Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-02-06
HOLLANDS COLONIAL SKY
CLOUDED BY UNREST

The Hague, Netherland, Feb. g.
CORRESPONDENCE of The Associated
Press)-While the economic life of the
Dutch East Indies has been little i'm
peded by the European war during the
past twelve months, and big profits
have even been booked by the planta-
ton industry, Hollands colonial sky
has been little clouded by unrest and
disturbances in many parts Of her Far
Eastern possessions. Apart from the
rebellion in two important provinces of
Sumatra, more or less serious disorders
have taken place in Borneo, Celebes,
Timor, Flores and other islands, and
are still sporadically occurring. Troops
have everywhere succeeded in restor-
ing order, and save in the case Of the
Samaritan rebellion with little trouble,
but not before the armed police in
charge of these "outer possessions"
had suffered losses. On the other hand,
Acheen. the scene of one of Hollands
longest and most stubborn colonial
wars. remained quiet, although occa-
sional assassinations of officials testi-
fy to the continued existence of some
amount of ferment.
In the main island of Java itself I'M
rest has been manifest here and there
owing to the war and -islamic ag-
itation. The most remarkable political
consequences of the world war for the
Netherlands East Indies, however is
the anxiety shown both in native and
European circles on the subject of
Japanese ambitions as expressed by
some writers. The Japanese govern
ment itself has given no reason what
ever for any such suspicious, its efforts
being rather directed to extending
commercial relations with the country.
TO this end party of Japanese toured
the archipelago, where they were cor
daily received by the authorities at va
rious centers.
AS regards economic conditions, anx-
iety is entertai, ed regarding the grow
ing scarcity of cargo space available
between the colony ana the mother
country, and a petition is being sent to
parliament pointing out what preju-
dicial results might flow from a fur
Their decrease of shipping for the nu-
merous plantation enterprises with
their tropical products. Partly owing to
+ this cause, there has been practical
cessation of the import of all kinds Of
articles which Dutch India formerly
obtained from Europe; as against
which phenomenon. trade and direct
traffic with America has undergone a
considerable extension. although Jap
anese commerce and industry appear
to be prOfiting even more from the alb
sence of the usual European COMPETE
ton. Meanwhile, various harbor i'm
provements have been or are being ex-
ecuted at such ports as Tandjong Pri-
ok (the port Of the capital, Batavia),
Macassar and Sourabaya, with view
to adequately meeting future shipping
needs. While tee. and sugar plantations
are enjoying considerable prosperity,
the big native copra planting indus
try is depressed by low prices.
| Progress has been made towards a
| solution of the Chinese question. The
numerous Chinese population are now
at liberty to Move about Java without
| special passes, and to settle outside
| the special quarters previously assign
| ed to them. The antiquated system Of
appointing Chirese Officers" to exer-
else certain administrative powers
among their compatriots has also been
done away with. A step in the direc-
! ton Of decentralization Of administra-
| ton was the appointment Of mayors
for the three principal cities OF Java,
| which should help to render the estab-
lishment Of municipal institutions a
success. The question Of the necessity
of completely reforming and reinforc-
! ing the colony's defense forces has
been much to the fore, and conscrip-
ton schemes are pending: evidence OF
the interest taken by the population
themselves in the question Is to be