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The Petitioners do not really object
to the charge of 2½ cents a ton
being in any way excessive,
but that they have petitioned
on account of being afraid that
the charge of 2¼ tons, may
be increased before long.
I desire also to point out that
most of those who have signed
the Petition represent shipping
interests which are not British,
And
that the firm of Messrs Jardine Matheson & Co., which is largely interested in shipping, refused
to sign
here
because its head partner
is unable to agree with the
views expressed by the Petitioners
I have the honour to be,
Ser,
Your most obedient
humble Servant,
William Robinson
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