This
Is A State Of Things Which Occurs Very Largely In Every Part Of
The World In Which Men Of A Superior Race Freely Trade With Men
Of A Lower Race.
It extends trade no doubt for a time, but it
demoralizes the native, checks true civilization - and does not
lead to any permanent increase in the wealth of the country; so
that the European government of such a country must be carried on
at a loss.
The system introduced by the Dutch was to induce the people,
through their chiefs, to give a portion of their till, to the
cultivation of coffee, sugar, and other valuable products. A
fixed rate of wages - low indeed, but, about equal to that of all
places where European competition has not artificially raised it-
-was paid to the labourers engaged in clearing the ground and
forming the plantations under Government superintendence. The
produce is sold to the Government at a low, fixed price. Out of
the net profit a percentage goes to the chiefs, and the remainder
is divided among the workmen. This surplus in good years is
something considerable. On the whole, the people are well fed and
decently clothed, and have acquired habits of steady industry and
the art of scientific cultivation, which must be of service to
them in the future. It must be remembered, that the Government
expended capital for years before any return was obtained; and if
they now derive a large revenue, it is in a way which is far less
burthensome, and far more beneficial to the people, than any tax
that could be levied.
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