Re: most benevolent structure ever to have existed
here's a reference on internal tariffs from R.C.Dutt since it is very hard to locate online.
"The transit duties became more oppressive under
the British Rule than they had been under the
Nawabs. For the Company's power was more far-
reaching, absolute, and undisputed, and each low-
paid officer, at each Chowki or toll-house, had the
means of exercising greater oppression. The evil
grew without cessation for sixty years, and as late as
1825, Holt Mackenzie, then Territorial Secretary,
condemned it in the strongest terms. "
..
"But Holt Mackenzie spoke to deaf ears. The East
India Company would not willingly sacrifice even a re-
venue of ;!{^2 2 0,000, or any portion of it, for the prosperity
of the internal trade of India. Professing the utmost
anxiety for the material welfare of the people of India,
they were unwilling to sacrifice a shilling to promote
that welfare. If the abolition of the Inland Duties had
depended on the East India Company, the duties would
never have been abolished under their administration. "
here's a reference on internal tariffs from R.C.Dutt since it is very hard to locate online.
"The transit duties became more oppressive under the British Rule than they had been under the Nawabs. For the Company's power was more far- reaching, absolute, and undisputed, and each low- paid officer, at each Chowki or toll-house, had the means of exercising greater oppression. The evil grew without cessation for sixty years, and as late as 1825, Holt Mackenzie, then Territorial Secretary, condemned it in the strongest terms. " ..
"But Holt Mackenzie spoke to deaf ears. The East India Company would not willingly sacrifice even a re- venue of ;!{^2 2 0,000, or any portion of it, for the prosperity of the internal trade of India. Professing the utmost anxiety for the material welfare of the people of India, they were unwilling to sacrifice a shilling to promote that welfare. If the abolition of the Inland Duties had depended on the East India Company, the duties would never have been abolished under their administration. "