64 Papers connected with the construction [No. 31 



consideration, the whole of the trade of Madras, after experiencing the 

 case and safety of entering this Port (which it may by these means be- 

 come) can be transported to the gates of the Fort, into the heart of the 

 Black town, or along the ditch to any of the gates. Thus would a most 

 general convenience be afforded to all ranks throughout the whole town, 

 which would have a sensible effect in lowering the rates of carriage, and 

 therefore reduce the prices of every article imported. 



Instead of a boat, which in no instance of the present construction ex- 

 ceeds two tons, one capable of carrying ten or even twenty tons, may be 

 employed at nearly the same cxpencc, and the goods deposited in the 

 situation desired, with scarce any charge for cooly, comparatively with 

 what it is at present. For if we calculate the cost of landing, suppose 26 

 pipes of Madeira by masula boats, it will amount to 75 fanams, whereas 

 the same articles, might then be imported to either of the points I have 

 mentioned in the Black town, for about twenty-four fanams, which I 

 shall set down as the probable hire of such a boat, as may then be em- 

 ployed, whereby a saving occurs of more than two thirds, this saving 

 would appear much greater, if calculated on the entire cargo which such 

 boats might carry, but only ten tons are taken as a medium, though the 

 same boats might carry at least twenty tons. 



But should the advantage of this saving which would operate so gener- 

 ally, be counterbalanced by the carriage to the buildings near the present 

 Custom house, there is nothing proposed by this plan to prevent the 

 owners from continuing to make use of the present mode of landing or 

 shipping goods, if it should be their interest to do so. 



From hence, it appears to me clear, that no absolute disadvantage can 

 arise to the owners of those buildings, erected near the present Custom 

 house, if it even should be removed, while the general benefits resulting 

 from the plan, would tend in a considerable degree to increase the trade 

 of Madras, and thereby the Customs of the Port. The only light in which j 

 their interests could be said to suffer is, when placed in comparison with 

 the great advantages, derived by others not burthened with such incum- ; 

 brances, and who are either free to choose their situations, or who happen 

 to be already more happily situated. But this argument, at the same 

 time that I deny the force of it, only tends to prove the great general ( 

 utility of the plan itself. 



Fully impressed with this conviction, and sincerely hoping that the* 

 plan and its consequences may appear in the same favorable point of view 



