I admitted that the great and solid objection to placing the government of
India directly in the hands of the Crown was the consequent increase of
Parliamentary business, already too extensive to be well performed.
As to the China trade, if the Government of India can be conducted without the assistance derived from it, I saw no reason for its continuance; but I had rather continue the monopoly than lose the Company as a trading Company to China, for I thought the trade might be greatly endangered were their commerce to cease. I said that the continuance of the system of carrying on the government through the instrumentality of the Company was not inconsistent with giving to it the efficiency, the vigour, and the celerity of the King's Government.
Lord Melville admitted the cumbrousness of the present system.
The Duke seemed to have no objection to alterations in details, provided the principle were adhered to.
Both to-day and in the Cabinet on Friday last I was surprised by Lord
Melville's inertness.
The Duke wishes Leach's paper to be 'the case to be proved.' This may be done, and yet the necessary improvements introduced.
Met Seymour, who had been with the Duke. He is just come from Berlin. He seemed to say that the great success of the war was wholly unexpected by the Emperor.
November 20.
Wrote to Hylton Jolliffe to beg he would turn his attention to the subject of steam navigation to India by the Red Sea, as a private speculation.
November 21.