Sarawak issued postage stamps for the first time, effective 1 March 1869 On all letters at or under half an ounce: One stamp, posted in Sarawak.
For each half ounce up to four ounces: Two stamps.
4-12 oz: 8 stamps.
12-24 oz: 16 stamps.
On increase of every 12 oz: an extra 6 stamps or one cent per ounce.
On all receipts or bills paid over Five Dollar: 1 stamp.
On all bills of sale etc, to become legal: 1 stamp.
On all agreements to become legal: 1 stamp.
Commentary: The enforcement of the three cent stamp advanced James Brooke’s quest for recognition of his status as ruler of an independent sovereign State. In 1874, the Postal Convention was made between the Straits Settlements and Sarawak which provides further proof of British recognition of Sarawak statehood.
CHARLES BROOKE AND BRITISH FOREIGN OFFICE CLASHED OVER RAJAH TITLE
Rajah Charles Brooke took offence to his title as ‘Mr Brooke’ before the King, 1869:
“There is one other point I must respectfully beg to call your Lordship’s attention to: that during the latter replies to my communications with the Foreign Office, the title (Rajah) which has previously been accorded to me, has been omitted. Such an omission, however, I can scarce think, took place for any designed purpose, or to weaken my influence in the east, which would certainly not tend towards improvement or be beneficial to a large community of the inhabitants of Brunei, now enjoying peace and happiness.
Commentary: Charles Brooke had been addressed as ‘Rajah of Sarawak and Ruler of the Rivers and Districts of Samarahan, Sadah, Sabarang, Sarebas, Kalabah, Rejang and other territories.’ In 1869 Charles Brooke refused to attend a royal function where he would be presented to the Queen as Mr Brooke’. A crisis was averted when Queen Victoria agreed he could be presented to her as ‘Mr Brooke, Rajah of Sarawak.
SARAWAK SIGNED COMMERCIAL TREATY WITH BRUNEI
Rajah Charles Brooke and the Sultan of Brunei signed a treaty between nations, 26 April, 1872.
Signed and sealed between His Highness the Sultan of Brunei and His Highness the Rajah of Sarawak, 1872.
(1) That the Brunei Government agrees to open their coast and ports to Sarawak traders.
(2) That no extortonate customs duties are to be demanded between and from these traders.
(3) Should traders meet with improper and unjust treatment at the hands of the Brunei authorities, such cases are to be refetrred to Brunei for settlement; and in the event of the Brunei Government failing to bring about a settlement, a notice of such cases is to be sent to Sarawak.
Commentary: Sarawak traders continued to face problems in rivers controlled by Brunei. That this treaty had to be inked conforms Sarawak’s independence vis-a-vis Brunei.
