Stories from Deli

Java Bode 26-05-1896

Medan, May 1896

With telegrams and letters about Aceh affairs capturing so much attention, it’s difficult to write a correspondence from here that would be significant enough to hold your readers’ interest. Nevertheless, I will attempt to provide an overview of recent events here, beginning with the news that the prices for Deli tobacco at the first tobacco auction in Holland were particularly disappointing. Instead of meeting expectations, they have dashed many hopes and caused several dreams to collapse like houses of cards. While some had expected a downturn in prices and fewer people were hoping for the fancy prices seen last year, most planters, when they proudly examined a bundle of their product, letting the leaves glide through their fingers, testing its elasticity, and scrutinizing its color with an expert eye, did not dream that the outcome of the first auctions would be as poor as it turned out to be.

However, a month later, the telegraph delivered cold, hard numbers, and many anticipated profits evaporated from the minds of administrators and assistants like snow in the sun. The mistake lies in the assumption that they were catering to the consumers’ preferences by delivering a light harvest, as has been done in recent years, resulting in light tobacco. This year, however, the trend seems to have reversed, and they would have preferred a dark tobacco (known as snij-oogst) from Deli. The trend also seems to have already captured the tobacco market. Naturally, everything will be cut next year.

However, it does not appear that this year will be a full-blown crisis; it may even be beneficial for Deli that the buyers in the Dutch market, who got burned last year, are less willing to spend this time. This warning could be helpful, though it won’t prevent overproduction next year. The chance of widespread economic malaise is temporarily reduced to “a little hint,” even though it is one of considerable proportions. In any case, a panic like the one that occurred about five years ago is no longer possible. Deli is gradually taking too significant a place in colonial trade, and the market for good Sumatran grades will remain relatively stable. Even with the current high prices, a drop of a hundred percent isn’t so bad.

Besides tobacco prices, the reports from Aceh, which have been sparse lately due to the heavy rains affecting operations, are the main topic of daily conversations. There is a general consensus here that the measures taken are appropriate, and it is widely believed that the Deijkerhoff system, while perhaps theoretically sound, does not work in practice. When the first reports came in, there were fears of unrest in Tamiang, but fortunately, these fears have proven unfounded so far. In military circles, it is generally believed that such unrest is not to be feared; nevertheless, the coast is being closely monitored, and should any disturbances arise, the recently arrived paddle steamer Tamiang will be able to prove whether it meets the expectations placed on it. The vessel (which arrived in Belawan to depart for Tamiang) was inspected by the resident and the recently arrived Colonel Willems. It is lightly armored and equipped with gun ports. Additionally, it carries an iron tower that can be lowered and a crow’s nest with two rapid-firing guns. According to experts, the vessel is very practical, but it will still have to prove itself in practice.

The unexpected departure of Colonel Van Heutsz from here and the less-than-courteous reception he received in Kotaradja have also been topics of discussion here. I was informed that the colonel is only fulfilling duties assigned to him and has no say in the deliberations. Surely, someone else could have been found for this task, and Van Heutsz did not need to be summoned from here in such haste. Naturally, General Vetter and Colonel Stemfoort are not eager to see a man who has already earned his stripes in Aceh and made a name for himself through his studies on the Aceh issues.

A not insignificant event on its own was a dispute that recently arose between some Batak tribes, with one party seeking protection under the Dutch flag. Fortunately, the arrival of a hundred of our troops was enough to make the dissenters return to their higher-lying kampongs. With this, the issue will likely be resolved.

On a more peaceful note, Captain Romswinckel and a few others undertook an expedition to Lake Toba, which brought a large part of the still-unknown Batak territory under our knowledge. Several Batak tribes requested and received incorporation into our territory, some disputes between Batak tribes were resolved by the interior administration officials who accompanied the expedition, and all returned safely.

After a long period of no official events of significance, and even the annual reception at the palace of the sultan being canceled due to His Highness’s illness, the lull was finally broken by a dance reception at the palace of His Highness the Sultan of Deli on April 28. The evening was beautiful: a clear moonlight illuminated, or rather helped illuminate, the many oil lamps and lanterns that lit up the garden in front of the sultan’s palace. Inside, dancing took place with an ambition worthy of a better cause. However, those who didn’t dance could quietly enjoy the many contented faces, the pleasant atmosphere, and the generously served refreshments, and later take part in a small but excellent supper, which, unlike on a previous occasion, was not provided by a cook from Batavia. The event was a great success and lasted until 4 in the morning. The native inhabitants of Medan and the surrounding area were also catered to, as they were able to enjoy a Malay wayang in the garden. No wonder the garden was teeming with locals, providing a lively spectacle.

This is now the second time in relatively short succession that the sultan has hosted a party for the residents of Medan. When I mention the residents of Medan, I mean those within Medan and the immediate vicinity who are invited by the sultan, with the approval of the administration. The term “dance reception” is therefore poorly chosen, as who has ever heard of a reception with invitations? However, it seems that such a thing is still acceptable on the East Coast.

Meanwhile, some are worried that if the sultan continues to host parties at this rate, the resident will eventually be left with nothing but pre-evening receptions. It is incomprehensible how our sultan, who is otherwise a very simple man, has developed such a passion for parties. It was even said that on the night of the event, when asked if he was enjoying himself, he somewhat puzzledly responded, with something questioning in his answer, how anyone in the world could assume that he could be comfortable with so many strangers in his house. I can imagine the asker being taken aback, as we Europeans, thanks to our greater sophistication, are generally accustomed to better—or rather, more polite—responses.

It has been raining heavily every day lately. The tobacco, which on some plantations initially seemed likely to die from a lack of water, now has more than enough in some places and is starting to drown, or has already partially drowned. It’s a shame, considering the costs and care that planting requires.

The Deli Courant is getting a new editor these days, as Mr. Naudin ten Cate, who worked for about six years in that role, is being replaced by his predecessor, Mr. Van Staden ten Brink. There’s little else of interest to report here, so I will end my letter.