Visits of the Governor of the Straits Settlements to the Maharajah of Johor in 1874, 1880, and 1882

Abstract

Visits of the Governor of the Straits Settlements to the Maharajah of Johor in 1874, 1880, and 1882 Fred A. Weld, Governor The Maharajah of Johor was a powerful independent Malay ruler whose state lay immediately north of the Crown Colony of Singapore. The relationship was important to both sides, making the protocols, the activities, and the public statements particularly significant. Andrew Clarke's visit on March 10, 1874, came just two months after the signing of the Pangkor Engagement (20 January 1874) placing a British Resident in Perak, the first of a series of treaties that eventually made nine peninsular Malay states British protectorates. Clarke's entourage included James Wheeler Woodford Birch, who was then the Colonial Secretary for the Straits Settlements and on 4 November 1874 would be appointed as the first British Resident in Perak, where he was assassinated on 2 November 1875. Visit of Governor Sir Andrew Clarke to the Maharajah of Johor in 1874 The following piece appeared in the Siam Repository for 1874 (Vol. 6, pp. 359-63). It is not an official report of the proceedings, but an account written by an anonymous correspondent for the Siam Repository. JOHORE. THE MAHARAJAH'S BANQUET (From the Straits Times.) March 10. H. E. Colonel Sir Andrew Clarke and suite, with Lady Clarke, arrived at Johore in H.M.S. Thalia, Captain Woollcombe, at 6 p. m. on a visit to H. Hl the Maharajah of Johore. The town was gay with banners, flags, etc. On landing H. E. was saluted with 17 guns, which was returned by the Thalia. In the evening H. H. entertained a select party to dinner, to meet H. E. and Lady Clarke. The public spirited Major-China, Mr. Tan Hoeg Nee, prepared a very picturesque procession, which paraded about the town during the evening. The numerous lighted lanterns moving along had a beautiful effect as seen through the streets and by the waterside. The following address was read and presented to H. E. on landing, by Mr. Meldrum, on behalf of the European residents at Johore. Another was presented by the Major Tan Hoeg Nee, from the Chinese inhabitants. To Colonel Sir Andrew Clarke, R. E., K.C.M.G., C.G &c. &c. &c. Governor and Commander in Chief of the Straits Settlements. [End Page 105] We the European inhabitants of Johore, desire to cordially welcome your Excellency on this your Excellency's first visit to the territory of His Highness the Maharajah of Johore. This visit has been looked forward to by us with feelings of pleasure, as ever since it was known that the Right Honourable the Earl of Kimberley had made so judicious a choice as the elect your Excellency to be the Governor of the Straits Settlements, a true friend had been secured nost only to Johore but to the Malayan Peninsula in general. Aware that your noble Chief takes deep interest in the welfare of the Rulers of the native states, and has expressed himself anxious for their "advance in the paths of civilization, developing internal resources and entering into liberal Commercial relations with foreign nations," and also that the policy of the illustrious Sir Stamford Raffles is to be your own cynosure, we have a guarantee that the Civil, Commercial, and Political interests of this and the adjoining states will be well cared for. Your Excellency now stands on the most southern point of the Continent of Asia, a spot that but a few years ago was a part of the dense primeval forest. In front is the now flourishing town of Johore : thousands of square miles of land lie beyond it, containing minerals and abundance of timber, and capable of producing almost every plant cultivated for commerce in a tropical country. All awaits the advent of European enterprise. Sooner or later, this will come, and rich rewards may be depended on, as all the elements of success already exist. It is well known that our enlightened Ruler is deeply imbued with an ardent wish for the development of his country and the welfare of his people, and your Excellency's wise counsels will in no small degree help to attain these desirable...