87 



anticipate from the outlay of the large amount 

 of capital it will be necessary to pour into the Hills 

 to effect this truly grand undertaking. 



From the moment private euterpriza has fairly 

 taken possession of any field of mercantile specula- \ 

 tion, Government has no business there. The 

 encouragement system in the commencement of an 

 experimental undertaking, a^id up to this point, is 

 excellent ; but it may be carried beyond legitimate 

 limits. In the present case, for instance, if by the 

 promise of gratis supplies of seed and seedlings, too 

 great a number of persons be suddenly induced to 

 undertake tea operations, very serious complications 

 may arise in the labour markets of North Western 

 India, as they have in the districts bordering on our 

 South Eastern Frontier, which Government will find 

 it very difficult, if not impossible, to remedy. Care 

 then should be taken, by a judicious and well-timed 

 retirement from the field, to guard against this evil 

 in regard to the Tea Districts in the North West. 

 Care also should be taken in disposing of the Govern- 

 ment factories, lest by an exorbitant valuation they 

 remain on hand as the last two, for a considerable 

 time or altogether; or, if purchased at the upset 

 price, the greater portion of the captital which 

 should be expended in working and improving them, 

 be absorbed in the purchase money. And this 

 brings me to a point which requires some special 

 notice, as it has, before now, been animadverted 



