About the same time that the old chiefs were reinstated the Rajah instituted a Court of Justice, in which he presided, and was assisted in dispensing justice by the brothers of Rajah Muda Hasim, and he promulgated the following simple laws, of which this is a summary:—
James Brooke, Rajah of Sarawak, makes known to all men the following regulations:—
1. That murder, robbery, and other heinous crimes will be punished according to the written laws of Borneo;[[98]] and no man committing such offences will escape, if, after fair inquiry, he be found guilty.
2. All men, whether Malays, Chinese, or Dayaks are permitted to trade or to labour according to their pleasure, and to enjoy their gains.
3. All roads will be open, and all boats coming from other parts are free to enter the river and depart without let or hindrance.
4. Trade, in all its branches, will be free, with the exception of antimony ore, which the Governor holds in his own hands, but which no person is forced to work, and which will be paid for at a proper price when obtained.
5. It is ordered that no persons going amongst the Dayaks shall disturb them or gain their goods under false pretences. The revenue will be collected by the three Datus bearing the seal of the Governor, and (except this yearly demand from the Government) they are to give nothing to any other person; nor are they obliged to sell their goods except they please, and at their own prices.
6. The revenue shall be fixed, so that every one may know certainly how much he has to contribute yearly to support the Government.
7. Weights and measures shall be settled and money current in the country, and doits[[99]] introduced, that the poor may purchase food cheaply.
8. Obedience to the ordinances will be strictly enforced.