were no
legal impediment in the way, to establish a regular postal
communication in connection with it, even without aid from the
state. This, however, would not extend to many cases in which
there are political reasons for maintaining such services, while
the commercial interests involved are of less magnitude. _Nor is
it probable that private communications would be nearly so rapid
as those directed by the Government; for a high rate of speed can
only be obtained at a great expense, which will generally be found
to be disproportionate to the benefits directly received from it,
unless under peculiar circumstances of passenger traffic._ Lastly,
it is to be considered that there are several services which, if
they were not carried on by the British Government, would probably
be undertaken by the Governments of foreign states, and that it is
not likely that private individuals or associations would in such
cases enter into competition with them.

"From these considerations we infer that, even upon the lines in
the maintenance of which the greatest commercial interests are
involved, private enterprise can not be depended upon for
providing a complete substitute for Government agency; while it is
clear that in others, where regular communications are desired
solely or chiefly for political purposes, such agency is
absolutely indispensable. _It is, however, obvious, that to
establish a Government system in some cases, and to leave others
wholly to private persons, would cause much inconvenience._ The
conclusion therefore follows, that it is right that the Government
should have the management of the whole of the transmarine postal
communication, as it also has that of the communication within the
country.

"In undertaking this duty, the Government will in the first place
have regard to the national interests, whether political, social,
or commercial, involved in the establishment and maintenance of
each particular line. Care must, however, be taken, in cases where
the communication is desired chiefly for commercial purposes, to
guard against an undue expenditure of public money for the benefit
of private merchants. The extension of commerce is undoubtedly a
national advantage, and it is quite reasonable that Parliamentary
grants should occasionally be employed for the sake of