Chapter XII: The Chinese in Borneo

Intercourse between China and the Northern Part of
Borneo--References to the Chinese--Names of Places and
Rivers--Sites of Gardens and Houses--One of the original
Settlers--The Sultan’s Recollections--Chinese numerous in his
Youth--Reasons for their Disappearing--Anecdote of a Murut
Chief--Aborigines speaking Chinese--Mixed Breed--Good
Husbands--Chinese at Batang Parak--At Madihit--Pepper
Planters--Origin of the Borneans--Chinese Features observed
also among the Aborigines--Careful Agriculture--A remnant of
Chinese Teaching--Traditions of a Chinese Kingdom--Effect of
Treaty with Brunei--Unsuccessful attempt to revive Pepper
Planting--Chinese scattering on the North-west coast--A Spark
of Enlightenment--Attempt to prevent Intercourse between the
Chinese and Aborigines--Decay of Junk Trade--Cochin
Chinese--Conduct of the Chinese--Papar--Anecdote--Fatal result
of Insulting a Woman--Skirmish--Misrepresented in
Labuan--Question of British Protection to the Chinese--Their
Insolence--Anecdote--Unpleasant Position--A Check--Difficulty
of obtaining Information--Cause of former Disputes--Insurrection
of the Chinese of Brunei--Sarawak--Early efforts of the Chinese
to establish themselves there--Lawless Malays--A
Murder--Retaliation--Defeat of the Chinese--Arrival of Sir
James Brooke--Mixed Breed in Sambas--Form Self-governing
Communities--Defeat of the Dutch Forces--Subjugation of the
Chinese--The Pamangkat Agriculturists--Flight into
Sarawak--Change in the appearance of the Country--Mission
School--Visit the Interior--Kunsis, or Gold Companies--Appearance
of the Country--Method of Gold-working--The Reservoir--The
Ditch--The Sluice--Wasteful method of working--Abundance of
Gold--Impetus--Failure of first Agricultural Schemes--A great
Flood--Troublesome Gold-workers--Successful Scheme--Disturbance
in Sambas--Flight of Chinese--Illiberal Regulation--Tour
through the Chinese Settlements--Agriculture--Siniawan--Chinese
Workings--Hot Spring--Gold at Piat in Quartz--Antimony
Works--Extensive Reservoirs--Arrival of Chinese from
Sambas--Denial by the Kunsi--Hard Work at the Gold
Diggings--Scenery--Path to Sambas--Chinese Station--Numbers
of the Chinese before the Insurrection 308