Page:History of the Indian Archipelago Vol 2.djvu/115

POLYNESIAN LANGUAGES. 97 they could ; for the whole accessible part of the coast of the island has been occupied by them, even where it runs parallel with the mountainous districts of the Sundas. The straits which are the boundaries between Java and the islands of Bali and Madura have preserved to the two latter a separate language. In Celebes, the fertile and occupied portion of the island is divided unequally between two nations, the Bugis and Macassars. Nothing but the natural barrier of their moun- tains could have saved the language and indepen- dence of the Macassars. As to the smaller tribes, from the unfavourableness of their situation, some- times occupying a sterile soil, sometimes inaccessi- ble to each other through forests, rivers, or marshes, and always struggling for existence, no one na- tion among them has emerged from the savage state to subjugate its neighbours, and take the lead in the marcli of civilization. They are, consequent- ly, as already described, divided into numerous petty tribes, each speaking a distinct language. It is by conquest only that we can suppose the languages of rude nations to produce a material influ- ence upon each other, and the notion of partial and occasional subjugation is not excluded by such cir- cumstances, as ultimately prove obstacles to the union of two or more tribes, to the formation of one nation and one language. An oscillation of partial and temporary conquests is constantly goiag forward, VOL. II. e