LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.
THE SULTAN OF TURKEY AND THE SULTAN OF ACHEEN.
(TO THE EDITOR OF THE "SPROTATOR.1
Sin,—I see yours is the only paper which has noticed with sym- pathy the efforts of the Dutch to bring to reason the refractory Sultan of Acheen. As one who has been largely in the East Indian Archipelago, both our own, independent Malay, Sir J. Brooke's, and Dutch, I trust you will just permit me to say a few words on the threatened rumour of Turkish interference in the matter of the quarrel of the Dutch with Acheen. At first, the very idea of such interference almost takes away one's breath. Turkey has not the remotest title to interfere, and would never have dreamed of doing so, but for the Suez Canal. Acheen is as much out of the " purview " of Turkish politics as Singapore. But Moham- medanism is just at present showing a spasmodic revival of energy,.as we see from what is being done to the south of Egyp- tian territory. However, things may really be going too far when Turkey threatens to send ironclads for the defence of Acheen.
Next, we have to consider what fearfully evil results will un- doubtedly ensue throughout Malayan lands, including, as I stated, Sir J. Brooke's, our own, the Dutch, and independent territory, through the presence of an armed force from " Roum." The fanaticism of the Malays, a peculiarly excitable and fanatical people, will be roused from end to end, and few Europeans' lives will be safe there after that. You have no idea how among the ignorant Malays Rowe is considered to be the centre and sovereign arbiter of the world. Even our own fanatical ignorant Mohammedans in India will undoubtedly be strongly agitated by the presence of an armed Turkish force in Indian waters. So not only are the Dutch, but we ourselves, and Sir j. Brooke's Govern- ment, all interested in seeing that Turkey keeps to Turkish waters, and does not trespass further. Give the Turks an inch, they will doubtless take an ell. And even in the interests of that peace and civilisation which are now rising over the troubled Malayan lands, Turkey must be kept from interfering. Finally, it is to be considered that if Turkey interferes, the contest will ultimately be one between two European Powers. We may be sure that the Dutch, with their old heroic bravery (so often tested against the British them- selves), will not give in. The Dutch have, and must have, the sympathy of the European Continental Powers ; this, we Gud, has been only just expressed. Now, this contest between Turkey and Holland might just be the reopening of the "Eastern question," and the very small beginning from which all Europe may find itself landed in war, this country not excepted, and Turkey be taken by Russia.
Now, the entire responsibility rests with England, and with her alone, for every ill result that may arise from Turkey meddling in Sumatra, from Malay insurrections and fanatical risings all over the East to a general European war. I say with England, for Turkey would not dare to think of meddling in Indian waters, if England decidedly gave her to understand that it would not be allowed.
And this is what, permit me to say, England is bound to do in the interests of her own possessions, of Malay civilisation, and to pre- vent the occasion of a general European war.—I am, Sir, &c., C.
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