CO882-(1-2) — Page 352

PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE

Reference :-

C.O. 882

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PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON

ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC- | COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH—NOT TO

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These assertions of Sir James Brooke, it appears,

he intends to substantiate by the law proceedings to

which reference will presently be made.

On the 19th February, 1849, the directors Papers, May 17, 1852, p. 9.

addressed their first instructions to their agent, Mr.

James Motley, at Labuan, as to the condut of the

coal-mines which they had undertaken to work there.

As early as July 1849, it would appear that the Papers, May 17, 1852, p. 13.

complaints of Mr. James Motley as to the "inter- ference" and neglect of the local Government, had begun. At that time it was administered (in Governor Sir James Brooke's absence) by Lieuten- nnt-Governor Napier.

Similar complaints from Mr. James Motley have been continually preferred in his subsequent corres-

pondence. (See letters of 23rd March, 1850, respect- Papers, May 17, 1852, p. 29. ing the establishment of a grog and opium shop,

103.

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In the meantime the Governor of Labuan, and in his absence the Lieutenant-Governor, were from time to time making unfavourable reports of the Papers, February 9, 1852, p. 19. prospects and progress of the Company. (See expe-

Papers, February 9, 1852, p. 21.

Papers, May 17, 1852, p. 83.

ì

Papers, May 17, 1852, p. 98.

explained by Lieutenant-Governor Scott; and Despatch, October 24, 1850 ; ib. further letter of Mr. Motley, September and

Papers, May 17, 1852, pp. 19, 20. November 1850.)

These complaints of the agent were not directed against any particular officer; they were equally rfe against Lieutenant-Governor Napier (whom Sir James Brooke has since suspended), Lieutenant- Governor Scott, and (apparently) Sir James Brooke himself, when on the island.

They have been constantly referred to the Colo- nial Office by the Chairman of the Company here, and generally met by recommendations to act as far as possible in concert, &c.

The only other subjects of correspondence between the Colonial Office and the Company during this period have been;

1. With relation to a permission granted them to raise the price of their coal to Her Majesty's ships from 11. to 11,

2. With reference to an agreement for the lease by the Crown to the Company, of the coal in Labuan, This agreement, originally entered into with Mr. Wise, January 21, 1848, was by him transferred to the Company.

The latter correspondence has been chiefly carried on with the Land and Emigration Departament; the

May 10, 1850; Papers, May 17,

1852, p. 16.

See Letter of February 8, 1849 ;

Papers, May 17, p. 65.

wishes of the Company have been generally acceded Papera, May 17, 1852, pp. 6. 72

to; but the lease is, I believe, not yet executed,

owing to some delays on the part of the Company themselves.

cially Lieutenant-Governor Napier's despatch of September 14, 1849.) On November 16, 1849, the same Lieutenant-Governor speaks of having been obliged to furnish Mr. Motley with pecuniary

assistance.

In the summer of 1849 Sir James Brooke was absent from Labuan; on the 31st July his famous affair with the pirates occurred; in December 1849 he returned to Labuan; on the 18th he writes to Lord Grey from thence respecting the Company, and speaks especially of the neglect to assist their superintendent with pecuniary means; on 24th July, 1850, from Singapore, he writes confidentially to Lord Grey, to the following effect:

After two years, however, of anticipation, it would now appear certain that the Company is unable to carry into effect even one of the many objects to be attained, and that, with all the advantages offered by Her Majesty's Government, it does not possess the confidence of capitalists or the public. This want of confidence can arise only from some deficiency in the project itself, or from the management of the Company's affairs; that the project is a sound and rational one, I can entertain no doubt, and I am confidently informed that the capital necessary under the charter was immediately available; that every public purpose might have been arrived at two years ago; and that the money ready to be embarked was withdrawn on a question as to the amount of remunera- tion to be paid to individuals for rights or privileges said to be granted to them by Her Majesty's Government.

I am not in a position to indicate more clearly what occurred; but Messrs. R. & J. Henderson, of 7, Mincing- lane, can furnish any particulars that may be considered necessary, and explain the reasons why the requisite amount of capital was withdrawn from a project offering many advantages.

It is beyond doubt, however, that the capital ready to be embarked was withdrawn; that since that time the Company has not been in a position to meet its engage- ments with Government; that Labuan has suffered in consequence; and that none of the other contemplated objects have been arrived at.

It is true that by a longer delay difficulties might be overcome; that the public confidence might be obtained: and that the evils of competition might not arise; but I am thus anxious to bring the question before your Lord-