RELATIVE TO THE RENEWAL OF THE EAST-INDIA COMPANY'S Charter. BY WILLIAM SMITH O'BRIEN, Esq. M. P. Agitur salus sociorum atque amicorum, pro quâ multa majores Aspice portus Et plenum magnis trabibus mare, plus hominum est jam Spes lucri.-Juv. LONDON: J. M. RICHARDSON, 23, CORNHILL, OPPOSITE THE ROYAL EXCHANGE. 1830. PREFACE. E602 THE object of the following pages is to offer to those who wish to form an opinion upon the expediency of renewing the Charter of the East-India Company, a summary view of the past and existing relations between that body and the public. So much misconception prevails upon the subject, that every attempt, however imperfect, to afford information affecting a question, the decision of which involves the happiness and prosperity of a large portion of the human race, carries with it its own apology. It has been the habit, of late, to discuss this question solely with reference to the interests of trade; yet it is evident to every disinterested observer, that, of the considerations connected with it, there are many to which that of the extension of commerce is subordinate. This precedence is claimed, in the first place, by a regard to the welfare of the natives of India; in the next, by a care for the security of the British power; and, lastly, by the demand for justice to the East-India Company itself. To recon A 2 521 |