1848. ] VIEWS OF THE COTTKT OF DIEECTOES. 153 



immediate profits during the current year. If the in- 

 ferior 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 ; ex- 

 cept during those occasional seasons when the American 

 crop may be below the average, and consequently when 

 there may be an enlarged demand by the manufacturer. 

 To meet this state of things, the manufacturer must 

 have his own Agent, who thoroughly knows what arti- 

 cle 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 ad- 

 ditional 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 anticipated. 



YIEWS OF THE COUET OF DIEECTOES. 



Despatch of the Court of Directors, 1848 —These 222 

 propositions of the Marquis of Tweeddale, General 

 together with some others which have been [f^ 

 already noticed, were treated at length in a ors, 4th July, 

 despatch from the Court of Directors. In Return* 8,1 " 1, 

 this despatch the Directors decided; 1st, (1857), p. 179. 

 That there should be no reduction of the assessment on 

 lands cultivated with American Cotton, as proposed by 

 Dr. Wight ; 2nd, That Mr. Einnie should not be de- 

 puted to England to enter into direct communication 

 with the English manufacturers; and 3rd, They re- 

 corded their decision upon the proposition of the Marquis 

 of Tweeddale, — to relinquish the Government Cotton 



