I will tell an anecdote of one of the very oldest of the chiefs, to show the apparently stubborn materials which had to be moulded. The man relating the story himself, said that about thirty-five years ago he was cruising near Datu Point when he observed a small trading boat passing out at sea. He immediately gave chase, and when near her noticed the crew were all armed, and preparing to defend themselves, so his own followers advised him to sheer off, but he made them push alongside, and springing on board the trading prahu with a drawn kris so effectually alarmed the hostile crew that they all ran below. There were six of them, but he killed them all, and added, one only did he pity, as in their distress five called on their mothers, but one only begged mercy of God. And yet that man has behaved well for the last twenty-five years, and much better, in my opinion, than many others of far greater pretensions. It never appears to strike him that he had committed a bloodthirsty and wicked action, perhaps he considered that to conceal his piratical act any means were justifiable; but however that may be, he has completely changed his conduct, has been faithful under great temptations, and has always proved himself a brave and trustworthy man since a regular government has been established in Sarawak. Few would have undertaken the responsibility of ruling a country with such materials, but to render the task easier, there were some excellent men to leven the multitude, and a retired pirate is generally a good servant, if you can turn the energies that led him to a roving life into a legitimate channel. It is obvious, however, that where a government depends for its stability on the individual character of its officers, and where a change in the system may be introduced by the head of the government not following in the footsteps of his predecessors, men will not risk their capital in the development of the country. I have watched the gradual development of Sarawak with the greatest interest; I have seen districts once devoted to anarchy restored to prosperity and peace by the simple support of the orderly part of the population by a government acting with justice, and it is not surprising that all its neighbours appeal to it, when their own countrymen are seen to exercise so great an influence in its councils. The experiment so happily begun might be carried on with great results, had the Sarawak government more material force to back it. At present nine-tenths of the country are forest; I believe the largest portion of that may be cultivated with great success, but population is wanting. There is but one people who can develope the islands of the Eastern Archipelago, and they are the Chinese.