We shall have trouble yet with the Nisero ' question,
but it is at least to be hoped that the cynical proposal of the Dutch Minister for Foreign Affairs—to close "some ports in the vicinity" of the territory of the Rajah of Tenom—will not re- ceive Lord Granville's approval. We have no quarrel with the other petty chiefs on the Sumatran seaboard, and no right whatever to bring illegal pressure to bear, with the object of forcing them to become our cats'-paws. Moreover, this closing of ports may very easily slide into wanton bombardments. The proper course is to induce the Dutch Government to allow us to mediate. An Englishman who knows the country should be sent in an English ship-of-war to treat with the Rajah. Other- wise, we shall shortly find ourselves committed to a new Ashanti expedition in a worse country, with the certain result a en- suring the murder of the survivors of the unfortunate crew.
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