180 BOMBAY. 
choose. The frauds which must arise from the same cause are in- 
calculable, and call aloud for reform ; than which nothing could 
be more easy, by the shutting up of the yard from ail but the work- 
men and officers, and the introduction of the regulations of his Ma- 
jesty's docks at Portsmouth, Plymouth, and Chatham. The Bombay 
Government have, to a certain degree, felt themselves obliged to sub- 
mit to these abuses, from the dread of the Persees, as a body, giving 
up the ship-building business, of which they are the only possessors. 
I cannot myself believe that such would be the result from an attempt 
to reform abuses, though it might take place, if they conceived 
their monopoly was in danger, as they are a rich and independent 
people. With caution, every necessary arrangement might be 
formed, and the workmen be retained in a situation, for which, by 
their talents and experience, they are now so well adapted, 
The Presidency of Bombay has sunk into political insignificance, 
since the supreme authority of Calcutta has undertaken all the ar- 
rangements with the Mahratta empire and its other neighbours ; but 
in the late war, and indeed at this moment, it has a load thrown on 
it which it finds very difficult to bear ; the supplying of the armies 
on this side India with provisions and money : in consequence of 
which, the outgoings per month are above fifteen lac of rupees, in- 
dependent of the civil establishment ; although its whole revenue, 
including the ceded districts in Guzerat, does not amount to above 
forty lac. The deficiency is provided for by bills on Bengal, and it 
shows a very favourable state of trade at Bombay, that so large a 
sum is procurable at no very high premium. 
The trade of Bombay is at present, however, very inferior to what 
it was in former times, which is chiefly owing to the indulgences 
