FARQUHAR'S ADMINISTRATION OF SINGAPORE, 1819-1823

Abstract

In 1819 William Farquhar was appointed by Calcutta to take charge of the newly founded settlement of Singapore. And, it is with his administration of these four years that this academic exercise attempts to deal. This work begins by attempting,briefly, to trace the course of Anglo-Dutch relations,prior to 1819, in relation to the East India Company^ search for a base in South East Asia, This search received greater emphasis with the rise of the China trade, and it culminated with the foundation of Singapore. Before attempting a discussion of his administrative measures, a short biographical sketch of his previous services, and the administrative machinery set up in 3319 is outlined. As this was a new settlement and settlers flocked to the post, his land measures became one of the major features of his administration. No less so were the public works which he had to take charge of* as for example the building of roads, a survey of the Settlement, and, the construction of a reservoir for the purpose of providing water to ships passing through the Settlement, The Resident had both civil and military power. As Commandant of the garrision he was responsible for military personnel on the island. He was also entrusted with the construction of works of fortification built in defence of the island. As the Resident was also vested with the power of Chief Magistrate he was also responsible for the administration of justice on the island. in the conclusion there is an attempt to try to discuss the reasons for the quarrel between the Resident and Raffles, and his subsequent dismissal from office.