Malays

the dominant people of southeastern Asia, Malaysia, and Polynesia. They are considered a branch of the Mongolian stock. The typical Malay is short of stature. His hands and feet are small and delicate. He has an olive brown complexion, a round head, straight hair, high cheeks, and slightly oblique eyes. He has the self-composure and ceremonious manners of an American Indian and is equally revengeful and cruel. It is said to be difficult to distinguish a typical Malay from a typical Chinaman. They have received, however, an admixture of white blood from India and of negro blood from Africa. Descriptions of the Malays, therefore, differ considerably, according to the locality in which they live. The Hovas of Madagascar and the Tagals of the Philippines are Malays modified by negro blood. As a whole, the Malays are an active, conquering race. Before the practice was suppressed by European nations, they were noted pirates. As a race they were converted to Mohammedanism by the Arabs. Previous to this date, they appear to have had no written literature. At all events, Arabic characters are used by the priests. Although the Malay peoples differ greatly, there are certain general characteristics. They surpass in hunting, fishing, boating, and woodcraft. A great number of native proverbs are widely current among them. They are courteous in their communications with each other, but show little joy or sorrow. The custom of running amuck is widespread. The typical Malay is fond of cock-fighting. He dislikes milk. On marrying, the husband enters the wife's family. In school, Malay children are considered quite inferior to the Chinese. See Java; Philippines