The administration of justice is a subject of vital importance in all countries, but especially so in an Asiatic and a mixed population. The simple forms adopted in Sarawak are admirably suited to the country, and the care displayed in inquiries has won the confidence of the people. There are three courts established in Sarawak: a general court, a police court, and a native religious court. The last has charge of all cases in which a reference is required to the laws of the Koran, as in marriages and divorces; an appeal lies, however, in certain cases to the general court. Ten years ago the native judges gave no satisfaction to the people and inspired no confidence, as it was known the principal chief took bribes, but since his removal, it is rare indeed to hear of a decision giving dissatisfaction, as both the late bandhar and his brother, the present bandhar, really take a pride in their court, and look into the cases. They also regularly attend the general court, and have thus been educated by the example set by the English magistrates of the most patient investigation. The general court takes cognizance of all the principal cases both civil and criminal, and in serious trials there is a kind of jury of the principal English and native inhabitants. Cheap, and above all, speedy justice is what is required in the East, where they never can understand our wearisome forms. It reminds me of the Malay tried for murder in one of our English courts; he was asked the question, Guilty or Not guilty, and answered immediately, Guilty. He was advised to withdraw it and plead not guilty, but he steadily refused, saying, “Why should I plead not guilty, when I know I committed the murder; when you all know that as well as I, and mean to hang me, so don’t make a long fuss about it.” They very often confess even the most heinous crimes. The police court has cognizance of the same cases as would come before similar courts elsewhere, with a little mixture of the county court. The Malays, except the followers of the Brunei nobles, are found on the whole to be very truthful, faithful to their relatives, and devotedly attached to their children. Remarkably free from crimes, and when they commit them it is generally from jealousy. Brave when well led, they inspire confidence in their commanders; highly sensitive to dishonour, and tenacious as to the conduct of their countrymen towards them, and remarkably polite in their manners, they render agreeable all intercourse with them. Malays are generally accused of great idleness; in one sense they deserve it; they do not like continuous work, but they do enough to support themselves and families in comfort, and real poverty is unknown among them. No relative is abandoned because he is poor, or because an injury or an illness may have incapacitated him for work. I like the Malays, although I must allow that I became weary of having only them with whom to associate.