Stories from Deli

DC 26-02-1912

The Chinese in the Straits were quite active during the New Year festivities. Riots of varying severity occurred everywhere—in Kuala Lumpur, Teluk Anson, Singapore, and Penang. In Kuala Lumpur, the troublemakers launched an attack on the Central Police Station. One of them was killed, and ten were injured. The police only fired after shots were fired at them from a window. Forty Chinese were arrested. Currently, the rickshaw drivers in Kuala Lumpur are on strike.

In Teluk Anson, the situation is lively at the moment. However, the details indicate that the situation there was extremely serious.

The disturbances in Ipoh began on the 19th at 6 p.m. when around 200 Chinese stormed into rickshaw depots and cut off their queues. Later, a street fight broke out between queue-wearing and queue-less Chinese. Several of them lay bleeding on the road. The police had great difficulty getting the injured to the hospital. By the 20th, the situation looked even worse. The police received reports that 200 armed Chinese from Meientong were advancing toward Teluk Anson. The police intercepted them and managed to drive them back. Later, another group attempted to approach the city, but the police warned them that they would shoot if they tried to enter. The police’s response was very measured. Currently, everything is calm in Teluk Anson. Some victims have already succumbed to their injuries. A detachment of “Guides” under the command of Captain Schomberg is still in Ipoh.

The Disturbances in Kuala Lumpur.

Later reports about the disturbances in Kuala Lumpur show how serious the situation was and how it is entirely thanks to the decisive and conscious actions of the police and authorities that the unrest did not escalate into a massacre of Europeans. The mob that attacked the police station was more than 1,000 strong and carried two flags with them—the revolutionary flag and the new Chinese flag.

The mob encountered the police in Petaling Street, who warned the leader to turn back. His response was an order to attack. The small police group had to retreat in the face of the raging mob, whose leader charged at the inspector with his flag. However, the inspector waited for the attack and struck the rioter to the ground with a stick. This was followed by a hail of stones, bottles, and tins, mainly from the surrounding houses. Then, a revolver shot rang out from one of the windows, and as if waiting for this signal, the attack began. The police, however, fired, and several attackers fell. The flag dropped, the leader was shot down, and the Chinese retreated.

The police station was guarded with bayonets fixed, but the cowards did not return. Immediately, a call was made for volunteers to take up arms, and within a few hours, 130 men were ready. They came from all directions—by train, in cars, on bicycles, and motorcycles—even as rain poured from the sky. They came from all parts of Selangor and from Klang, Kapar, Kwala Kubu, Kajang, Kent, and Carey Island. The latter even sent 9 out of its 12 Europeans. Immediately, guards were posted to prevent further disturbances. Alarming rumors about armed Chinese gangs circulated, but the cowards did not show themselves. The next morning at 6 a.m., the volunteers were able to stand down, warmly thanked by the Resident, who was pleased with the impressive display by the corps.

The Fire Night of the Chinese.

For the past night, the Chinese had been granted permission for their fireworks, a permission they extensively used. At Kesawan, the offerings had been prepared and amid the thunderous roar of the bombs, thanks were given to the gods. We inquired whether anything special had occurred and the result of the inquiry was: “it has been remarkably calm”. It was expected to be much noisier than in other years, stemming from the jubilation of the republicans, but absolutely nothing happened. They set off their fireworks and made noise, but neither during that nor the games was anything special noted. Even the number of Chinese roll businesses was significantly smaller than in other years. The police kept a strict watch, but fortunately, nothing alarming occurred.

The Riots in Surabaya.

We received the Soer. Hlbd. from Tuesday the 20th of this month with an article about the disturbances. We are simply astonished by the audacity of the scoundrels from Macao, who ruled in Surabaya as if they owned the place. During the attack on the home of the kapitein-Chinees, he and his family barely escaped. The Chinese rampaged like Vandals; their urge to destroy knew no bounds, and the devastation they caused in the home of Han Tjiong Kmg was truly indescribable. Nothing, absolutely nothing remained intact. Lamps were pulled down, marble floors smashed, cabinets, tables, and chairs were torn apart. Even the cars of the kapitein suffered. They were terribly damaged, as were the carriages in the coach house. The total damage is estimated at approximately 70,000 florins. It took a while before the police and military could provide assistance because at the same time the news of this plunder came in, it was also reported that after the kapitein, the major-Chinese would be targeted next. Thus, forces had to be divided. The Soer. Hlbd. states that the response to the initial riots was not adequate and strongly urges decisive action. We too believe that to be the only salvation.