Page 303
The signatories to the Petition (if they believe in what they say) do not advocate rather an increase in harbour rates, it is by that means that freight rates would be reduced and then increased later. Then, there is nothing in the argument, or else we must conclude that, so highly magnanimous are these brains in business, become, that the larger and wealthier ships will to their own detriment, and the lessening of their earnings, advocate a reduction of dues so that their bortherly friends may come in and compete with them for the carriage of that for which there is already excess & accommodation.
The signatories of the Petition of 19th December state in paragraph 1...