victory was not decided, and that in that sure which would affect the rich, but not House the battle of the people was still press upon the poor; it would reach af. to be fought. But if the country held fluence in the hands of avarice, and, to firm it would be in vain to force this tax make use of an observation he had seen against its wishes. Without the people, expressed before, " it reached those who the opposition to this impost might possibly lived like beggars, and made them pay like fail-with them it must succeed. Let gentlemen.” them, therefore, not relax in their efforts Sir Gilbert Heathcote was satisfied, that

- let them persevere in sending forth their if the war had continued, the people would petitions against this odious measure. It have paid the tax. When they fairly was well for the gentlemen opposite that exercised their judgment, they generally they had at length, found one member took a right view of the case, and at once (Mr. Sumner) to express his approbation judged, that when peace was attained, an of this tax.

establishment formed to meet a state of Mr. Charles Calvert presented a similar danger ought not to continue. Such was petition from the inhabitants of the parish the opinion of the nation, and he hoped it of St. Olave, in the Borough. It was, he would be successful. said, most numerously and respectably Lord Palmerston protested against the signed, and by a large class of persons, inference, that because a certain exwho had patiently borne the burthens of pense had been called for to meet the exi. the war with a confidence in the ultimate gencies of war, it followed that this exintegrity of their government. They now pense should at once cease on the arrival complained of ill faith, and he agreed with of peace. them, that on the 20th of February, last Mr. Forbes was persuaded that if reyear, the chancellor of the exchequer turns were made of the amount paid by had pledged himself to a discontinuance persons, assessed for an income under 3007. of the tax at the termination of the war. a-year, it would be found, that so far from How had he fulfilled his pledge ? Two the tax falling in a greater general proquestions had been put to his hon. friend portion on the rich, it would be found to opposite in the course of the evening, press much more heavily on the middling which had received a cautious and rather classes, who, in his opinion, contributed an evasive answer. One was-what was the larger amount of the two. the principle on which the chancellor of Sir Egerton Brydges was sorry to be the exchequer meant to introduce the obliged to state an opinion in opposition question of the property-tax? To which to that of so many of his friends ; but he the answer was--that the forms of the should be guilty of a dereliction of his duty House would not allow him to bring for- if he did not say that he thought the proward the measure before Wednesday next. perty tax a most efficient and unobjectionThe second question was—whether he had able tax. The objections that had been abandoned the measure? To this the an urged arose from the subject not having swer was—that the chancellor of the ex- been considered in a proper view. From chequer believed it to be a wise and just his knowledge of political economy, and measure. Now he would like to have a from the consideration he had given the more distinct answer on both these points. subject, he felt confident that by no other

Mr. Lushington said, the question pro- lax could money be raised with such cerposed to him was, first, at what time this tainty, impartiality, and so little expense measure was intended to be brought for to the public. The tax too, by assuring ward, and his answer had been, that in a supply to the public creditor, was a most the absence of his right hon, friend, he efficient mode of supporting the credit and could only say, that it could not be brought raising the value of the funds-he could forward sooner than Wednesday, and, in- not therefore join in the general preposdeed, unless the army estimates were gone session that existed against the tax. If he through on Monday, and reported on Tues were intrusted by his constituents, he day, it could not be brought before the should not refuse to deliver their sentiHouse even on Wednesday. With re- ments, but hitherto he had received no spect to the second question, he had said, applications on the subject, and the few and he now repeated, that it was not the with whom he had conversed, agreed with intention of his Majesty's ministers to him in opinion ; but be that as it might, abandon this tax. They were convinced he owed it as a duty to himself, however it was a just and wise measure, a mea- painful that duty might be, to stem the

tide of public opinion in this instance; he be the first that ever came from Malms. knew how much he must suffer in point of bury. He called the attention of the popularity, but he could never be induced House to that part of it which complained to forego an opinion he had deliberately of places and pensions. He wished to take formed, by any hope of applause in which that opportunity of saying a word more on he could not himself be a party.

the subject of the property tax, because Mr. Brougham observed, that whatever he thought it would be the last, as the might have been the disposition of the tax, he was convinced, would be abanhon. baronet's constituents at the time the doned. It had been said, it was useless to hon. baronet communicated with them, he impose the tax, because it could not be felt pretty certain that disposition would collected. Now, in confirmation of this, not continue ; for he knew, from good in the neighbourhood from which the petiauthority, that the inhabitants of Maid- tion was sent, so far from the inhabitants stone were about to frame a petition being able to pay the tax, if levied, the against the tax; he thought, therefore, last half year had not yet been discharged. that the hon. baronet could never have In one parish, assessed at the rate of 7001. conversed with his constituents on the a year, not one shilling had been colsubject; and when the petition came, he lected. It was, therefore, ludicrous to would be placed in the unhappy situation propose a continuance of such a measure. of arguing against the tax and voting Mr. Philips differed from the hon. genfor it.

tleman in his supposition that ministers Sir E. Brydges, in explanation, said, would abandon this tax. He felt persuaded be had not stated what was the opinion of that they intended to persevere, and he all his constituents, but of those with proclaimed this, that the country might whom he had conversed.

not be lulled into a cessation of their opMr. Finlay in reply to the argument position to the measure. that the tax affected the rich and avari. Sir T. Acland presented petitions against cious, who would otherwise contribute the tax from the parish of Woodleigh, and nothing to the exigencies of the state, ob- the hundred of Rowborough, in Devonserved, that the amount levied from such sbire. persons could not, from their paucity, Mr. Babington made some observations bear any comparison with that which was on the manner in which the poor-laws extorted from those who had little to pay. contributed to the general distress of the

Mr. Lushington said, that from his own country. He stated, that the farmers knowledge he could state the case to be being unable to employ the same number quite the reverse. He took also this op- of labourers as formerly, they who were portunity to mention, that with respect to out of employ must, however willing to the modifications intended, a very great work, be subsisted almost wholly by the relief would be afforded to the agricultural poor-rates ; . and the farmers, in order to interest.

assign a reason for paying lower rents, Mr. Forbes hoped, if the measure passed, endeavoured to support their labourers by which he could not possibly believe, that low wages and high poor-rates ; so that the half-pay of the army and navy, and the industrious part of the community the pensions to the widows and children were driven to dependence upon the overof officers, would be exempted from any seer, and obliged to receive that as a boon, part of the tax.

in the shape of parish relief, which they Mr. Charles Calvert was convinced that had a right to claim as the reward of their the 'hon. baronet who said that his con- labour. By these means, too, the landlord stituents were friendly to this measure, was a sufferer, inasmuch as his rent must could never have conversed with them on be lowered in proportion to the rise of the the subject : he considered the tax as a poor-rates; and that feeling of regard and most unjust impost, and he was happy to claim of sympathy, which ought to subsist hear from a member of bis majesty's ad- between the farmer and his labourers, was ministration, that some modifications at turned into oppression on the one hand, least were in contemplation.

and disgust on the other. He did not Mr. J. Pitt presented a petition against impute these evils entirely to the propertythe property iax from the borough of tax, but that measure had a share in in, Malmsbury.

creasing them; for when the farmer's caMr. R. Gordon was glad the petition pital was diminished by taxation, he could was presented, because he believed it to employ fewer labourers, while he would endeavour to pay those whom he did em- pression made use of by him on a former ploy, as far as possible, by poor-rates, to occasion, he wished to say a few words in which all must contribute, rather than by explanation. When he used the expres. wages which he himself must afford; and sion, he did not mean to insinuate, that they who were unemployed must be sup- this was not a time when an economical ported wholly by the parish.

arrangement ought to be set on foot, in Mr. Brougham was highly satisfied at every department of government. His the clear statement which had been made observation applied to what appeared to by the hon. gentleman, inasmuch as it him to be an overstrained attempt at ecoafforded a complete answer to that futile nomy, particularly with reference to our and base appeal which had been made to military establishment. The reductions the poor against the rich-that attempt recommended by gentlemen opposite did to gain the support of the mob, by saying not, in his view of the subject, proceed on that the tax affected only the rich and a rightly-understood principle of economy, avaricious. After the statement made by but went to lower, in a degree that would the hon. gentleman, nothing could be more be prejudicial to the country, that estab. futile than to say, that a tax which affect- lishment which the security of the nation ed the rich did not equally affect the poor; demanded. if the rich were deprived of their capital, Mr. Tierney expressed his hope, that, the poor must in proportion be deprived if the document moved for, was granted, of their employment, and consequently of it would be so drawn up as to specify the means of subsistence.

every single item, to the discharge of The several petitions were ordered to which the vote of parliament was approlie on the table.

priated.

Mr. Brougham said, that it was impor. Civil List.] Mr. Brougham thought tant to know whether the tradesmen's bills, it was extremely necessary, that an ac- for the payment of which this money was count of the application of the large sum voted, had, in fact, been discharged; or, of money voted, in the last session, for in other words, whether the real purpose discharging the arrears of the civil list, for which it was intended had been kept should be laid before the House. Gentle in view. He trusted that the result of an men on that side of the House had been inquiry would show, that none of the bills taunted for being in what was termed in question were left unpaid. « an economical mood.” The country, Mr. Tierney said, that if it was not sahe believed, was in an economical mood; tisfactorily shown to bim that the money and as the House and the nation fully had been applied as parliament intended participated in that feeling, he was anxious it should, he would move for an examito discover whether the same mood was to nation at the bar of certain witnesses, who be found in higher quarters. If so, he could, perhaps, throw a light upon the should like to see whether the sum voted subject. last session, had been applied in the way Sir W. Congreve said, that the money which parliament intended it should. He collected during the park fêtes had been did not mean to say, that it had not been transmitted to the bank of England, where so applied; but, so long as he felt the it lay, awaiting the distribution of the smallest doubt on the subject, he would commander-in-chief of the forces, and the endeavour to have that doubt removed. first lord of the admiralty, who were to The country at large ought to be ac- devote it to some charitable purposes quainted with the detailed application of connected with the army and navy. The the very great sum of money voted to de- sum did not amount to more than 9,000). fray the arrears of the civil list in the last Mr. Tierney said, that this was not the session. He should therefore move, “ That sum to which he referred. He had no an humble Address be presented to the intention of inquiring into the receipts of Prince Regent, that he will be pleased to the triumph in the parks, por into the direct, that there be laid before the House circumstances of that celebrated ovation. an account of the application of the sum He merely sought information as to the voted last session, for discharging the distribution of some parts of the general arrears of the civil list.”

sum of 530,0001., which had been voted Lord Palmerston said, as the hon. and for the civil list. learned gentleman had alluded to an ex- The motion was agreed to.

though it had not been very long open. HOUSE OF COMMONS.

He regretted that he did not see any of Monday, March 4.

his majesty's ministers in their places, that PetitioNS AGAINST THE PROPERTY- they might hear the sentiments of the Tax.] Petitions against the Property respectable meeting which had agreed to tax were presented from Monmouth, this petition, on the subject of the tax, Litchfield, Macclesfield, Bridgwater, High but as he had another to present from the Wycombe, Belford, Southmolton, Calne, ward of Dowgate, he hoped some of them Wigtown, St. George the Martyr in the would arrive, time enough to hear it.borough of Southwark, the Ward of Dow- The petition being read and ordered to gate in the city of London, Lambeth, lie on the table, the hon. member then Huntingdon, Norman-Cross, Mile-End presented a petition from the inhabitants Old Town, St. Luke Chelsea, Woolwich, of the ward of Dowgate, against the tax. Somerset, Wokingham, Lime-street Ward He declared himself much flattered by London, Tewkesbury, Chester, Beverly, having the honour of laying it before the Maiden-Bradley, Yarum, Guisborough, House, as it was usual for petitions from Leeds, and Congleton.

the different wards of the metropolis, to Mr. Abercrombie, on presenting the be presented by some one of the city petition from Calne, said, that the signa- members. The petition was signed by tures to the petition would have been every individual of the ward from which much more numerous if his constituents it came, except one. were not afraid of being too late in conse- Mr. Barclay presented a petition from quence of the great anxiety which minis- the inliabitants of the parish of Lambeth. ters had evinced to press the tax forward | This, he observed, like the two preceding at the present early period. The peti- | petitions which had been presented by his tioners stated, in very strong terms, the hon. colleague, was signed by very reoppressive severity with which the tax spectable persons, most of whom were bore on them, and implored the House particularly favourable to the present minot to consent to its continuance. They nisters. also complained of the immense standing Sir E. Knatchbull, in presenting the pearmy intended to be kept up, which they tition from Woolwich, directed the attenconsidered as one of the great causes of tion of ministers to the language of the the present enormous load of taxes. petitioners, and called upon them to an

Mr. Grenfell, adverting to the com- swer it. The petitioners described themplaints which had been made against the selves to have borne with patience the present mode of collecting the property- burthen of the property-tax during the tax, took upon himself to say, that the war, relying on the pledge which had been greatest tyranny of which we had to com- given to them, that they should be relieved plain, was not that arising out of the in- from it so soon as peace returned. To quisitorial powers given to the commis- | this they stated the government to have sioners of the property tax, as this was ex- been positively pledged. The present ceeded by the conduct of the board of was the first opportunity he had had in taxes at Somerset-house. He gave notice, this session of addressing the House on that it was his intention to move that the subject, and he was now free to connight, unless it was objected to by minis- fess, that unless government intended the ters, on the ground of bis having given no tax should be very much modified, he previous notice, for copies of the corres should feel it his duty to oppose the repondence which had taken place between newal of it; but at the same time he that board and an eminent mercantile wished to be distinctly understood to give house in the city, which he thought would no opinion, for or against it, at present. be found to justify the assertion he had He should be glad to hear what the chanmade.

cellor of the exchequer would have to Mr. C. Calvert, in presenting the peti- state to the House on Wednesday. Till tion from the inhabitants of the parish of he was in possession of this, he could not St. George the Martyr in Southwark, make up his mind on the subject. A repraying for the abolition of the property-quisition for a county meeting on the tax, observed, that the meeting at which grievances complained of under the prethat petition was prepared, was most nu-sent tithe laws had been already signed : merous and respectable, and that the sig- and a second had been prepared, calling natures to it were upwards of one thousand, for a meeting to consider of petitioning (VOL. XXXII.)

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parliament against the renewal of the pro- | had occurred to him to provide for the perty tax. He would not anticipate the service of the year; and among these the result of the proceedings on this question, property tax was not included. He had but under all circumstances, he was in- done this, not because he thought that to clined to hope the chancellor of the ex- propose a renewal of that tax would be a chequer would abandon his present plan. breach of good faith, as he conceived that

The Chancellor of the Exchequer thought a question which was open to considera the hon. baronet did himself and his con- tion at any time, but because he thought stituents great honour, by the course which it objectionable in policy at that period. he had thought it his duty to take on the The circumstances of the present day present occasion, in declining to give an were widely different from those of the opinion for or against the proposed mea- country then. He had at the time to sure, till the grounds on which it was which he referred suggested other taxes,

brought forward had been fully stated to some of which had afterwards been adopted the House. He was quite ready to de- by parliament, and had been mortgaged clare to the hon. baronet, that the peti- for a term of years as a part of the protioners, with respect to the supposed vision for the loan of the year. Among pledge, which it was said had been given, the other taxes then proposed was a large were completely misinformed. On the addition to the assessed taxes, and cer. first introduction of the income tax, by tainly he had heard it made a question by Mr. Pitt, instead of a pledge being given many, whether this would not be more that it should cease at the conclusion of burthensome and severe on the public the war, its produce was actually mort- / than the property tax, while at the same gaged at that time for 56,000,0001., a sum time its produce would not exceed half which it would have taken eight years to the amount of the sum raised by that pay off. From this it was clear, that Mr. impost. It was on these considerations Pitt had not then pledged the House to that he had determined on submitting the do away that tax immediately on the renewal of the property tax to the House. return of peace. When, on the renewal Before he sat down he thought it right to of the war, a tax upon income was again say, that the very important business thought necessary, it was no longer had about to come on, namely, the army recourse to as a fund on which money estimates, together with the motion of the might be borrowed, but as the means for hon. gentleman opposite wr. Western), meeting the necessary supplies of the would, he apprehended, be quite as much year. When granted during the con- as the House could go through in the tinuance of the war, “ and no longer," no present week, with regard to the convepledge was given that ministers should be nience or the health of its members, and precluded from availing themselves of he should therefore postpone his motion such an impost on the return of peace: on the subject of the property tax, till they were only bound by those words, Monday next. again to submit the policy of taking such Mr. 'Ponsonby observed that the right

to the consideration of the hon. gentleman who had just sat down House. In 1806, when it was raised in had declared that the faith of parliainent its amount, the chancellor of the exche- was not pledged to the abolition of the quer and the ministers of that day, had property tax at the end of the war; but given no pledge, that they would never, it was most certain the understanding of on any subsequent occasion, but in time the House and the country on the subof war, have recourse to such a measure. ject were directly opposite to the asserThis they must have meant to leave open tion. If ever there was any one thing to the future consideration of parliament, more clearly and distinctly understood on the presumption that there it would be than another, it was the wording of the disposed of, according to the circum- act of parliament, which said that the tax stances which might arise. Having thus would expire on the 5th of April, in the briefly adverted to what had been done present year, if a definitive treaty of peace by his predecessors in office, he now had been signed before then. 'How was came to speak of the course which he it possible that any thing could be more himself had pursued. In the last year he explicit or more clear than this was? But had come down to the House on the 20th in the face of the country, with the words of February, and offered a general state of the act so very plain, the chancellor of ment of the ways and means by which it the exchequer still said that the House

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