Here is one story, as told by the scrap-book, of an expedition that
failed. That it failed was due to a British Cabinet Minister; for had
Lord Derby possessed the imagination of the Soldier of Fortune,
his Majesty's dominions might now be the richer by many
thousands of square miles and many thousands of black subjects.

On October 29, 1883, the following appeared in the London
_Standard_: "The New Guinea Exploration and Colonization
Company is already chartered, and the first expedition expects to
leave before Christmas." "The prospectus states settlers intending
to join the first party must contribute one hundred pounds toward
the company. This subscription will include all expenses for
passage money. Six months' provisions will be provided, together
with tents and arms for protection. Each subscriber of one hundred
pounds is to obtain a certificate entitling him to one thousand
acres."

The view of the colonization scheme taken by the _Times_ of
London, of the same date, is less complaisant. "The latest
commercial sensation is a proposed company for the seizure of
New Guinea. Certain adventurous gentlemen are looking out for
one hundred others who have money and a taste for buccaneering.
When the company has been completed, its share-holders are to
place themselves under military regulations, sail in a body for New
Guinea, and without asking anybody's leave, seize upon the island
and at once, in some unspecified way, proceed to realize large
profits. If the idea does not suggest comparisons with the large
designs of Sir Francis Drake, it is at least not unworthy of Captain
Kidd."