Page:History of the Indian Archipelago Vol 2.djvu/412

 3GS SEQUEL OF JAVANESE, JIISTORy. of the island, the same arrangemeiU which still subsists. Of all the civil wars which had been waged in Java for three centuries, this appears to have been the most destructive and most tedious, for twelve years'^ * desolation hardly terminated it. It may be said to have Hown out of the Chinese re- bellion, and the indiscreet and insulting violence of the Dutch. The principal agents were the Fa7igerans Mangkubumi and Mangkunagoro, two men of intelligence and vigour of character su* perior to what the history of Java usually presents. Mangkubumi was possessed of great bravery, firm^ ness of purpose, and perseverance. Of the Dutch and Susunan he repeatedly beat the united forces. Mangkunagoro, w ith less discretion, had more per- sonal enterprise. The Javanese describe him as " a man wlio carried on a war fifteen years without any wealth but his understanding ;" a sentiment which they have versified, and are fond of repeat- ing. It is clear, however, that they owed less to the superiority of their own genius and resources, than to the imbecility of their adversaries. The persons entrusted with the conduct of the war on the part of the Dutch, appear always to have been deficient in military skill, and very frequently in common courage. * We find them frequently de- feated in the field, often surprised, and never pursu- ing any advantage to a profitable result. Through ignorance and mismanagement their troops were ex-*
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