Page:Journal of the Straits Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society (IA journalofstra13141884roya).pdf/266

 of the Nine States, appointed Daïng Kambôja, a Bugis Prince, as their chief.

His rule, however, was not approved of, and the Pĕnghûlus of Sungei Ûjong, Johol, Rĕmbau and Hûlu Moar invited, with the assistance of the Dutch and the consent of Johor, the Princes of the Měnangkâbau dynasty to come over as their chiefs. Daing Kambôja, however, found support with some of the Penghalus, and for a time hostilities ensued between the rival parties, but in the end Raja Mělâwar, the Měnangkâbau Prince, prevailed, and Daïng Kambôja withdrew to Rîau, where he died in 1778. Thenceforward Johor, by common consent, had nothing more to do with the Nĕgri Sĕmbilan.

Râja Mĕlâwar was then duly installed as Yang-di-pĕrtûan Bĕsar by the four Pĕnghûlus of Sungei Ûjong, Johol, Rĕmbau and Hûlu Moar (who were styled the Pĕnghûlu Bĕlantik from their office of installing the suzerainty in Rĕmbau, which was thenceforth called "Tânah Kĕrjaan," i.e., the place where the business of installation is performed, not "karâja-an," so it is said.

Thonce the suzerain proceeded to Sri Mĕnanti, his place of residence, so named from the chief and Batins there waiting to receive him in state, and it was called "Tânah Mĕngandong."

The bâleis erected for the suzerain on his visits to the different States were constructed of peculiar form, which must not be altered. That in Sungei Ûjong was called "Bâlei Mĕlintang" according to the best account, figuratively speaking from its Pĕnghûlu being in a position to oppose any innovations attempted by the Yam Tûan; that in Johol "Bâlei Bĕrtingkat" in the same way, being as it were, a third story on Sungei Ûjong and Rĕmbau, and being next door to Sri Mĕnanti, would bring their representations right up to the Astana.