Remonstrantie 6.2.3

6.2.3

Many of the great men express surprise that we do not have the gold and silver (coined and uncoined), which we import in large quantities, manufactured by us into articles which are here in common use. Provided the workmanship is good, half the silver might be paid for manufacture, which would give ample payment for Dutch work; or in any case manufactured goods would yield quite as much profit as reals or Holland dollars, and could meet the taste of the nobles everywhere without loss to us. It would be well, therefore, for the first trial, to manufacture such goods as the following to the value of 8000 to 10,000 reals-of-eight, and to the same amount in gold: Feet for katels, or bedsteads, hollow, and as light as possible, but artistically wrought. Aftabas, or ewers used by Moslems for washing the hands. Betel boxes. Fan handles. Handles for fly-switches. Dishes and cups with covers. If necessary, the style or fashion of these could be shown or explained. Most of these goods could be sold in the Palace or the Camp, to the good profit, honour, and reputation of the Company, by an agent familiar with the language and customs of the country, who could at the same time prevent all the occasional difficulties which arise, wherever trade is attempted, from the improper procedure due to the insatiable greed of the Governors; and this could be done without incurring expenditure. At present these matters often cannot be prevented in spite of great trouble and cost.