Star. — London, England, 1818-03-05 00:00:00

f ~, • il tl c a -It. t d t.• F. it t r tl o . ~ F 4 1 o a I , 0 e c c s e sl tl ti tl '! 't , h. . % g .. st fc ti ft st tl st 11 } Lt ft it . t] t e e i • a f 1 A r r c t c t t ' t a ;•••'(. 1 f i t 7 I I f e t ‘ . . F F co ti 1 c s; t• . . a a • o I a a ti a d . a t l st . t P . . rt p i d il : . • e v e c M a f • si b ti I I c a t . 1 c 1 ( ' t • • • • • 1 I ~ I , t. o • t ...6 , ..‘,',.• 1 . ,,.. • . • • • . • • SA LT 7'AX. MR. DITOR—As I conceive your Paper the most impartial, and free from party views and motives, I think it the most proper vehicle through which to convey my ideas to the public, on a subject which by all, must be allowed to be of the greatest impor tance to the country, and which, although partially discussed in the House of Commons, during the last Session, did not appear to have that attention paid to it, nor to excite that interest, which its great impor tance, both to the agricultural and mercantile inte rest, demanded ;" or the still weightier consideration, the employment and subsistance of a large proportion of the poorer classes of the community. I mean the present enormous Duty on Salt. If I recollect right, the Chancellor of the Exche quer opposed Mr. Calcraft's motion on the subject, on the ground that he had no tax to substitute for it, and that the sum it raised (one million and a half, or upwards) could not be dispensed with. I am, however, of opinion, that its effects are so extremely injurious to the general interests of the country, and so exceedingly oppressive on the lower classes of society in particular, that it ought, at what ever hazard, to be got rid of ; and I trust that I shall be able to shew, that it would be exchanged to the advantage of all daises, for any tax, or any addi tion to those at present existing, even he revival of that most dreaded one, the Property Tax. It is to be hoped that the present Session may not pass over without its total repeal. The entire repeal of this duty would afford the greatest encouragement to the Fisheries of any mea sure that could be adopted. The abolition of the fot malities of bonds, oaths, Excise locks, and inspec tions, which Salt is now subject to, would give such facility to its removal and its use, that it would occa sionally be carried coastways, instead of ballast ; and the cheapness of the article would, at all times, in sure a sufficient supply for every purpose, to be lodged in every port, and Fishing Station, in the Kingdom. This would enable the lower classes, by Fishing, to provide for themselves a large proportion of their food, as well as a supply for the consumption of the interior, and for export. A very small capital would then suffice to begin with, a stimulus would be given to their industry, and habits might be induced of economy and foresight. How valuable a source of employment and subsistance would it not prove, at this moment, to numbers of seamen and others, who are wholly destitute, or deriving relief from the Poors Rates. As the Salt Laws are at present, they, in a measure, give the capitalists a monopoly of the l Fishe ries, for no one can do any thing in this business with out sufficient property and connections, to enter into heavy bonds, without a considerable capital, inves ted in warehouses, salt, casks, vessels, boats, nets, &c. And as under these circumstances there are, comparatively, very few Depots of Salt, it has not unfrequently occurred, that for want of it, large quan tities of herrings have been absolutely wasted, or led away for manure. At other times, when there have been opportunities of taking them in abundance, the fishing has ceased, as they have been tendered of no value, from this cause. It has also not unfrequently happened, that from the stock of Salt being in one or two hands, they have been enabled to purchase the fish at their own price, to the great detriment and loss of the poor fishermen, who cannot now cure for their own use, even what they take themselves, but find it cheaper to purchase from the fish-curer, who can sell the cured fish for less money than they would have to, pay,for the Salt alone. Thus, it may be said, are the poor deprived of the bounty of PROVIDENCE. Were Salt wholly free from Duty, a beat and nets, of ten or fifteen pounds value, would in many situa tions, be all that was required to commence fish curer ; as a' and casks could be purchased on the spot when wanted. The fishermen would not be al together at the mercy of the curer, or holder of Salt, as now ; and from the greater encouragement they would consequently have for exertion, the quantity of herrings taken would probably be increased be yond calculation, and thus afforded to the consumer or merchant at a cheaper rate. Besides the cod, ling, and various other species of fish, at present much ne glected, which might be taken, and cured to great advantage, on many parts of the coasts of these king doms ;—we should thus, probably, be able to afford a large supply to the East India Colonies from home, as well as furnish a valuable article of commerce to the Mediterranean and Baltic. By these means the country would be enabled to support a much larger population, of whom a great proportion mould consist of a hardy and inditstiious race of seamen on the coasts, to which so much im portance has always justly been attached ; and hav ing this proper encouragement afforded to their in dustry at home, it might be hoped the inducement to emigrate to America and elsewhere (of late so pre valent) might be lessened. Besides the advantage to the Fisheries,. it would enable the lower classes to lay in provisions when cheap ; at the same time, it may be presumed, it would greatly benefit the agriculturist, as in case of any great depression in the price of beef, pork, &c. such as we have witnessed not long ago, they might be rendered exportable commodities, or might be transported from one part of the kingdom to another. Hides might frequently be removed to advantage, could Salt be used free of Duty. By agriculturists Salt is held to be useful for cattle, and as manure. is used also in various manufac tures, which might , be further extended to great ad vantage. , . . • The foul repeal would greatly favour our foreign comm vice. At wesent Salt from' this country can only bAxported to advantage from Liverpool, al though it might fregtientlt be taken from thence, at a very trifling expense; or as ballast, to ports where it might be desirab'e to ship it, as part .of a cargo, with Ether articles. The forms atid bonds at . piesent attendant on the shipment oi :ot, are certainlymost troublesome and in convenient, td or nothing of their 'demoralizing pature. Is it not grievqns also to reflect, that for all the common purposei of life, this most- useful and ne cessary ortiele candit be had in this country, where produced, for less than abont fifty-five shillings per cwt. although the original cost is but ninepence to twelve pound ; aiid in America, after paying a duty of about 2s. it is yet to be had for 4s. 6d. to ss. per cwt. To conclude, the benefits to he derived from its 'total repeal may be thus summed up in—The great encouragement it would afford to the fisheries, the best nursery for seamen, for which purpose all the bounties that have been ranted are as nothing in comparison, and which might thus be saved. The employment and relief it would afford to the poor from the quantity of cheap food, procurable by their own exertions ; and it may not be going too far to suppose, that shortly more money would thus be saved annually in the Poors Rate than is raised by this oppressive Tax ; whilst an increasing and industrious population would probably also oc casion an increased demand for agricultural products. The Landholder and Farmer would thus be bene fited, besides what they would derive from being enabled to use Salt for any purpose, duty free. If the tat cannot be abandoned without an equi valent, it would assuredly be for the advantage of all to commute it for some other of almost any de scription. Indeed it would be impossible to substitute any other that could produce a tithe of the evils that result from the tax upon Salt. In the hope that you may deem these remarks worthy of insertion in your Paper, and the notice of the Public, I remain, Mr. EDITOR, Your most obedient servant, R. T. FrsarAar 24, 1818. PARLIAMENTARY PROCEEDINGS. HOUSE OF LORDS, MARCII 4. Counsel were heard in continuation, and finally, respecting the Scots cause of " Muir v. Muir."—Judgment postponed. The Grand Junction Canal Bill, and two Private Ms, were ' brought up from the Commons, by Mr. J LIILVEY, Mr. Brim, and others, and read the first time. The Oaths of Abjuration and Fidelity being administered at the Bar to M. Prievost, the Bill for his Naturalization was read the first time ; and Messrs. Taylor and Povey, the Clerk and Acting Seaton of the Church of St. Martin's, were also swum with respect to their intended evidence bef ore the Committee on the said Bill. The Annual Indemnity Bill was read the second time. The Report vf the Committee on the Indemnity Bill being presented by the Earl of Suarrassuay, the Amendments made therein were taken Into consideration, and agreed to by the House, as was a further Amendment suggested by the Loan Cmaxceu.oa.—The Bill, as amended, was then ordered to be printed, and, if ready, it is understood will be moved for a third reading to-morrow, for which day the Lords were ordered to be summoned. Viscount Suniouvir presented a Copy of the Report made by the Commissioners of Inquiry, to the Privy Council, re specting the Jury Court in Scot Lind, which was ordered to be printed.—Adjourned. • HOUSE OF COMMONS. Mr. Viviano (from the Secretary of State's Office) pre sented Accounts of all Fees, Taxes, and other Dudes, paid on Pardons granted under the Great Seal.—Ordered to lie on the table. Sir C. MONCK presented a Petition from the Tanners of Hexham, in Northumberland, against the Leather Tax.—Or dered to lie on the table. A similar Petition was presented from the Tanners of the County of Glamorgan.—Ordered to lie on the table. Mr. LUSHINGTON presented Accounts of the Duties paid , on Leather, in the last four quarters, and of the Drawbacks allowed on Exportation.—Ordered to lie on the table. Sir WILLIAM SCOTT presented a Petition from the University of Oxford against the Authors' Copyright Bill.—Or dered to lie on the table. • Mr. H. SUMNER presented a Petition from the Tanners of Surrey, against the Leather Tax.—Ordered to lie on the table. HOLMAYS AT PUBI Sir JOHN NEWPORT wished why the Holidays of the Ofßeers ' been increased? Formerty, we was seven ; they had been raised the course of augmentation. The CHANCELLOR of the the first first he had heard on the subject. quiry to be made, as it did not appe holidays of the Officers in question SALT ' In answer to a question from Mr. DAVENPORT, Mr. CALCRAFT said, he should certainly bring on his motion respecting the Salt Duties, on Tuesday the 11th instant. MISCELLANEOUS ESTIMATES. The Order of the Day being read for going into a Committee of Supply, the Miscellaneous Estimates were ordered to be referred to it, as also a Paper re lating to the Fortifications in the Netherlands. The House having resolved itself into the Corn-. mittee— Mr. ARBUTHNOT moved to defray certain ex penses of a civil nature, which did not ordinarily form part of the charges on the Civil List, for a grant of 500,0001. Mr. GORDON wished to know why this subject had not been before the Finance Committee? Mr. TIERNEY thought the course pursued in this instance, by those entrusted with the management of public affairs, went to take away from that House one of its best rights—the right of controlling the public expenditure.' Though the sum was small, the principle which it involved was important. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said, in former years expenses had occurred which had not been provided for, as they could not be foreseen. The pressure of these, on various departments, had caused some inconvenience to be experienced, and to guard against this it was judged right that a previ ous provision should be made for such incidental ez-' penses as might arise. He had no objection to take part of the sum now moved for on account, and refer the consideration of the remaining part of the grant to the Comntittee of Finance. He moved, as an amendment, that the sum of 250,000/. should be sub stituted for the sum which had been called for. Mr. TIERNEY thought it was taking a new course to move for a grant of money that was not known to be wanted for any specific service, on the understand ing that Ministers should afterwards come to Parlia ment, and shew in what manner it had been ex pended. Mr. WARRE shewed in what way part of a simi lar grant called for in the last year had been ex pended. The repairs of public buildings, which in the preceding year had cost the country but 8,0001. had in the last caused an expenditure of 41,000/. He then noticed the expense incurred on account of captured negroes, and wished for some information as to the system acted upon with respect to them. Mr. ARBUTHNOT explained the increase of ex pense for repairs of public buildings in the last year, and also the system acted upon with regard to cap tured negroes. Sir CHARLES MONCK understood that upwards of 4,000,0001. had been coined in gold in the last year. He wished to know if it had nearly all been issued ? Mr. W. POLE said that five millions and a half 1,--4.lnUrea to or Oil Ule time. To make good the7ium wanted for tht PUBLIC OFFICES. of 1817, for defraying the expense r thed to ask the Attorney- - and other Papers, by order of the 11 rs M the Customs at DAMN . 6 . ~ during the bat Session Le numner Annowea is. oat ell • fipple 611 printing me dto twenty, and were • 'of Commons during the p e EXCHEQUER , said this . • sood the sum wanted for the bject. Ile would cause some f - year 1817, for re-printing appear to him desirable that the `; Honourable House of Common ion should thus be mu/tip4ed• , i • cover the sum that will be wants DUTY. defray the Expense incurred for pi had Wen coined, and that of this sons 4,200,000 had been issued from the Mint to the Bank. The motion as amended by the CiIAXCELLOR the EXCHEQVER was carried. . _ . Mr. AIfRUTHNOT next moved the following grants to be applied in further execution of an Act of the 43d of his present Majesty, cap. 80, towards making Roads and building Bridges in the High lands of Scotland, for the year 1818 - £20,0 00 Towards defraying the expense of the building of a Penitentiary linos. at Milbank, for doe year 1818 3C00,000 On the latter Resolution being put, . Mr. GORDON wished the House to be aware of the manner in which the public money was to be ex pended on this establishment. He understood that some of the towers had already fallen, and that the grant now made was in pan called for to rebuild them. Mr. LOCKHART said he would oppose this Re solution. The Penitentiary Houses did not strike at the root of the evil. They might amend the indivi 'duals confined, but it had been seen they did not t ent the increase of crime. It was not in this way sums should be expended. They should - rather apply themselves to form a vignrouS alad adive police that might prevent the increase of chine. Mr. LONG thought 'the objection of-the4lonoura ble Gentleman, if at all valid, ought ro have been urged before the plan for erecting Penitentiary Houses had been adopted by Parliament. To him it appeared the establishment at Milbank was likely to answer the purpose for which it was erected. It was certainly true that some of the towers had fallen, but it was to be remembered that those who built the klbenitentiary had not the choice of the spot on which it should be erected. The ground was such, that at first it had been thought of building it on piles, but this design had been abandoned. The towers which had fallen had formed a very small part of the edi fice, and measures had been adopted to guard against a similar occurrence, which appeared to be corn. pletely successful.—The Resolution being agreed to, the following grants were then moved : To defray the Expense of the Establishment of the Penitentiary House ; from the 24th day of June, 1818, to the 24th day of June 1819 - £11,048 12 2 To defray the Expense of Law Charges; for the year 1818 A 25,000 To defray the Expense attending the confining, maintaining, and employing Convicts at Home ; for the year 1818, £89,368 14 10 To meet the Extraordinary Expenses that may be incurred for Prosecutions, fit.c.Felating to the Coin of this Kingdom; for the year 1818 - .- - "MO ' 1 To defray the Charge of the Superintendence of Aliens, accord ing to the provisions of an Act passed in the 43d year of his' , present Majesty ; for the year 1818 - £4,895 6 0 To defray the Expense of the National Vaccine Establishment ; for the year 1818 - - - £3,000 0 0 To cover the sum that may probably he wanted to defray the charge for printing Acts of Parliament for the two Houses of Parliament; for the Sheriffs, Clerks of the Peace, and Chief Magistrates throughout the United Kingdom. and for the acting Justices throughout Great Britain ; also for printing Bills, Reports Evidence, and other Papers and Accounts for the House of Lords, for the year 181$ £17,000 0 0 To make good the sum that will be wanted fur the deficiency of the Grant of 1817, for printing 1,750 copies of the 71st Volume of Journals of the Honourable House of Commons £427 3 3 For the amount of the Annuity granted to the Trustees of her late Royal Highness the Princess Charlotte Augusta and hit Serene Highness Leopold George Frederic, Prince of Co hours, which would have accrued from the 10th day of (k -tober, 1817, to the Gth day of November following, the day of her Royal Highness's death £4,655 3 5 'or the deficiency of the Grant , se of printing Bills, Reports, Honourable House of Coo, £1,448 15 7 . Totes of the Bonoaranie' present fiession of Puha - 12,100 0 0 t the deficiency of the Grant re-printing Journals and Reports at e Commons £6,824 7 1i wanted in the present year, to' defray Expense d for printing 1250 copies of the General Index to Sixteen Volumes of Journals of the house of Lords, from the Twentieth to the Thirty-fifth Volume, both inclusive £1,969 6 5 To defray the Expense of confining and maintaining Criminal Lunatics, for the year 1818 £2,777 0 0 For the Relief of American Loyalists, for the year 1818 - £12,500 0 0 To defray the Charge of the Superannuation Allowances or Compensations to retired Clerks and other Officers, formerly employed in the Office of the Commissioners for Auditing the Pnblic Accounts, for the year ISIS £1,750 0 0 To defray the Charge of the 'Superannuation Allowances or Compensations to Retired Clerks and other Officers, for . . . . merly . employed in the Lottery Office, for the year 181'6 £336 10 0 To defray the Charge of the Superannuation Allowances or Compensations to Retired Officer , , fbrmerly employed in his Majesty's Mint, for the year 1818 ,e 690 0 0 To defray the Charge of the Superannuation Allowance or Com pensation to one of the late Paymasters of Exchequer Bills, for the year 1818 - - £266 13 4 To defray the Charges of the Civil Establishment of Sierra Leone, for the year 1818 - - X 15,450 o 0 Ditto for Nova Scotis - - - 13,440 0 0 Ditto for New South Wales - 12,605 0 0' Ditto for Upper Canada - - 10,800 0 0 Ditto for New Brunswick - - 6,757 0 0 Ditto for Newfoundland - - 5,485 0 0 Ditto for the Island of Sc. John, now called Prince Edward's Island Ditto for the Bahama Islands 3,760 0 0 2,301 0 0 2,190 0 0 Ditto for Cape Breton Ditto for the Isle of Dominica For Bills drawn in New South Wales 600 0 0 8,000 0 0 To cover the Interest of Exchequer Bills issued under an Act of the 7th Queen Anne 1,094 0 0 On the grant of 4,8974 being moved for the Alien Office, Sir M. W. RIDLEY opposed, and announced an intention 'of taking the sense of the Committee on it. Mr. ARBUTHIqOT consented to withdraw it for the present. The other sums were voted without observation. FORTIIPICATIONS IN THE NETHERLANDS. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER, in rising to move a grim of money towards completing the Fortifications in the Netherlands, had the satis faction to remind the House, that ultimately they might calculate the charge would not fall on this country. He thought it a matter of great congra tulation to the House, that hitherto there had been no delay on the part of the French Government in meeting those charges which they- were bound to bear. After a few further rem ar k s , h e conc l u ued by moving for a grant -of . 725,6811. 12s. on account of the sum of 2,000,0001. to be advanced by this country, towards cornirletitig the Fortifications of the Netherlands, under a Treaty signed August 13, 1814. Mr. WARRE was not sure whether the Chancellor a the Exchequer had stated France to have advanced the sum - she was bound to contribute towards the Fortifications. The Government of the Netherlands was bound to advance 2,000,0004 as well as the Go vernment of this Country ; he wished to know what proportion of this sum they had advanced. - • Lard CASTLEREAGiI stated this cou rd ,, , cnosideration of the cession of certain colt 1 have engaged to advance two million s t owards ti ; foetvesses to be erected for the defence of the F is mish fmntier. Estimates of the Intended wo r k, 4 4 been prepared by the engineers, which had b proved by the Duke of Welling ton. 'lle korai i 4 .7 tions received from France were appropriated t o f eet works as they came in, and what sholld o val when they were completed would he dividedelket, between she two Governments. At present } roe ; had not contributed all she was to pay towArdstlsok as in the first instance it had been stipulated th at should do this progressively in the cou rse o f the fri years. England and the Governme nt o f t h e X e 6 lands were each bound to advance sums nat ing 2,000,000 i. to complete the works. WARRE referred to an Article of th e T. from which he thought it appeared that E. was bonnd j to advance any sum not excteding` millions. Lord CASTLEREAGH asserted, the .40 the country was bound to advance was 2.000,01 k Mr. WARRE read the Article of the Conse s‘ and asked, if under that Treaty this country s o not be called upon for a third million? The CHANCELLOR ef the EXCHEQUEIIssi the Article referred to was not very clear, I nt tt object of it was to secure an advance of I,OK from this country for the fortifications. For the ft sion of Guadaloupe 1,000!. was to be pieta aa l that Treaty; and the words alluded to by the nourable Gentleman were merely precaurionamit this ossuary 'hada in no case be cal.el spa more than 3,000,0001. Mr. WARRE thought, as the ankle stood, country was liable to be called upon for 4,00, 4 0% Lord CASTLEREAGH said not the s:igilastaa, understanding en this subject had existed betser.a, two Governments. It.was perfectly understal this country was not to advance more than 2,00044 on account of the fortresses. Mr. TIERNEY said, from the Treaty it appe n 4 l that if the 2,000,0001. should be instAcie.a. country might be called upon for any sum Lc 5 . ceeding 3,000,00011.--The motion was then ag:e kx OPP MISSIVE MACH A AVM Lord LASCELLES presented a Petition harem min shopkeepers and retail traders of Leeds, sy were persons of respectability, and who se ! 4 much in the habit of complaining of the Lies. 1 appeared that a very severe construction had Ira put on the law for regulating the duties on srLits; which pressed very hard qn the Petitioners. Pm also complained that where they had emplo7ed:3 dren to shut up their windows, to carry out p...-r t 4 or to do any thing connected with their busr s. t had been attempted to charge them as serum These things led them to petition for some ahem' of the law, as at present the Commissioners to r . aa they had appealed could afford them no redrets.lie Petition was then read. Sir JAMES GRAHAM supported the Pei* and corroborated the statement made by the Lop.) (Lascelles). The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUI stated several representations to have been !Man the Treasury on the manner in which it was attetnpal to charge travellers and others connected with penal in business as vervants, and some measure of was intended. With respect to the atim as there might be more difficulty, but therapy would be considered.—The Petition was mitred* lie on the table. PROPIATT TAX. Mr. BROUGHAM rose pursuant to notice. submit a motion to the House, which had for object the destruction of all the returns whici been made to the odious Income-Tax. The print* of this motion was so obvious that he would not a one word in support of it. He would merely., coed to state why it had become necessary To Eaago it was state by the Chancellor ts c l i s chequer that steps had been taken to destroy* returns. On subsequent enquiry.he had found is the orders for their destruction, though prc,pe:r sued, as he had no doubt the Right Honourab:e Grr tleman believed, had been so imperfectly coraMSI with, that in all parts of the country returns hulls found used to wrap articles sold in shops of r descriptions, so that it was almost impossible hi person to go into one of them without seeing bison return, or that of his neighbour thus disposed A. was said on this being made known that more effects! steps would be taken for their destruction: km mean time, however, *circular letter from the 1a office had appeared, directing accurate 'copies ut taken of all the returns in the country, which r to be transmitted to London. It was said, hoar that the returns should. be destroyed, and mei more had transpired till a few days ago. lectt . (Mr. Brougham) had asked • the Cha n cellor cc 1.1 Exchequer if copies had been kepi in Landon, or I any. part of the country? The ,House .wc3lj ee if copies were kept it was of no importance that . ti originals were destroyed. T o the q u e stica he asked,. it was replied by opposite, that copies were kept. but tl , .c acmes fg ut individuals.were omitted. Now it w:s if the returns, and all the details were kept. In.!' names only omitted of those who . had that the Collectors and others could te:l well that such a return was th.tt of A. B. had seen A. B. write his caziie. For ancerer,i were those returns to be kept ? He were to be preserved as a check up , :: county rates, but such a purpose he cont, as well be accomplished in ar.other wa . these returns might be destroyed. It WI that this was to be done, and r.ething to take steps to effect this. The lti;,:t If Gentleman might assure the !Jou.: be done; but if the orders issued 1( of the papers were not complied u ith ir. it was clear the inteetion of the liou%e v feated. To prevent this he now propose. mime should be appointed to inquire w been taken to ensure the xiestructiox This motion, he understood, %you!, „fe,l a to. It was indeed so reasonable what grounds it could have been opposesi. such a motion-a; p: ared the env o great slowhess which he had ohter , vd in ira coons from the Tar ()Kee. lie did mart 11% ;n ixnpute this to the !light lion. Gentleman. but was A sonwthinvabout the u•• 1