ite, 1st, that
piracy be suppressed; 2dly, that the native governments be settled,
so as to afford protection to the poorer and producing classes; and,
3dly, that our knowledge of the interior should be extended, and our
intercourse with the various tribes more frequent.

"That our commerce may be largely extended is so clear that I shall
not stop to detail the productions of the island of Borneo, as it
will suffice here to state generally that all authorities agree in
representing it as one of the richest portions of the globe, and in
climate, soil, and mineral and vegetable productions, inferior to no
portion of the same extent.

"If these opinions be true--and from my experience I believe them to be
so--it follows that the materials for an extensive and extended trade
exist, and only require development, while a numerous and industrious,
though wild population, which inhabits the interior, is debarred from
all intercourse with Europeans from the badness of Malay government.

"On the first requisite for the development of commerce I need add
nothing further, as it is a duty incumbent on all governments to
eradicate piracy at any cost; and in the present case it would not
be found a difficult or tedious task.

"A post like Labuan or Balambangan would, beyond doubt, give an
impetus to trade, merely from the freedom from all restrictions,
and the absence of all exactions, which the natives would enjoy;
and (piracy being checked) countries which now lie fallow would,
from their proximity, be induced to bring their produce into market.

"This limited extension is, however, of little moment when compared
with the results which must attend our exerting a beneficial influence
over the native governments for the purposes of affording protection
to the poorer classes, insuring safety to the trader, and opening a
field for the planter or the miner.

"The slightest acquaintance with the northwest coast of Borneo would
convince any observer of the ease with which these objects might be
effected; for the native government, being in a state of decadence,
requires protection, and would willingly act justly toward traders and
capitalists, and encourage their enterprises, in order to continue on
friendly terms with any European power located in their vicinity. The
numerous rivers on the coast, with their local rulers, are harassed
by the demands of every petty Pangeran; and while the sovereign is
defrauded of his revenue, which