Boni

Boni, a state on the east coast of the south-west peninsula of the island of Celebes, in the Pacific Ocean, with an estimated area of 935 sq. m. It was formerly the most powerful state in Celebes, but since 1859 has been practically a Dutch dependency. In the north the scenery is fine, and the soil fertile—rice, sago, and cassia being produced. The inhabitants, called Bugis, have an allied language to the Macassars, with a literature of their own. Their towns and villages dot the coast, and as enterprising merchants and sailors the Bugis are found in every port of the East Indian Archipelago; they also engage in agriculture and in the manufacture of cotton and articles of gold and iron, in which they have a large trade. They are well built, active, and brave, and are lighter skinned, as well as superior in honesty and morality to other Malay races. Their institutions, said to be very ancient, partake of the character of a constitutional monarchy. The British have twice attacked the Bonese for injuring their commerce, and selling the crews of British ships into slavery. In the second attack, in 1814, the Bonese king was killed. The number of the population is unknown; some estimates give as much as 200,000. The capital, called Boni, stands on the coast of the south-west peninsula.—The GULF OF BONI separates the south-east and south-west peninsulas of Celebes. It is 200 miles long, and 40–80 miles broad.