Korte Mededeelingen. [Feb. 1914.
To the Editor of the Journal of the
Royal United Service Institution.
Sir,
Attracted by the title: „Java, the Garden of the East" in your
periodical, which is wellknown In our colonies, I read with much
pleasure the interesting article by Lieut. F. G. C. Campbell, 40th
Pathans.
Since the author approves the kind reception by the military
officers and civil officials, he met with during his „fleeting visit"
in the Dutch East Indies, I venture to draw his attention to a few
facts, which have been wrongly stated, no doubt owing to inaccurate
information acquired.
Before 1 proceed, 1 compliment Lieut. Campbell on the clearness
of his notes, which shows a quick eye and keen observation.
I readily admit, that we „Hollanders" have a great opinion of our
method of government, which opinion we share with some foreign
authors, as may be found in the works written by your countrymen,
I am referring to: I. Tropical Colonization, 2. The far Eastern tropics,
by Alleyne Ireland and The Policy and Administration of the Dutch
in Java, by Clive Day, Ph. D.
A legal marriage between a European man and female native
seldom takes place; hardly ever the contrary, and then only in the
case, that the native has had his education in Europe and studied
at one of the universities. In my opinion the good understanding
between Dutchman and native is due to the generally high moral
standpoint of the former and the knowledge of the iatter, that he
owes his wellfare to the present rulers and the firm conviction,
that he cannot improve more under any other gouvernment.
Indeed, the loyalty of the native civil service officers to the Dutch
Government is wellknown and an undeniable fact.
Although grealty flattered by the epitheton ornans, bestowed upon
the Dutch military officers as being intelligent, welleducated gentlemen,
I cannot help observing, that my colleagues, besides „paying attention
to studying etiquette and the likes and dislikes of their seniors,"
apply themselves earnestly to the study of military siences. In our
army too the memorable words of your eminent General Viscount
Wolseley in his Soldiers Pocket-book, chapter: „Advice to Officers
on Service as regards their bearing towards their Men" are well-
known and duly practised.
As it would likely exact too much of your attention to linger on
further errors, allow me to explain, that the reason why the bayo
nets are always carried fixed is, that our troops, during their expe
ditions in North-Sumatra, Djambi, Bali, Borneo, Boni and Timor,
have experienced the necessity of being always on their qui vive for
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