EAST-INDIA COMPANY'S CHARTER. (Hansard, 20 July 1831)

Mr. Wolryche Whitmore
presented a Petition numerously signed, from the British and other inhabitants of Calcutta, praying for a free trade to China; and for the abolition of the East-India Company's monopoly. He looked upon the petition to be worthy the attention of the House, and he therefore begged leave to state the substance of it. The petitioners were deeply impressed with the conviction, that it was necessary to remove all restrictions which prevented the employment of British skill and capital in India; that such restrictions as prevailed in India existed in no other colonies, all of which were exempt from so injurious a system, and that the resources of India could never be fully developed until they were removed. The petitioners remonstrated against the heavy duties imposed on their produce in the markets of this country, and also complained, that life and property were not adequately secured in India. They laid considerable stress on the injurious effects resulting from the Government monopolizing the China trade; they represented, that laws were passed affecting their interests without their knowing any thing of their operation, until they were carried into execution; and they contended, that they ought to have an opportunity of expressing their opinion with regard to such laws before they were carried into effect.

§ Mr. Cutlar Ferguson
said, this great subject involved so many important questions, that he approved of the resolution of the hon. Gentleman, not to enter upon a discussion with regard to the policy pursued by this country towards India, the whole of which was then under the consideration of a Committee, from which a report might be shortly expected. He, however, must express his concurrence with the principal part of the contents of the petition, and particularly with that part which complained of the injustice of the heavy duties levied on the produce of India when imported into this country, while the duties on the produce of this country imported into India were very 84 light. But, above all these considerations, was the welfare and happiness of the people over whom we had obtained dominion. In considering the question of the propriety of permitting the resort of Europeans to India, it ought to be recollected, that respect to the customs, laws, and even prejudices, of the natives must be observed.

§ Sir John Malcolm
concurred in the sentiments expressed by the hon. member for Kirkcudbright, but he deprecated all discussion which was likely to interfere with the deliberations of the Committee then sitting. Its report, which might soon be expected, would enable the House to form a calm and deliberate opinion upon this most important and momentous question. To one point only of the petition he felt it necessary to refer; he alluded to that in which the petitioners complained of the want of security to life and property in India. He could hardly imagine such a statement was contained in the petition, and he could not allow it to pass without declaring his most decided conviction, that there was no foundation for the assertion. In discussing questions relating to India, the House must consider the effect their proceedings were likely to have on 100,000,000 of human beings, whom Providence had subjected to our rule.