Witnesses examined by Mr. Ricardo’s Committee: Mr. J. S. Lefevre,
Mr. Macgregor, Mr. G. R. Porter—Their extreme views not conclusive
to the Committee—Evidence adduced by the Shipowners—Ships built
more cheaply abroad—Evidence of Mr. G. F. Young, and his general
conclusions—Mr. Richmond’s evidence—Asserts that shipping is a
losing trade—Replies to the charges against Shipowners—Views as
to captains of merchant ships—Praises their nautical skill and
capacity—His character of common seamen—Attacks Mr. Porter—Offers
valuable details of ship-building—Is prepared to go all lengths in
favour of Protection—His jealousy of the Northern Powers—Evidence
of Mr. Braysher, Collector of Customs in London—General effect of
the Navigation Laws on the Customs—With the Northern Ports and
America—Difficulty about “manufactured” articles—Anomalies of the
coasting and internal trade—Committee’s last meeting, July 17—General
dissatisfaction with the results of the inquiry—Commercial panic and
distress of 1847—Suspension of Bank Charter Act.