Dhow Chasing in Zanzibar Waters - The Search For Mecca

ArPENDIX. 315
trade is far too profitable, and will not be affected
by a risk so small as that incurred by tlie
proceedings of her Majesty's ships. It supplies
a want which has not been left unsatisfied for
many centuries past ; a want which, sanctioned
by the religion of the country, has grown almost
into an instinct.
To put down this trade, requh-es
far more effort, and far more energy than England
has yet shown in the matter.
Twenty-five
years have elapsed since the first treaty with
Muscat, and all that time we have been contented
with the
capture of a very small percentage of
the total exports; a percentage large enough
to irritate the legal traders, who are harassed
and annoyed by the visits of our cruisers, but
too small to affect materially the illegitimate
trade. "We must do far more than this to insure
success. We must double or treble our squadron.
We must establish vice-consulates at the ports
of export, but above all, we must force the
Government of Zanzibar into active acquiescence
in our views, and, if necessary, purchase or
take possession of that island.' In subsequent
letters urging the same view, I have altered
this last sentence, and said, ' purchase the sovereignty
of the island.' "
712. " Is that the only thing that occurs to
you as a means of putting a stop to the trade ? "
— " I think that if a treaty is made in the sense
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