"With regard to the general ideas entertained by all ranks in Turkey, relative to commerce, they are no less narrow and absurd .‘We should not trade,’ say they, ‘with those beggarly nations, who come to buy of us rich articles of merchandise, and rare commodities, which we ought not to sell them, but we should trade with those who bring to use useful and valuable articles, without the labor of manufacturing, or the trouble of importing them on our part.’ . It is therefore no wonder that the foreign commerce of the Turks is comparatively trifling."
- William Eton, British consul and merchant who lived many years in the Ottoman Empire
Based on Eton's observations, which BEST describes the Ottoman's efforts in Turkey in the late 18th century?
A) establishing new territories
B) spreading the Catholic faith
C) warring with merchants and traders
D) refusing to take an active interest in maritime trade