1 A. D. 1831-32. REFLECTIONS. 169
2 Tbe main argnment, however, against treaties of this
3 description is their tendency to lead to embarrassing dis-
4 cussions, and to produce irritation, and acrimonious feel-
5 ings, while the views acted upon by the British Govern-
6 ment are not properly understood by the Chiefs. The
7 whole of Sindh is held in Jageers by Chiefs, who claim
8 to be, and are de facto, independent, exercising almost
9 sovereign authority in their respective domains. These
10 Sirdars will not readily be brought to respect boats and
11 merchandize, passing through their possessions, but
12 detention will take place on the plea of examination, and
13 presents will be expected, or forced purchases made, or
14 obstructions of different kinds offered, the complaint
15 against which, even if the assembly of Meers at Hydura-
16 bad should be disposed to listen to such a complaint at
17 all, must lead to long and irritating discussions, and yield
18 little redress in the end. The perpetual residence of a
19 British Agent, to take up the advocacy of such representa-
20 tions, will be indispensable, and his doing so, will pro-
21 duce continual bickering and discontent, and generate
22 ill-will in those with whom he comes into collision. It
23 is, however, most probable, that merchants will fear
24 to incur the risk and trouble, incident to such adven-
25 tures, and will thus allow the treaty to become a dead
26 letter, like the commercial treaties already concluded
27 with Siam and Cochin China, and even with the Burmese
28 Court, where the British Government has a Resident
29 Envoy to look after the execution of the stipulations
30 entered into.
31 The East India Company in its earlier commercial
32 treaties appears to have acted on a different principle,
33 the extension of its own trade, and the privileges of
34 X