A COLLECTION OF
OF PAPERS,

&c. &c.

No. I.

Hints regarding the policy of establishing a colony on a great scale, at the Cape of Good Hope, and the advan tages to be derived therefrom.

THE new footing on which the trade to the East Indies is to be put, will render it advisable to pay particular attention to the Settlement at the Cape of Good Hope, which, if possible, ought never again to be separated from the British Crown. It must prove of infinite importance to this country, merely as a place of resort, for victualling, refitting when necessary, and protecting in time of war, till convoys can be procured, the ships employed in carrying on our commerce to the east, especially when our trade is more extended, and vessels of smaller dimensions are made use of. As a place of shelter and refitment for our southern whale fishery, it is also of moment. But if the British Government would resolve to establish that settlement on a great scale, it would be attended with advantages, the importance of which it is hardly possible to appreciate. Some of the most prominent, it may be proper briefly to explain.

I. Situation, Climate, and Extent of the Settlement.

The situation of the Cape of Good Hope is peculiarly advantageous. It is not far distant from Europe, it is in the centre of Africa, and at no great distance from Asia or America. The climate is uncommonly healthy; and our possessions there are sup-posed to contain about 127,000 square miles,

II. Productions.

The productions of that part of Africa, are those which are the best calculated to promote the prosperity of this country, by rendering us independent of foreign and hostile nations for articles we are accustomed to consume, and furnishing the raw materials of some of our most valuable manufactures.

1. Wine. Grapes, and the productions derived from them, are considered to be the staple conimodities of the Settlement; and it is the only possession belonging to Great Britain, that claims that advantage. At the Cape, any quantity of wine might be raised, in such variety, in such perfection, and at a price so much cheaper than the produce of European vintages, that we might soon become independent of France for that great article of consumption. Brandy also might be manufactured there, to any extent; and dried raisins procured, sufficient to supply all Europe.

2. Grain and Pulse. There cannot be a doubt that wheat might be cultivated there to any extent, and so cheap that, in some parts of the settlement, the boors or farmers would contract to supply it at so low a price as 2s. 10d. per Winchester bushel. The wheat at the same time is of a superior quality, weighing from 61 to 65 lb. per bushel. As seed corn, it would be invaluable to this country, which is amply verified by the experience of the Dutch; for the produce of the Cape wheat has been found less liable to the mildew, and other disorders, than when the seed is grown in Europe. But to have a store of wheat so accessible as at the Cape, ready to be imported in case of scarcity, (to which a depôt of rice might be added,) would be of the utmost importance to this country. Besides wheat, barley or big, rye, beans, pease and Indian corn, might be raised in any quantities; and, if not wanted in this country, might always find a market in Spain or Portugal.

3. Flax and Hemp. There are no articles produced at the Cape that would prove more advantageous to this country than flax and hemp, which might be cultivated to any extent; flax in particular, as it is ascertained that it might be raised twice a year. The seed of the flax would be an incalculable advantage to Ireland, where that plant is cultivated on so extensive a scale. The fibre would be of infinite consequence to the linen manufactures of England and Scotland, more especially for the finer sorts, as laces, cambrics, &c.; and when the seed, (which might be the case in three or four years,) can be had in sufficient quantities to admit of its being given to cattle in England, or used at oil-mills at a moderate expense, it is well known that, from the valuable manure thereby produced, it would greatly promote the interests of British agriculture.

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4. Miscellaneous Articles. It would require several pages to detail all the articles that might be procured from this favorite Settlement, and to explain all the advantages which might be derived from them. The following deserve particular notice: 1. Hides and skins, which may be had in considerable quantities. 2. Whaleoil and whale-bone. 3. Dried fruits, equal to the consumption of all Europe. 4. Oranges. 5. Rice. 6. Barilla. 7. Saltpetre. 8. Tobacco. 9. Lead ore, with a large proportion of silver. 10. Olives in the greatest abundance. 11. Honey and wax. 12. Tea. 13. Sugar; and 14. Cotton. Besides which, there are a variety of articles of inferior importance, as ivory, ostrich feathers, aloes, gum, wood, &c.

III. Political Advantages.

In addition to these commercial advantages, the colony at the Cape of Good Hope is justly considered, in a political point of view, as of infinite importance. It is accounted the barrier or master key of Asia; the best of all military depôts for our troops going either to the East or West Indies, where they may be seasoned for hot climates; a place where our naval and military forces may be maintained in a most central and convenient position, and yet at a reduced expense; a settlement that might be rendered impregnable against the attacks of any enemy; and on the whole as a colony, the most likely to be advantageous, and the least likely to be injurious, of any that has hitherto been incorporated with the British Empire.

No. II.

Hints regarding the renewal of the Charter of the East India Company.

THERE are few questions, to determine which can be attended with greater difficulties, than what system ought to be adopted regarding the future trade between this country and the East Indies; and what plan ought to be formed for the proper management of the immense empire we have acquired in those distant regions. It is an unfortunate circumstance, therefore, that such discussions must be entered into at a moment when the attention of the Ministers, of Parliament, and of the public at large, must necessarily be distracted by so many other important objects; and that a contest should have commenced, at such a crisis as the present, between the metropolis on the one hand, and the rest of the commercial and manufacturing interests on the other, which is likely to be carried on with a considerable degree of violence, and even rancor. Hav ing, on various occasions, been led to contemplate the principal

particulars' connected with our East India trade and possessions, I am thence induced to sketch out a few hints, which are submitted, with great deference, to the consideration of those who are interested in, or must decide on, these momentous objects.

The progress of the East India Company is one of the most extraordinary events recorded in history. That a few merchants in Great Britain, even though aided by the government of the country in regard to naval and military operations, should have become possessed of one of the greatest empires that ever was established, inhabited by above fifty millions of people, with immense revenues, a great military force, and with a trade of unequalled extent; and, on the whole, should manage such remote dominions, and such vast and complicated concerns, with ability and success, would appear impossible, were it not a fact established beyond doubt by the history of our own times. To break down such a stupendous and complicated fabric, therefore, is a measure which no prudent statesman would hazard, on the mere expectation of greater advantages than what are now derived from the present system. I thence consider the renewal of the charter of the East India Company, under certain restrictions, to be afterwards explained, absolutely necessary. It cannot be questioned, that a monopoly was advantageous, at the commencement of a commerce with so remote a country, imperfectly known, and an intercourse with which was attended with so many difficulties. Indeed, it cannot be doubted, that if it had not been for the establishment of a great company, we should not have been in possession, at the present moment, of a single foot of land in the East Indies. Some have exclaimed against such acquisitions, as prejudicial rather than advantageous to the public interest. That they have been the means of introducing great luxury and its concomitant evils, must be admitted; but if the question is, whether it has proved advantageous, with a reference to the acquisition of extensive commerce and political power; it may be sufficient to observe, that the anxious endeavours of our inveterate enemies to deprive us of those possessions, is a sufficient proof of their importance.

But now, since the East Indies has been so thoroughly explored, since we have acquired the peaceable possession of so large and valuable a portion of it, and since the English name is respected in every part of that remote hemisphere, the commerce of the East does not seem to require the same shackles; and that poly, which was the means of obtaining those immense acquisitions, has thus laid the foundation of its own destruction.

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I am therefore inclined to think, that A MEDIUM PLAN is the proper system to be adopted, of which the following is merely an outline:

1. That the Charter of the East India Company shall be re

newed for the usual term of years, preserving, in general, the same powers and authorities which the directors of the East India Company enjoy at present, at least in regard to civil appointments.

It is well known, that many of our ablest statesmen have dreaded the political consequences which might result from giving the whole patronage of the East Indies to the ministers of the crown. The influence they would thus receive would be irresistible; and, on the whole, it seems to be the safest plan, in a constitutional point of view, to leave the civil patronage in the hands of the directors. Indeed many contend, that the Company cannot possibly govern the • affairs of India, unless it has that army, which is paid from its revenues, likewise under its control: but there seems to be, at the same time, a great incongruity in having two descriptions of troops, under different systems, and commanded by officers who have received their commissions from different authorities, defending the same country; and such a system, certainly has a tendency to create jealousy and confusion.

2. That the city of London shall continue to be the great depôt for the commerce of the East, and that the direct trade to China shall belong exclusively to it.

The commerce from London to the East involves concerns of such immense magnitude, in which so vast a capital is invested, and in which the interest of so many persons is so deeply implicated, that it must be cautiously dealt with; and, in particular, the system of carrying on the direct trade to China ought not to be tampered with, when we consider the peculiar nature of so jealous a government. This is a point which will probably be much contested; but it would be hazardous to attempt any great alteration, in a commerce of such magnitude as that of China, which, under the present system, is found to be advantageous. It is proper also to observe, that if the merchants connected with the out-ports, established depôts of goods in the Prince of Wales's Island, &c. the Chinese would come to these depôts to purchase them, by means of which, a more advantageous commerce might be carried on, than if British manufactures were subjected to Chinese jealousy and taxations.

3. That for carrying on a commerce with every other part of the East Indies, a board shall be established for licensing traders to India from any of the out-ports, under such restrictions as may be judged necessary.

I am fully convinced, from all the information which it has been possible for me to obtain, that to grant to our out-ports the liberty of trading to the East, (China alone excepted, unless through the medium of the Chinese themselves,) is an advisable measure, and likely to be productive of beneficial consequences to our commercial and manufacturing interests. At a time like the present, when