AGE
295
pursuit of their business. I believe that Messrs Lyme are right in affirming that during the long period this passenger traffic has been carried on, no complaints have been heard in connection with it.
A similar passenger traffic exists, but to a much greater extent than with Manila, between Amoy and the settlements in the Indian Archipelago. Facilities for it are afforded by the regular trading vessels, and the emigration and trade mutually support each other. Any restrictions which should have the effect of increasing the length of the voyage, or raising the cost of passage, would lead to an immediate transfer of the greater part of British trade between the Straits settlements and Amoy to foreign flags (chiefly that of Holland).
The voyage from Amoy either to Manila or to Singapore is very short, ordinarily not exceeding a fortnight or three weeks, and the utmost limit in unfavorable weather is within six weeks. The "Fortune" was sixty-six days on her outward passage and thirty-nine in returning. The trip to Manila, during the ...