In the beginning the company had, of course, to cope with many difficulties, but the other Dutch steamship companies assisted her as much as possible. The general management arly Doubts Unfulfilled The company's floot which in 1903 consisted of ships, has since been increased to 18 ships, whilst moreover the company thas now at Tat Jong Priok, Soerabaya and Malassar her own fully and modern equipped godowns and wharves. These wharves offer shippers such facilities that the position of the company has been considerably strengthened by having acquired these properties.
That such an expansion and pro3- perity Was not foreseen by most people was shown by the opposition Several members of Parliament made against a proposal which came before the Dutch Parliament in 1902. to allow the company a certain subsidy. These members were wf opin-on that it was not feasible to grant Hlowances out of the Netherlands treasury to an undertaking the suc-83 of which seemed doubtful and of which, moreover, in their opinion the Dutch conies would have benefit only. The actual facts have! proved that the company has deve-Joped into a considerable asset to the Dutch colonies as well as to the old country, Not only have all the subsidies been paid back to the Treasury, but besides this, taxes have been paid in the course of years which amount to a much higher sum than the subsidy granted at the time of founding. It goes without saying that also in an me direct way the company has contributed to the prosperity of Holland as well as of its catonics,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.