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on and especially at the present time [1891–92] it has become unfavourable in the highest degree.
The same is true of such of the chiefs beyond the linie or pale as have entered into relations with the Gōmpeuni. As long as it is known or supposed that their conciliatory attitude merely serves as a cloak to cover deceit or a means to attain some fixed purpose, mistrust is silent. If a chief succeeds in this manner in obtaining a yearly pension, without rendering any real service to the 'kafirs', his action is esteemed most sensible. But as soon as ever he is suspected of being in earnest, he loses his good name among his country men, since it is held that in existing circumstances nothing compels him to conciliation.
I once heard a chief from beyond the linie who came occasionally within it, complain in the presence of a mixed company that others received yearly allowances while he got none. Hereupon some one expressed a doubt as to the value of the services he had rendered to the Gōmpeuni; to which he replied that he only wanted yearly pension as compensation for the evil name which his relations with the Dutch Government had procured him. "And of a truth" said he, "I cannot now as I formerly could, point to the superior power of the Gōmpeuni as my justification!"
This is sufficient to show that the hatred or at least the contempt felt for all others than Mohammedans in Acheh still prevails in the fullest force; this hatred and the respect paid to the persons who are in one way or another the representatives of religion, are the two principal elements of Mohammedanism which are engrained in the very nature of the Achehnese.
The teaching of Islam in regard to the "holy war" thus finds a strong support in the character of this people and in the most popular ingredients of their creed. In more civilized Mohammedan states war has grown to be governed more and more according to the principles universally acknowledged by civilized nations, and the "holy war" is merely a watchword appealed to in certain circles to excite sympathy and devotion. In Acheh on the other hand real use is made of the fanatical doctrine of the jihād, which is readily exaggerated to the detriment of the kafirs, while those gentler tenets which the "believer" finds too difficult of attainment are simply set on one side.
Course of events extremely favourable to the ulamas.The progress of the Achehnese war has proved extremely favourable to the ulamas and their class.
