The early English cotton industryDaniels, George W. (George William)
History
The early English cotton industry
Daniels, George W. (George William)
Cotton machinery; Cotton trade -- Great Britain
THE LORD STANLEY _in the chair_.
MR. GEORGE LEE _again called in, and Examined_.
What do you suppose is the value of the machinery, buildings, and power
engaged in spinning, upon Mr. Crompton’s principle?--Between three and
four millions sterling.
LONDON, _21 March 1812_.
DEAR SIRS,
We compleated our Evidence on Thursday--the Committee were very
favourably disposed--but Sir R. Peel & Mr. Houston intimated to me
that there was an implied Condition with Mr. Percival that the Sum
should be very moderate before he would listen to them. I ask’d him
how much & he said two thousand pounds at which I expressed great
Surprize & Disappointment and as soon as the Evidence was completed
so that they could not soften it down, as they had the Petition, by
expunging the most material points, viz. the actual Benefit & Amount
of Machinery, Wages, Cotton & Duty, I told Sir Robert everybody in
Lancashire would think such a Sum inadequate; he then asked me if
I had the public Purse what I would give. I answered not less than
Ten thousand & double that if he had not stated so many discouraging
Circumstances.
The fact is Crompton’s plain appearance has been in his favour by
inducing the Members to suppose he would be satisfied with a small
sum & therefore they were willing to assist him. His Claim to
national Honour & Interest must now be pressed upon them as they
cannot recede & there is no Risque I believe of the Bill [not]
passing and it must obtain better terms.
I thought a few hurried Lines would be acceptable from
Yrs sincerely,
G. A. LEE.
KENSINGTON, _15 Apl. 1812_.
MESSRS. M’CONNELL & KENNEDY.
GENT^{n},
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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