The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1857-04-27
Affairs la Washington.

WASHINGTON, April -, 1857.
The Chines Developing the Commercial Reources
ef@e Eas-Osr Relations NTH The Malaysia Group, dc.
The discussion OF the China question: and the appoint
ment Of Mr. Reed, have brought prominently before the
government the question OF and diplomatic
with the islands Of the Indian ocean, common
y known under the general term of Malaysia and Captain
Gibson has been here several days pressing his views In
regard to those regions upon the Cabinet.
The government OF Holland claims exclusive right to
the trade OF that archipelago and without power TO deye
lope herself acts upon tho old Phonecian sy stem Of
keeping her knowledge sealed up; and circulating curious
myths and stories Of dangers and pervcrseness the
part OF the natives she has in deferred COM
from seeking Of profit there President
FILLMORE commissioned our late Consul at Singapore Mr.
Bleser and instructed him 10 visi. several OF the native
princes and make treaties with them Differences between
himself and Of the naval officers OF squadron
caused this intention OF the President 10 fall through and
dnrins The last administration it was not renewed because
OF the hostility Of Mr.. Marcy.
The House Committee on Foreign Affairs made report in
August last that protection should DO given 10 our citizens
seeking TO establish commercial relations with the native
princes Of those Islands, and that they considered highly
important that diplomatic and consular agents should be
sent points Malaysia treat the
ect During te Last session Of Congress bill intro
daced to CRATE mission there bat fen through for want
OF proper Information the subject The Board Of
Trade urged it, and sent memorial the subject 10 the
government and have treated the question their late
10 action, Rcommee from the East India merchants Of
that city came here last winter including Messrs Appleton
and Dana out n0tpg was done. The New York Chamber
OF Commerce has taken yet steps in the matter,
though IL is well worthy their consideration.
The population OF Malaysia Is estimated at twenty
millions Of people, who carry a the
adjacent countries Of the continent their seas and
multitudinous ports being crowded with Chinese junks
and native proas Our,present trade with them Is limit
ed traffic of about million and half of dollars worth OF
cotton goods, cutlery firearms, crockery &C. for which
get about three millions OF dollars in coree Spices
India rubber guS percha and drugs BY proper course
In making treaties with the native princes, very Of
whom independent Tor instance the Sultan OF Dam
bi this trade Is capable OF immense expansion; for
only do these people prefer domestcs, firearms and
cutlery to those OF the English. but they have the greatest
craving for our cheese, butter, apples, &c.
Nearly all OF the islands full OF coal tn gold, anti
mony, while many Of them produce diamonds and pearls
but they have vast capabilities for the production OF
ton, and indigo To appreciate the field that
exists there Tor commerce aud exploitation have only
10 remember that labor - abundant at cents day
these Countries properly opened 10 enterprise,
vast development OF their productions will take place In
these and many other articles valuable 10 and
TO mechanical industry bringing at the same time
new stimulus To our shipping interest, which jus, Is
sadly In want OF profitable employ ment To do this
commercial agent, with power 10 make treaties with the
native princes should be sent 10 Achecn ndepcuden
kshseet IN S,nnara 10 Brun ia Borneo and New
York Chamber OF Commerce should act In the matter
achieve nothing, for Is provincial affair hut II the New
York merchants will act their influence is felt Ia rougbou
the country, because they looked upon national in
their interests and connections.
Besides this, need naval depot and coal station for
our ships where In these distant but peculiarly
interesting The English are already possession o
Singapore, have Rash Iooke Sarawsk In ls,rneo and
hoped our government, viii take action in ibis
matter