The most important colony is Java, which politically includes the neighboring island of Madura. Total area, 50,848 square miles; population, 20,259,450. Java is governed under what is termed the culture system, which was established in 1832.
The strength of the total army in 1883 was 30,421 men, of whom 15,032 were Europeans, and 15,389 natives. There is a military academy near Batavia, and attached to every battalion is a school for soldiers. The navy, royal and colonial, consisted of 79 vessels and 5,029 men.
By far the larger part of the commerce of Dutch India is with the Netherlands. The average value of the total imports for three years was $62,500,000: exports, $75,000,000. About two-thirds of the imports were from the Netherlands, and three-fourths of the exports were sent to that country. The principal exports are sugar, coffee, rice, indigo and tobacco. Latest reports give value of coffee exported, $13,086,790; sugar, $19,625,470; indigo, $1,245,170; spices, $1,021,720; tobacco, $6,457,680.
The Netherlands Indies had, in 1882, 3,682 miles of telegraph, with 84 offices. Number of postoffices, 221. Java has now about 750 miles of railway.
HAWAII (SANDWICH ISLANDS).Ha-wi´ee.
A kingdom of Oceania, consisting of a group of 15 islands, of which 8 are inhabited. The government is a limited monarchy. Hawaii is the largest island; but Honolulu, the capital, is situated on the island of Oahu. Population of Honolulu, 7,000. Area of the islands, 6,667 square miles. At the last census, the population numbered 57,985: male, 34,103; female, 23,882; native, 44,088; Chinese, 5,916; white, 4,561, of whom 1,276 were Americans, 883 English, 436 Portuguese, 272 Germans, 81 French; half-caste, 3,420.
To a great extent the islands are mountainous, and there are numerous volcanoes, several of which are active. The volcano of Mauna Loa, on the Island of Hawaii, is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. The soil is exceedingly fertile and productive. Chief products, sugar and rice; but coffee, hides, bone, whale oil and wool are exported in considerable quantities. Value of exports, 1883, $8,121,200; imports, $5,624,240.
In 1883, 267 vessels, of 183,316 tons, entered, and 263 vessels, of 189,494 tons, cleared the ports. Of the former, 195 vessels were American. The islands own 64 vessels, of 15,588 tons. The islands of Hawaii and Maui are provided with telegraphs, and have about 32 miles of railway. Almost every house in Honolulu has its telephone.
There are numerous schools in the islands; the annual sum devoted to public instruction is $95,850. The King is a member of the Church of England; but all forms of religion are permitted and protected.