UNCONQUERABLE OPPOSITION TO THE DUTCH – LIBERAL OFFER TO THE UNITED STATES FOR PROTECTION
WASHINGTON, Aug. 19.--It has been ascertained from a naval officer just returned from the East that all the tribes of the northern portion of Sumatra, heretofore tributary to the Dutch, have joined the Sultan of Acheen. From one tribe alone 14,000 men have left their pepper plantations and gone to the assistance of the Sultan. The pepper trade is temporarily suspended by the war. Great fears are entertained by the Dutch as to the success of their contemplated second attack. The Dutch had at Pedang their base of operations, and on the way 18,000 men, reinforcements from Holland. It was designed to attack the Acheenese about the middle of September.
The Sultan, in response to an overture by the Dutch to make a treaty, said that before he would do so every man in arms under him should perish. A general Malay insurrection among the Dutch subjects of the Netherland Strait Settlements is apprehended.
The Sultan of Acheen expressed his desire to an American Consul for close relations with the United States, saying that if this country would give him protection he would grant in return extensive commercial priveleges, allow the erection of naval storehouses and the use of the best timber for ship-building. The Sultan was informed that the better way to present his proposition was to send a special envoy to the United States Government.Published: August 20, 1873
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