Page:Journal of the Straits Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society (IA journalofstra13141884roya).pdf/379



One great benefit which will follow on the establishment of a Government by Europeans, will be the gradual abolition of slavery, which, however mild it may be in this country, is repugnant to civilised humanity. By recent laws promulgated by the Government, the death blow to the various modes of obtaining slaves has been struck, the following regulations effectually accomplishing this object:—(1.) No slaves can be imported from other countries. (2.) Debtors cannot be seized by their creditors, which was formerly one of the principal means of obtaining slaves. (3.) All children born of slave parents after November, 1883, and who would, according to custom, be slaves also, are declared free.

Most of the inhabitants of the coast are Mahomedans, whilst the aborigines put their faith in omens and old superstitions.

In conclusion, the experiment in colonization now being tried by the British North Borneo Company, is one of more than local importance, and is being anxiously watched by other nations whose interests in those seas are so great.

With the example of what has been done in the Native States, and Sarawak, and by governing through and with the assistance of the natives themselves—which is indeed the only true way in a country such as this-the young colony should, within a reasonable time, realize the expectations it has aroused, by taking a position corresponding to its natural advantages, and sending forth its riches to the other countries of the world.

E. P. GUERITZ.

[This paper was prepared at the suggestion of Mr., Secretary of the Royal Colonial Institute, by whom it was read, on my behalf, at the Montreal Meeting of the British Association for the Advancement of Science, on the 29th August, 1884.—E. P. G.]