Page:Life in Java Volume 1.djvu/35

Rh Throughout the whole of Java there is no standing police; an assertion which may appear scarcely credible regarding an island the breadth of which varies from fifty-six to one hundred and thirty-six miles, and the length of which is about sixty-six miles greater than that of Great Britain. Such, nevertheless, is the case—there is no regular police force. And yet, curious enough, perfect order and quiet are maintained throughout the island, without the moral restraint which our broad-chested London police might inspire, or the fear with which the presence of the sallow-faced sergent de ville would be regarded. The system adopted is an improvement on that which was once common in Europe, and must be fresh in the memory of men still living.

The police of Java is composed of the townspeople of each respective quarter of the town. The different localities are designated by the national names of the races by which they are