The sun., 1916-12-12

letter to your Excellency. but coming
from a high born family and having
all the qualities of a gentleman, you
will. I feel sure. give this letter an
indulgent perusal. 1 would never have
presumed to write. but my patriotism
and force Of circumstances compel
me to break through my natural diff
dence and lay before you personally
various matters which concern my
people.
During the past thirty years I have
visited all parts of the Netherlands
Indies. have watched the growing
power Of the Government. and not
withstanding all the commercial and
industrial growth Of these years. there
has not been a proportionate improve
ment in the administrative methods
or any great revision Of laws. Many
Of the same Anticipated laws exist. and
the same crude and unequal treat
ment of the Chinese and natives re-
mains almost as unchanged as the
everlasting hills. am surprised to
see that the Hollanders continue to
remain one Of the most backward and
most un~progressive peoples Of Europe.
AS a nation We excelled in the arts
OF seamanship long before Europe
took to the deep waters. We were
the first to discover the islands Of the
Pacific and Indian Oceans. yes. ven
America. In all new lands discovered
by us We became peaceful settlers and
traders and carried our civilization
NTH "a Ghtr matte hoa nxnr hnen
Peace and good will to men" We were
the medium through which the Euro
pear nations were able to communi-
cate with the inhabitants of these
countries. and develop the trade which
has taken on such immense proper
tions during the last century.
To be specific: When the Dutch sail
ing ships first visited Bantam. Java
this was admitted by Sir Stamford
Rafies). the natives ran away. but We
remained and welcomed the strangers.
We allayed the fears Of the natives.
II was through us that trade relations
were opened with them. Thus while
we were engaged in peaceful pursuits
the Dutch Government established it.
self in these islands. The success OF
the Government depended upon us in
"A great measure. We were the pio-
neers. the architects. the engineers.
the merchants and traders and farm
ers. But for us would the natives
have been as far along as they are
to-day? During those early days OF
Dutch occupation We were regarded as
friends. Our friendship was sought
and carefully cultivated. Times have,
However. changed. We have fallen
upon evil days.
As a student OF history your Excel
lency knows We have lived in these
islands for hundreds Of years in the
most peaceful manner. This is OUT
land ~ adoption. Have We changed
during these years? our cup Of sor-
row is now full. We cannot endure
these things much longer. The Gov
eminent has often promised u put
us On an equality with the Dutch. Al
these fair promises have proved to be
vanity OF vanities and vexation o.
spirit. Is II o much for me to ask
your Excellency to impress upon the
Government in Holland that the time
has come to put into practice all the
pledges given us and to abandon for
ever all subterfuges?
Durihg the reign OF the last Mancht
emperor the Du''h Government asked
us to come forward and make com
paints II We mad any. n not refei
them 10 emma Iakihg dNantaGe oi
this invitation ! enumerate some o.
our grievances:
We are trea'ed as n sunJect race.
our p'aceiul movements are mn
uereu pE pass Jaws
we are not allowed equal freedom
as the japanese
We are taxed much more heavily
than the or the japanese
We are not represented on the aw'
'hak'hs n""N'
W" 90 NOT get the same hearing II
court or the same treatment or fooc
III Jah; guilty or innocent does no
aHe't 'he question III the least.
me system OF governing US throus
N'JN"'eeS'erS' 'Aeutehahts' captains
Majors VII" ar" mostly uNedurat"'
ana n~nPrln'lpIed mon Is an outrage
=" ANY 'lN'lizeh people. These oi'icer'
CIV 'E"oi""' VI 'he 'hi'eSe iahcuhS
ana 'raHi''"hs' HOW can such !Snor
ant men tea'n us In Dc good citizens
'"nr f.N'eIleh'y u reNleihh"I
many i""'"'i'eS vi UNJUST 'r'a'men
Indies. Umr memories are long ~,