stations
in the Canton River, &
I would now beg leave to enquire what would be the best though a Contract to be made with the Company to whom these two Boats belong. I may be permitted to observe with regard to any estimate which might be made by the Post Office, from such probable income as the establishment of Steam Navigation invariably has had the effect of increasing postal Communication all over the World, and that still more where, as in the case in China at present, there is great irregularity in Communication by the intervention of the Post Office, many parties running Expresses without the which they would cease to have any object in doing when Steam Boats may be running regularly.
Consequently no calculation of income founded on the present system would be at all a fair approximation to what might be reasonably counted on, under the improved mode of conveyance it may be proper to adopt. And that besides the advantages which the Public and the mercantile Community, both in China & Europe, will derive from such improved and regular Communication, the vessels being efficiently otherwise equipped, will materially contribute to the suppression of Pirates, with which the Canton waters have been long so much infested, and will further be, at any moment available to assist in protecting life and property in Canton, in case of disturbances, the danger of which, experience shews to be considerable.