1848.] VIEWS OF THE COURT OF DIRECTORS. 171 



and at such a cost, as might stand in permanent competition CHAP. 

 with American Cotton. Whereas, the object of the mer- ' 

 chant and Agent was to obtain immediate profits during the 

 current year. If the inferior article yielded a better profit 

 to the merchant than the selected article, the merchant would 

 doubtless take it to any extent off the hands of the Ryot and 

 Native dealer. Under such a system it was impossible to 

 obtain for Indian Cotton a permanent footing and hold in 

 the market. It would either be an unsaleable drug, or else 

 would only fetch unremunerative prices ; except during those 

 occasional seasons when the American crop may be below 

 the average, and consequently when there may be an en- 

 larged demand by the manufacturer. To meet this state of 

 things, the manufacturer must have his own Agent, who 

 thoroughly knows what article is required, and who cannot 

 be imposed upon by Native dealers to take an inferior 

 article. At the same time, the Agent must be prepared to 

 offer such an additional price to the Ryot or dealer for the 

 superior and well cleaned Cotton wool, as will remunerate 

 him for the additional trouble that has been taken in the 

 improved culture and preparation of the article. If this 

 demand be a steady one, and such as the Ryot may depend 

 upon, the superior article required will be produced at a 

 cost which the manufacturer can afford to pay ; and, within 

 a few years, to an extent which is now but little antici- 

 pated. 



VIEWS OF THE COURT OF DIRECTORS. 



Despatch of the Court of Directors, 1848, These 222 

 propositions of the Marquis of Tweeddale, together with some General 

 others which have been already noticed, were treated at 



length in a despatch from the Court of Directors. In this July 1848. 

 despatch the Directors decided ; 1st, That there should be tur 

 no reduction of the assessment on lands cultivated with 



