Memoirs of Francis Thomas Mcdougall Sometime Bishop of Labuan and Sarawak, and of Harriette, His Wife

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1889 edition. Excerpt: ...of British subjects by the British THE RAJAH ON A PROTECTORATE 205 Government is a question between themselves; it can be of no good to the Government of Sarawak, and in no way concerns it. Sarawak is an independent native state ruled by an Englishman with the knowledge and sanction of the British Government and nation for fifteen years. The native state so ruled has, we contend, been acknowledged by the British Government, and if an objection should be now made to the ruler on the score of his allegiance, or any other, it might affect his right to the position, but it could not affect the right of the people of Sarawak to independence and self-government. The challenge has often been given, and the only consequence, supposing the proposition established, " that a British subject could not rule a foreign people consistently with his allegiance," would be personal to him. It would deprive him of the position or render a change of designation requisite. As regards the state of Sarawak in relation to England, it cannot in any way touch it. 'Again, England has afforded the highest degree of encouragement to the Government of Sarawak by word and deed. She now evades her obligations, and leaves the native state without support; and a small native state, isolated as Sarawak now is, without countenance, without help, and without formal recognition or protection, cannot stand alone amid the advancement of European nations and the growing interests of commerce. Every native state must shortly adhere or belong to a European Power. It is no question of right but of necessity, for neighbouring states, one weak and the other strong, cannot exist in contact without the weaker being the friend or the foe of the stronger--a faithful ally, or the...