hardship in compelling
traders at once to cease
carrying
arms; even if
the armaments they
provide
now
for themselves were
of any
avail for their protection. But such
is not the fact, for it is well known they utterly fail for purposes of self-defence or security, as
the Pirates always attack in
overpowering numbers.
The only end they do
serve
Page 367
existing
conditions
is to supply arms to their
captors, the Pirates, and, by
these
means, committing
further depredations.
Ultimately, no doubt
the Emperor will be able, in connection probably
with the Customs Administration
to organize for the protection
of the Customs Revenue
a small steam flotilla
of one or two vessels at each
of
the different ports-