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PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE

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THILL CO. 882

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PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON

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After leaving Sungie Ujong if they wish to enter into negotiations it will be desirable to do so, in order that we may learn what reason they had for making such an invasion and whether any means can be suggested for pacifying the country.

You should ascertain as far as possible from what territories these hostile forces have come, who are their leaders, and under whose authority they have acted. I have received copies of letters, forwarded by Captain Vaughton, from Datoh Lela Maharajah Rum- bowe (Hadji Saib), both stating that they have nothing to do with the disturbances in Sungie Ujong, although Hadji Mustapha is evidently hostile to Hadjee Saib.

Captain Vaughton informa me that he was visited by Hadji Mustapha's minister.

It appears that Hadji Mustapha's people wish to make Syed Ahmet the Yam Tuan Besar at once, and that Syed Ahmet promises that if he is recognised by us as Yam Tuan, and furnished with some arms and ammunition, he would arrest all Malays coming into the country between Moar and Rumbowe for shelter, and that he would have a force of some 11,000 or 12,000 men at his disposal,

Captain Vaughton also says that he has promised the messenger a reply as soon as possible, as they said it was of the utmost importance.

In a letter from Mr. Plunket, dated 3rd December, he states that, under certain cir- cumstances, if Rajah Abaniat has shown himself friendly, it might probably be a good thing to acknowledge him as the Yam Tuan Besar.

In an interview I had with the Maharajah of Johore, his private secretary, Mr. Hole, expressed for himself his decided conviction that we could not hope for a lasting peace amongst these confederated States until there was a Yam Tuan Besar acknowledged by them all. He suggested that if one could be elected, British Resident should be appointed to the Yam Tuan Besar, and that the Resident at Sungie Ujong should be subordinate to the chief Resident with the Yam Tuan Besar. He further stated that he believed that much of the hostility towards the Datu Klans originated in jealousy of hie having obtained English support, and the fear that he would use that support to make himself too powerful. Mr. Hole stated that he believed such jealousy and fear would be removed if a Resident (under whom the Assistant Resident at Sungie should be placed) were appointed to assist the Yam Tuan Besar. The Datu Bindara, however, the Maharajah's Secretary of State, and a most intelligent man, stated, when asked as to his views, that nothing would bring peace and order into the so-called Confederate States but a few lessons from the cannon, as he stated they were so divided and had such different interests that he thought it was utterly impossible for them ever to agree to elect a head inan over them all.

If the Rajah Antal has not only been taking part against us, but is actually invading territory under our protection with an armed force, it seeins at present unwise to recog nise him as Yam Tuan Besar, especially as we are informed that his election was informal and invalid.

I would desire, if possible, that you consulted with Mr. Plunket and Captain Vaughton, who seems to have given considerable attention to this matter upon the proposals of Rajah Ahmat, and let me know your views. My own impression is (and if it coincides with your view you may act upon it immediately) that Rajah Ahmat should be informed that this is a matter of too much importance to be decided hastily, and that if he acts as our friend, we shall do our best to do what we can to forward his wishes; but that we cannot actually engage to recognise him as Yam Tuan Besar until we can arrive at a conclusion as to the course it is most desirable finally to adopt in order to secure peace and good government throughout the States over which the Yam Tuan Besar would have authority.

• Copies transmitted berewith.

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No. 115.

(No. 357.) GOVERNOR SIR W. JERVOIS, K.C.M.G., C.B., to the EARL of carnarVON, (Received January 17.)

Government House, Penang,

December 17, 1875.

Mr LORD,

I HAVE the honour to transmit to your Lordship 12 copies of Ordnance No. XI. of 1975, entitled " An Ordinance for prohibiting the Sale of Arms and Ammunition," with 10th Des. 1875. the Attorney-General's report thereon.

I have, &c.

&c.

&c.

(Signed) WM. F. DRUMMOND JERVOIS. The Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon, &c. Colonial Office.

Enclosure 1. in No. 115.

REPORT upon an ORDINANCE passed the 11th day of November 1875, entitled "An "Ordinance for prohibiting the Sale of Arms and Ammunition."

THIS Ordinance was passed owing to the disturbed state of some portion of the Malay Peninsula, consequent upon the murder of Mr. Birch, and the employment by Government of troops in Perak."

It gives power to the Governor in Council, by Proclamation, to prohibit the purchase or sale of arms and ammunition (except with a license) during such period as may be fixed in the Proclamation, and is to continue in force for one year.

The penalties are severe, but I think not unnecessarily so in this Colony, where so many foreigners of all nations are engaged in trade.

The Ordinance was passed without a single dissentient voice, and I am of opinion that under present circumstances the Royal assent may properly be given to it.

(Signed) GEORGE PHILLIPPO,

Acting Attorney-General.

Straits Settlements,

December 16, 1875.

Enclosure 2. in No. 115.

I, CHARLES JOHN IRVING, Acting Colonial Secretary of the Straits Settlements, do solemnly declare that the Ordinance hereunto annexed is a true and correct copy of the Ordinance No. XI. of 1875, entitled "An Ordinance for prohibiting the Sale of "Arms and Ammunition," passed by the Governor and Legislative Council of the Straits Settlements, on the 11th day of November 1875. Witness my hand, this 30th day of November 1875.

C. J. IRVING,

Acting Colonial Secretary,

Straits Settlements.

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PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC-

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STRAITS SETTLEMENTS.

ORDINANCE No. XI. of 1875.

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An ORDINANCE for prohibiting the Sale of Arma and Ammunition. WM. F. DRUMMOND Junvon, Governor and Commander-in-Chief.

[November 11, 1875.] WEA it is expedient to provide powers for the prevention of the sale in this Colony of arms and ammunition except under certain restrictions;

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