Sourabaya, 12th August.
The Dutch troops have had in Boni unequalled success, The mountain fort of Pasempa, in the west of Boni, was found abandoned by the occupants, so the troops simply marched into the fortress. Also in some other fortified places in the northern distrie's, they did not meet with any resistance. The old lion evidently found out that his den was not offering sufficient security, and so thought it best make his escape. Whither he went is unknown Some vague rumour is rexching us, but whilst writing these lines nothing is known with certainty. It is supposed that he has gone to the South-West, to the mountainous euuntry of La-monroe.
Five out of the seven members forming the State Council of Koni have already submitted ty Dutch authority. The population is "gain working the fields, and the passing regiments of soliiers are presented by them with fruit from their orchards. Not the least were they molested, and in this way regained confidence in the good intentions of the Dutch troops.
The forces under command of Colonel de Lannoy, the second commander, are gone to the South of Boni to settle the bill with the enemy's bands that are troubling that part of the country. Scarcely a shot was lost. Several of the chiefs in South and North Boni have already given their submission.
In all the other parts of South Celebes order is rei Is it perhaps the calm before the storm? Celebes is an island which has procured us many surprises, and therefore it is best not to make any prophecies.
Of course the troops will do their best to Lay hands on she old Rajah and his followers. All the Dutch garrisons near the western frontier of Boni are enlarged and several excursions were made to in-quite into the wheresbou's of the fusitice jab. Some say that he is trying to find refuge in Luwu in the North.
At sen very little of importance has occurred. The Dutch men-of-war are maintaining the blockade very s riotly now and then some small craft have the feeling is decidedly hostile. been stopped and brought up. In Luwu
13th August.
It is rather certain now that the old Rajah was abandoned by the majority of his followers. He could aot take the State's ornaments with him. These are holy swords and krisses and other objects, worshipped by the population. Ho who possesses these ornaments is master of the country. On the 9th of August they were handed to the. Commander, Colonel Van Loonen, so that Boni is conquered do facto and de jure.
Nobody thought that the expedition would and so quickly and with so little bloodshed. The first blow, at Badjowo, appears to have made a groat impression the confidence in the Dutch, who treated the population kindly, did the rest.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.