The Dutch have Buffered a considerable reverse in the East
Indies. An expedition under Colonel Vetter was lately despatched from Batavia to the island of Lombok in order to subdue the rebellious Raja. The island is a largo one, but at first the troops met with no great difficulty, the Raja gave in his submission, and divisions of the expeditionary force occupied various important points in the island. Suddenly, however, and apparently simultaneously, they were attacked by the natives, and suffered great losses, one column being almost annihilated. Ultimately the Dutch had to retreat to the coast at Auspenan, where they could be supported by their men-of-war. The total lose, especially in officers, seems to have been very heavy, and two mountain- guns, as well as a great deal of baggage, had to be abandoned. The Council of the Indies, which has ample forces at its command, will no doubt take prompt action ; but the military position in the Dutch Colonies can hardly be called satis- factory. The Aohinese war has now lasted more than twenty years.
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