Page:Max Havelaar Or The Coffee Sales of the Netherlands Trading Company Siebenhaar.djvu/291

 After having to some extent sketched the circumstances in which this document was written, I do not think it necessary to point out the resolute dutifulness to which it bears witness, nor yet the kindliness which moved Havelaar to try to protect the Regent from too severe a punishment. But it will not be equally superfluous to draw attention to his caution, which did not let him utter a word about the discovery just made, in order that the positive nature of his charge might not be weakened by uncertainty about an accusation undoubtedly most important, but as yet unproven. It was his intention to have the body of his predecessor disinterred and scientifically examined, as soon as the Regent should have been removed and his adherents rendered powerless for evil. But the opportunity was not to be given him.

In my copies of official documents—copies which in every essential correspond with the original—I think I may with advantage replace the senseless titles by simple pronouns. I expect from the good taste of my readers that they will be satisfied with this alteration.

“Rangkas-Betoong, 24th February, 1856.

“To the Resident of Bantam.

“Since I took up my duties here a month ago, I have chiefly been occupied with an inquiry into the manner in which the Native Chiefs discharge their obligations towards the population as regards master-service, poondoosan and similar matters.

“I very soon discovered that the Regent called up people, on his own authority and behalf, far in excess of the legally permitted number of pantjans and kemits.

“I wavered between the choice of reporting at once officially, and