2227. Do you mean to say, that unless you are to be allowed to show that the ordinary words “horse power,” when introduced into a contract, render that contract unintelligible, you cannot explain your case?—I never said that. May I be allowed to state what I do mean; it takes a little time and a little trouble to explain the meaning of “horse power.” The putting in the “horse power” had no reference to the efficiency of the steam vessels.
2228. Whatever the horse power meant in 1841, it meant in 1844?—Yes; but you are mistaken in supposing that I attribute it to the East India Company putting in that condition; I attributed it to the Peninsular and Oriental Company.
2229. We have here a contract made in 1844, by the Admiralty on one side, and the Peninsular and Oriental Company on the other; and you charge the Admiralty with having introduced a certain condition for the purpose of excluding you, and of favouring the Peninsular and Oriental Company?—No; I said that the Peninsular and Oriental Company introduced the condition as to the 400-horse power.
2230. How did they introduce it?—Because they proposed it.
2231. Do you find fault with a competitor for having proposed vessels of a higher horse power than yourself?—I do; because they did it to keep all other Companies out.
2232. What would you have had the Admiralty do?—I would have had the Admiralty go and ascertain what the vessels were, and not go upon the nominal horse power.
2233. You complain of the Admiralty going upon the individual horse power?—-I do; it is a wrong system.
2234. Why do you complain of the Admiralty having done that in 1844, which we find was part of the existing arrangement between the East India Company and the Peninsular and Oriental Company in 1841?—The question of horse power began with the Peninsular and Oriental Company in 1840.
2235. And I to understand from you, that in your opinion the Admiralty should have laid down no general condition about horse power, but should have inquired into the capabilities of each particular ship; is that your view?—Certainly, that is one view; But as you said, just now, I had stated that the Peninsular and Oriental Company had originated that condition about horse power; that is the hinge upon which all the mischief has turned; and I will now, if I may be allowed, explain how it occurred.
2236. The hinge upon which all the mischief has turned, has been that condition about horse power?—Yes.