281 
of Candy, 
sessed of every outlet of the island ; and the passage to the 
island of Ramiseram, where they had determined to seelc for 
refuge, was guarded by a strong post 'which the Europeans 
liad established at Manaar. This post proved an insuperable 
bar, both to their plan of deserting their native country, and 
to their receiving any assistance from their friends on the op- 
posite continent. v. 
But although strong posts and guards may prevent the es- 
cape of the natives from the island, it is evident that such 
plans can never render them efficacious agents in its improve- 
ment. It will require many years of perseverance in a mild 
and steady policy to obliterate those prejudices with which - 
imprudent cruelty has inspired them against Europeans. But 
the advantages which may be derived from their friendship and 
co-operation, certainly render a new system at least worth the 
experiment. A mild and liberal policy is more congenial to 
the feelings of my countrymen ; and I am happy to observe, 
that the measures already adopted by our government in Cey- 
lon are of such a nature as to have greatly conciliated the 
minds of the natives. The reigning prince has had reason more 
than once to be gratified with our civilities. About five years 
ao'o he married a Malabar princess of his own coiintrv and 
sect, and a near relation of the Rajah of Ramnad. She passed 
into the island by the way of Alanaar ; and the king acknow- 
ledged his obligations to the officer stationed thei’e for the ci- 
vilities shewn her in her progress to Candy. Attentions of 
this nature, with some well-timed presents and concessions, 
must have more effect both on the prince and people, than all 
the armies which the former possessors of the island wasted 
in fruitless wars against them. 
O o 
