270 
NECESSITY FOR INTERFERENCE. 
In a position so advantageous for commerce, it is 
very desirable that it should be put on a better footing 
by the interference of our Government, by establishing 
some authority to enforce such “ simple regulations, as 
without throwing an impediment in the way of trade, 
might afford protection to the merchants against the 
extortion of the natives, and enable them to recover 
their just debts ; while, on the other hand, it should 
secure the natives against arbitrary proceedings on the 
part of the whites, by preventing the necessity of 
having recourse to them'^h” 
The inhabitants have made some advance towards 
civilization, but they now appear to be stationary, and 
without some fresh stimulus will retrograde. Mis- 
sionaries would probably find this a promising field for 
their labours ; and A’Lobah, — King Bell — assured us 
that he would afford a kind reception and assistance, 
if any woidd settle at his town and teach his people. 
The women appear to be more industrious than the 
men, and employ themselves in weaving very fine and 
beautifully-coloured grass cloths, about three-quarters 
of a yard wide. They have dye-woods which produce 
the richest shades of red, crimson, yellow, and blue, 
and would form most important articles of export, could 
the people be induced to collect them on a large scale. 
There are here two rival towns almost adjoining, 
being separated only by a little ravine. The lower is 
King Bell’s town, the other is governed by “King 
* Captain W. Allen’s dispatch to Lord Stanley, 19th May, 1842. 
