In dealing with this question of probabilities, I was obliged to dwell strongly on the notorious hostility of the Post Office, as well as its incapacity for the task to be performed: to refer, for instance, to Colonel Maberly's habitual prediction of failure,[22] and Lord Lowther's declared inability to see anything in my plan save the introduction of a penny rate, and the establishment of a third delivery to Hampstead.[23] I had also to show, from the past inaction and indifference of the Treasury, the hopelessness of looking for efficient aid in that quarter. Before concluding the account of my evidence, I extract a passage, which may perhaps afford some little amusement. The reader will recollect the circumstances already mentioned relative to a notice issued by the Post Office, recommending persons corresponding with the far East by the Overland Mail to appoint agents in India for the payment of the onward postage.[24] On this subject the following passages occurred before the Committee:-- "_Chairman._--With regard to Indian letters, an objection was taken by the East India Company to forwarding letters from Bombay unless payment was made at Bombay?--I am aware of that. "That was notified to the Post Office by the East India Company?--Unquestionably. "The Post Office gave notice to the public of such detention on the part of the East India Company?--Yes. "Did they do anything more than that?--Yes; they advised that every one wishing to write to places beyond Bombay should appoint an agent for the payment of the transit postage. "The Post Office advised that?--Yes. "Where does such advice appear?--In the notice given by the Post Office on the occasion. * * * * * "Does that contain anything more than an announcement to the public that the East India Company had made such a regulation?--Yes; it contains a recommendation to the public to address their letters to the care of correspondents in India. * * * * * "_Mr. Tennent._--The tenor of your former answer would import that that was a suggestion emanating from the Post Office; are you aware that that was a recommendation made to the public by the Post Office in pursuance of direct instructions from the Directors of the East India Company?--I was not aware till this moment that the Directors of the East India Company had power to issue instructions to the Postmaster-General. * * * * * "Are you aware of any instruction given by the East India Directors to the Post Office, that if parties wished their letters to be forwarded, they must find an agent there to do it?--I have, of course, no means of knowing the correspondence between the Post Office and the East India Company. * * * * *