Railways in Bengal; (Being the Substance of a Report Addressed to the Chairman of the East India Company in 1849.) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1853 edition. Excerpt: ...in the Company s hands in one continuous line, are of opinion that as soon as the Amalgamation Bill now before Parliament shall have become law, the Directors should take the earliest opportunity of convening a Meeting of the Proprietors, for the purpose of considering the propriety of exercising the powers to be conferred by the Bill, with the view of placing the Company in the best position for obtaining an early concession for the line between Kotree and Mooltan. The greatest disappointment has been felt both at home and abroad at the silence which Government has hitherto observed on this vast and most important subject, and the more so that the fact of the Government having authorized the surveys in 1863 had raised the hopes of all interested in the projected undertaking. It is to be deeply regretted that the statesmanlike policy which was the motive power of the important steps then.taken, should not have been adhered to, and that a work which had already been too long delayed should have been thus further deferred. It cannot be necessary for me said Lord Dalhousie, in reference to the railway system of India, to insist on the importance of a speedy and wide introduction of railway communication throughout the length and breadth of India. A single glance cast upon the map, recalling to mind the vastextent of the Empire we hold; the various classes and interests it includes; the wide distances which separate the several points at which hostile attack may at any time be expected; the perpetual risk of such hostility appearing in quarters where it is least expected; the expenditure of time, of treasure, and of life, that are involved in even the ordinary routine of military movements...