332 INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE. 



merits would expose the natives to much oppression from 

 persons over whom the company would have no sufficient 

 control ; that it would thus alienate them from British 

 government, and might give rise to disturbance and even 

 rebellion. In reply it is represented that the merchants 

 could assort their cargoes with much greater advantage, 

 and enjoy far more ample means of introducing European 

 commodities, by proceeding in person into the interior in- 

 stead of employing native agents often of doubtful fidelity ; 

 that the investment of British skill and capital in the in- 

 ternal branches of industry would not only yield large 

 profits, but would afford new materials for commerce, and 

 improve the condition of the labouring population ; all 

 which effects have been found to flow from the introduction 

 of the indigo culture. The idea that industrious individuals 

 employed in peaceable pursuits would oppress the natives, 

 or give rise to disturbances, is described as chimerical. It 

 appears that even a party among the more intelligent of 

 the Hindoos think the country would be benefited by the 

 application of British capital to its internal improvement. 

 Such is the opinion given by Rammohun Roy in his recent 

 evidence before parliament ; though he deprecates the in- 

 troduction of labourers from Britain. 



The tahle on the following page exhibits a view of the 

 various articles of export and import in the trade to India 

 for the year 1829, the latest period to which they have been 

 published. The private trade and that of the company are 

 distinguished as to each commodity. In regard to the 

 imports the quantities are given, as the value is not ex- 

 hibited in the official report. 



The future arrangements, with respect to the commerce 

 as well as the government of British India, have not yet 

 come under the consideration of parliament. They will 

 probably, however, become a subject of discussion during 

 the following session. In the present work it has been our 

 aim to afford materials from which a judgment may be 

 formed, rather than to hazard any positive opinion on so 

 extensive and difficult a question. 



