, less wise and less
capable, could not have accomplished the
results that are credited to him, and the
highest evidence of his integrity is the fact
that he gradually and as rapidly as ne
thought expedient yielded his authority to
his subjects and liberalized his government
until now Sarawak has a constitution,
legislature and liberal degree OF nome
rule.
In the administration of affairs the sui
tan is assisted by a supreme council com
posed of the four native rajahs, or chiefs,
and an equal number of Europeans ap-
pointed by him. This body performs all the
duties of a legislature, as well as ministry
and a supreme court And, standing be-
tween It and the people, Is general coun-
Gil made up representatives of all the or
canized towns the commercial bodies, the
educational institutions and other organi-
cations, in order that the various communl-
ties may keep in touch with one another;
that public opinion may have an opportun-
ity of expressing itself; that ideas and new
measures, whether of policy or adminstra-
ton may be suggested; and the right of
petition and the privilege of criticism be
exercised to the greatest degree possible.
The general council has no power or au-
thority except to recommend. Its concN-
sions are not final, nor even legal. 1t is
merely an advisory body, but has proved
of the greatest importance as a safety
valve for the escape of steam and gas and
to relieve other pressure, to excite pupnc
opinion and to bring the people In contact
with their rulers.
An Ideal Civil Service.
Because the natives have been found
morally incapable of administration, the
higher posts of the administration are near
ly all occupied by Englishmen. who are APP
pointed and promoted on the same plan as
that which prevails in India and other
british colonies, which 1 described to you
the other day 1t Is an ideal civil service.
When q young man is appointed, after COM
petitfye examinations which are held IN
London. he is given years PROBATION 10
learn the language and further qualify
himself and Is then assigned to some UNI
important duty In one Of the interior towns,
where he serves his cadetship. obtains a
LnowledQe Of the customs and characters
tics Of the people and improves his ac-
uuaintance with their tongue. FROM such
a post he is gradually promoted TO greater
responsibilities as vacancies occur aho nus
own qualifications are developed. The pres
ont sultan went through similar training.
and the heir apparent, now man thirty
wears of age, after receiving his degree at
s;nnif,cant duties in the country districts.
He is now serving as a judicial magistrate
in one of the larger towns. Aahoush ne
knows that sooner or later ne VIII SUE
coed to the supreme authority, ne rs d
modest. painstaking. hard working omciai,
ia making an excellent reputation ana mas
performed his duties admirably. -
K,ching is one Of the cleanest, pretuest
towns In the tropics, with about $4,000 in
habitants and all the modern improve
ments. The residences OF the weaithier
class are large and luxurious. The art OF
making themselves comfortable In astropi-
cal climate has been cultivated with marked
success In Sarawak under the leadership
of the English officials and while society
is limited and their privileges and recrea-
lions are not so great and numerous as are
enjoyed in Calcutta and other large cities
they have every sport and amusement,
every convenience and comfort that they
need The houses are surrounded with
beautiful gardens, the streets are shaded
and well paved. there are parks handsome
public buildings. hospital. museum,
public library, club. churches business
houses. banks, an excellent hotel electric
iiahts, telephones. sewers, plenty of whole
sfSme water, and almost everything else
needed in an up-to-date town. There are
very few poor. Indeed, 1t is asserted that
there is not a beggar in the country. Every
body who desires work can find 1t at good
wages, and 6arawak IL as prosperous and
its people are as contented as any cofnmu-
nifty In the world. 1t is a standing Joke
told to all travellers who visit the country
that the sultan, hearing of their approach.
"hxed up'' things In order to impress them
favorabiy.
Influence Of the Chinese.
The Maiays Ia sarawak ar elsewhere