RAW-SILK. 



Vll 



benefit, and the consumption being far less limited rreport, 

 than that of manufactured goods. A wish for 

 these reasons was expressed, that the influence of 

 Government should continue to be exerted to pro- 

 mote the growth of the mulberry-tree. 



In a subsequent despatch the Government was 

 informed, that although there was no branch of 

 their trade which the Company more ardently 

 wished to extend than that of raw-silk, yet the 

 Court could not think of effecting so desirable an 

 object by any measures that might be oppressive 

 to the natives, or attended by an infringement of 

 that freedom, security, and felicity, which it was 

 desired they should enjoy under the Company's 

 Government and protection ; that no compulsory 

 methods should be taken to increase the number 

 of silk-winders, but that the object should be ef- 

 fected in such a way as would make their advan- 

 tage coincide with the Company's. The wages of 

 winders at this time, it appears, fell short of the 

 amount obtained by day-labourers, or common 

 workmen in other branches of business, and it 

 was proposed from home to increase them to such 

 an extent, as to make them exceed the ordinary 

 rate of wages. The Government was also en- 

 joined to endeavour to induce the manufacturers 



of 



