The N.H.M. on Its Own Feet

Abstract

Government support gradually terminated: The years 1839 and 1848 had been critical for the N.H.M. but each time the crisis was passed well. There was a distinct anti liberal feeling among the N.H.M. directors, who considered the maintenance of an uncurtailed monarchy, especially in the colonies, as of vital significance for the success of the N.H.M. The feeling among liberals against the N.H.M. was unfriendly as well but yet the N.H.M. went on to flourish even under Parliamentary colonial rule. After 1848, the profits became so high that the N.H.M. did not know what to do with its funds (69, II, p. 258). Yet by and by, the typical liberal policy must express itself, step by step. According to the consignment contract of 1853, the N.H.M. had the monopoly of government consignments to the Netherlands till 1874. But in 1854 already 200.000 picol Government coffee were sold in the Indies. In Batavia, the N.H.M. had to compete with others in the purchase.