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Straits Settlements

a British crown colony in the Malay Peninsula, deriving its name from the Straits of Malacca which separate the Malay Peninsula from Sumatra, and form the great trade route between India and China.

The capital of the colony and seat of government is Singapore. The governor is assisted by executive and legislative councils. The constituent parts are as follows: SINGAPORE, an island off the S. extremity of the Malay Peninsula; area 217 square miles. Pop. (1918) estimated, males 274,238; females 113,098. PENANG (including Province Wellesley and Dingdings), area 661 square miles.

Pop. (1918) estimated, males 188,720; females 117,019. MALACCA is a town and territory 240 miles S. of Penang.

Its coast, rocky and barren, extends 42 miles; area, 659 square miles. It is ruled by a resident councillor, subject to the governor of the colony. Pop. (1918) estimated, males 92,340; females 60,668. Total population of Straits Settlements, males 555,298; females 296,785. Included in the administration of the Straits Settlements are the Cocos (or KEELING ISLANDS), a small coral group lying some 700 miles S. W. of Java, and CHRISTMAS ISLAND which lies 200 miles S. W. of Java. Since 1907 the boundaries of the colony have included the colony of Labuan. The governor is also high commissioner for the Federated Malay States. STRALSUND (sträl-sönd), a seaport of Prussia; on a narrow strait called the Strela Sound, which divides the mainland from the island of Rügen; 67 miles N.

W. from Stettin. It forms an island, connected with the mainland by bridges.

Down to 1873 the place was a fortress of the first class. Many of the houses are finely gabled, which gives the town a quaint and ancient look. The most interesting building is the town house (1306), with a museum of antiquities from the island of Rügen. Stralsund carries on a large export trade in malt, corn, fish, wool, coal, groceries, etc., and manufactures leather, gloves, mirrors, earthenware, sugar, starch, oil, and playing cards. Pop. about 35,000. It was founded in 1209, and became one of the most important members of the Hansa.

During the Thirty Years' War it successfully withstood a terrible siege (1628) by Wallenstein; but in 1678 it capitulated to the Great Elector after a furious bombardment. It again opened a STRALSUND its gates to Prussia and her allies in 1715, to the French in 1807, and to the Danes and others in 1809. The town was held by the Swedes from 1628 to 1814; in the year following (1815) Denmark gave it up to Prussia.