The Express.
London, England, 1866-02-08 00:00:00

rHs MALT TAX.

To the deputation yesterday,

The CHANOiLLOR a the Exainsien maid that altholldb
he had not heard too mach on the ruble* be had heard

um* more than he onl4 Notice in the manner

he could wish to notice it, insomnia as he felt
that it would not be respectful to receive the observations
and &Turnouts of the deputation without stating what
occurred to him in answer to the uveral points advanced.
He could not eater into any discussion of the question
raised by the last speaker forthee than to say that everything
that related to the rearing and feeding of stock is this
country was more especially, in coo sequence of the discourag-
ing prospects of the peewit moose, a matter of grave and
vital importance. (Hear.) The quertios relatively of
raking grain for human food and for feeding animals was
becoming daily more and more important. It was obvious
that there must be an increase of stock in this country, and
as a consequence there must be an increase of pubs for
feeding that stook ; bet be confessed he did not at once
see the oennexioe of the repeal of the malt tax with the
raising of main for the feeding of stock, for If the malt
tax, as was alleged, discouraged the growiog of barley for
malting purpose*, it would seem relatively that it would
rather tend to montage the raisin of grain for the feeding
of stock. It had bees °bemired by one of the deputation
that be (the Chancellor of the Exchequer) said in the
Houma of Commons that be looked upon the malt tax as
the keystone of direst taxation. What he did say was
something resembling that, but not that exactly. What
he did say was that they had come by degrees to a system
of raising an enormous sum of money by taxes on stimu-
lants of various deseriptione—spirits, malt, wine, and to-
baono—f rem the reweave derived from which four artistes,
. . . . .

speaking roundly, we derived sufficient to pay the intermit
upon the national debt. Next come tea and sugar, which
combined formed a stimulant Is • moderate sense—and he
did sot see how, lookiag at the revenue ermined by those
articles (sot as to the articles themselves) we could look for
an early time within which we could fairly anticipate being
relieved from taxation. There me, he knew, mailmen
who held that the whole taxation of the country ought to
be raised from property or income. or what we might call
direct taxation ; and epos paper, is the abstract, the
ariumeate for such a system were perhaps unsaswerabbi.
But he believed it wee impracticable; at all omen his
lights were not sufficient to enable him clearly to see his
way to it, sad he had said, therefore, elsewhere, that he
did not see how they could get rid of a system of taxa-
tion on what might be called stimulants in general, or
upon any one of the great branches of them in peed-
' calar. With regard to the taxation of malt as a prin.
triple and constituent of beer, and the taxation of
milt in the shape of the manufactured article
of beer, that be admitted was sa important
question. It was sot, however, one of principle, and be
WIN free to admit that, so far as the argument was con-
cerned, it would be better to impose the tax on the article
when manufactured than in its earlier stage. (Hear, hear.)
The difficulties in the way of such an arrangement were
considerable, bat when he saw his way to a change in that
direction he should be glad to my so. But really, after
all, the true basis of any reduction of taxation must depend
upon the demands of the state. It was upon the deter-
mination of the entire community, without distinction of
class or party, to Moms the principle of thrift in the
public expenditure that the hopes of all classes of tax-
payers must in the long run depend. From the conflict or
muffle between those who demanded the repeal of this tax
or of that tax no satisfactory result could ensue, for
all hopes of reduction must ultimately depend upset
economy in our public expenditure. They bad •
large sum to raise for tie want, of the country,
and that sum must be provided. No man,
he apprehended,had an abstract love for taxation—eertainly
no man is his situation—but the wants of the public ser-
vice must be supplied. it had been said by Colonel North
that many classes had been relieved, but that no rebel had
beam extended to the agrimilturista. Now he (the Chao-
seller of the Exchequer) had never been an advocate foe
repealing taxes in reforms to particular classes. Many
demands bad been made upon him by this interest and by
that, bat he had always felt that it was the duty of the
government to insist that reductions of taxation should be
confined as much as possible to them fiscal burdens which
pressed generally upon the whole community. Be thought
that the deputatma would agree with this, end admit that the
magnitude of this question was one that should only be cm&
deredse it awned the wholeommunity, nor could he believe
that it was now advanced as one that was confined to a
particular class. Last year the government bads lupe
surplus to dispose of, and grave questions arose as to its
application. There was at that uric a sufficient sum of
money at the disposal of the government to have enabled
them to have made an impression upon the malt tax, but
they did sot think it their duty to make any such preposeL
Their view was that when the tea duty was reduced to 6d.
s pound the tax upon tea would be as equal as possible to
the duty en malt. (" No, no.") He did not claim the
assent of the deputation to that opinion, but that was the
view of the government when they brought forward the
proposition, and therefore they thought it doe to the com-
munity at large to make that proposal to parliament. and
then they thought that the best way of disposing of the I
surplus beyond what would be absorbed by the
reduction of the tea duty, was to make a large
reduction io the income tax--expeatatiam of such
redactions having been held out in parliament,
founded upon its ultimate rimed, to the inducing of which
expectations he himself had been a party, though
the circumstances of the country had not yet
enabled them to carry them out. That, how-
ever, formed the greeted for reducing, as they
had done in the leet session, the income tax to a very low
amount. But what be would call attention to was, that the
view so entertained arid propounded by the government
was adopted by parliament without any adverse exprsesioas
in the shape of a division, and that it had been acquiesced
in by the country. At the present time his fear was that
the gentlemen by whom he had been addressed formed too
sanguine a view of the ultimate prospects of the current
financial year. He was not aware of • state of things likely
to occur within the next two Months. which would place in
the hands of the government such a surplus as would enable
them to look in the face the great question which was here
raised. At the same time he oomeneeded the prodemeand fore-
sight of the gentlemen who now waited upon him in being
Ant in the field. (Cheers and a laugh.) They must, how-
ever, be aware that the operations they were carrying on
were upon • very large and grand sada. and that nothing
but • very large surplus indeed groat enable the govern-
ment sod parliament to meet their views. Be should
indeed he glad if they could ermines him that the fines-
and state of the country was such as would enable the
government to entertain any of these great questions, but
meeting them as be did on that occasion he felt bound to
inform then that he did not meet them in the poisiticia
of a minister who believed that they were likely to
arrive Immediately at so agreeable a position of
affairs. With regard to himself, he held so
opinion except subject to correction. He was
anxious for the most free and open discussion of the
question the hope that whatever errors he might
have faint into might be removed. As to what be had
said in regard to the taxation of the products of barley as
part of our finascial system that was • proposition open
to argument; bat however that might be, it would be the
duty of the government to give their utmost attention to •
question of such grave importune, and in conclusion he
begged to thank the deputation ?my cordially for mining
then to supply him with that information which their
practical knowledge on the subject scalded them to Meg
to his notice, and assured them that their statements sad
representations should have his best oonsideratioo.
Colonel NORTH th.nked the right hon. gentleman, on the
part of the deputation, for the reception he bad given
them and for the ecartem attention he had paid to them.
Sir G. Jwisaoa asked why it should be objected to
raise the tax upon the manufactured article, beer, maned of
raisin it as now from the pocket of the farmer, first as a
grower of barley and a feeder of stock. end subsequently
as • commer of beer. A large quantity of superior beer
made from the highest quality of malt was exported, and
this was comparatively free from taxation.
Lord Beams and others interposed one or two cheer-
vatioos, after which
The cem.on of the EXCHIQIIML, in reply to Sir G.
Jeoketsoo, said it bad bees represented to hint that there
would be very geed difficulty if the making of malt were
relieved from the excise impaction, in preventing its con-
version into spirits by dist:Minim This was the first
point ; the next was the difficulty of following the process
through all its stages in a great number of brownie establish-
ments ; and the third we. the difficulty which arose between
private brewers and public brewers.
One or two other gentlemen eedievoured to speak, but
the Cheapener of the Exchequer intimated that his time
had expired. sod the &potation then withdrew.

CONVOCATION or THE PEOVINCI or CANTERBURY.
—Yesterday morning the prelates and clergy of the son-
vocation of Canterbury re-sesembled at Westminster. The
Archbishop of Canterbury took the chair in Queen
Anne's Bounty-office at 11 o'clock, and prayers were read
by the Bishop of Salisbury. No boobiess of any importances
was discussed, an a general meeting of Enlist, Irish, and
Colonial bishops was announced to be held at Lambeth
Palace, on subjects of pressing importance to the ehurch.
The sitting was ooasequectly adjourned at a quarter to 12
o'clock. The Archbishop of Canterbury stated that he
had received • letter from the Home Secretary, declining
to fix a day of national humiliation for the cattle plague.
In the Lower House the Venerable Archdeacon Biker-
steth presided. The discussion on the conscience elause
wee resumed—the motion introduced on the previous day
by Archdeacon Denison being seconded by Archdeacon
Wordsworth. After considerable discussion the motion
was carried on a division by 46 to 15. A rider was proposed
by Canon Seymour, to the effect that the resolution should
be takes to the Upper House by the Prolocntor,wbo sheald
be requested to inform their lordships that that house
earnestly prayed them to use their influence to Metals the
withdrawal of this cleave. Canon Selwyn opposed the
rider, es being against rale, but it was supported by the
Dean of Ely, Mr. Bramstoe, and others, se tending
otrevde.
authority to the resolution which the house had
The house then adjourned.
lINIVIRSITY COLLEGE, LONDON.—At the session
of council held on the 3rd hest. Dr. Sankey was &notated
lecturer on mental diseases. An offer made by the Royal
Institute of British Architects of a silver medal, streak in
commemoration of the retirement of Professor Donaldson
from the chair of architecture at the college, to be com-
peted for annually by the students in the class of arehitec-
tune was accepted with thanks.
Alm-Taacranise Maximo IN LIVIMPOOL. —On
Tuesday evening a crowded meeting of the members of the
church of England was held in the large hall of the Liver-
pool College in Shaw-s,reet, its object being to protest
against the numerous innovations which of late years have
crept into the ritual of the established church. Long before
the meeting commenced, the ball wee crowded by a vest
coscourss of people, and many were unable to oblate ad-
minion. The chair was taloa at 7 o'clock by the Rev.
Dr. M'Neile, who was attended by a numerous body of laity
as well as clergy ; amongst the latter were the following
gentlemen :—Rev. Dr. Taylor, Thomas Cowan, Dr. Barba,
J. R. Coonor, Dr. Lowe, Haugh, R. Dandy, W. T. Hobeen,
J. Kelly, Dr. Smolt. *Mason, Stevens, Maynard, N.
Loraine, J. H. Scott, Ashen. W. H. Wright, Samson,
W. Elliott, Dr. Hodgkins, Wheeler, T. Robinson,
Greedy, T. M. Lester, Reads. Carson, Hunt, Hughes, F.
M. Harkey, D. Anderson, J. H. Joon, R. Pentanes,
R. Oster, H. Woodword. During the evening the following
resolutions were moved and passed usanimously. The fine
one, by the Rev. Dr. Taylor, woodedone, by Mr. Charles
Groves, was to the effect:—" That the novel ceremonies
now introduced into several churches throughout the
country are inconsistent with the formularies and doctrines
of the church of England, are disturbing the peace, impair-
ing her efficiency, aced disquieting the minds of essay de.
voted members or her communion." The mooed resolution
was moved by the Rev. Dr. Lowe, and seconded by the
Rev. Dr. Burton. Its purport was:—" That it is desirable
to petition our raters in church and state to adopt such
measures as will effectually protect our customs' y worsbip
from these innovations." The meeting was conducted wit
order and regularity, and although gnat difference of
opinion might prevail amongst the numerous attendants,
the greatest harmony prevailed. A vote of thanks was
unanimously accorded to the rev. chairman, sad duly ere
knowledged, when the meeting separated.
LORD ST. LEONARDIeII ARBITRATION BlLL.—Last
evening a delegate meeting of the London trades societies
was held at the Bell lon, Old Bailee. to take into omeidera-
tioa the bill introduced by Lord St. Leonard/ into parlia-
ment, entitled " An Act for the Establishment ef
Equi-
table Courts of Conciliation and Arbitration* Mr. banter,
of the Amalgamated Engineers, occupied the chair. The
bill having been read in full, a long and interestine alms-
sioa took plans, during which Messrs. Eyeing and Dupont,
French inorkmee, who attended as a deputation, gave an
illustration of the working of similar courts in France,
which were sot on the whole of a satbfeetery
character. A great differ's°. of opinion existed among
the deleeates as to the value of arbitration in the existing
state of the relations bet wese masters and workmen. Even-
tually the following rseolation was adopted :—" That in the
opinion of this meeting the bill of Lord St. Leonard. for
establishing cosies of ease:Mallon and arbitration b de-
serving the careful attention of the bade. of the United
Kingdom, and we hereby approve of a deputation waiting
epee hie lordship to consult him apes some uncertain
potato in the proposed bill. and that this meeting stand
adjourned to receive the report of such deputation." The
deputatioe having been appointed, a vote al thanks to the
*hairless closed the proceedings.
Hewn or CHARM, 80110-11QUARL—The annual
wisher evening conversancree took piece last evening, after
service In the chapel. Amenget the company were :—Mrs.
and the Mims Glades", lady Wood, Hon. Mrs. Talbot,
• Lieutenant Frederick Semple, RN., naval mail Mr. W. H. Gladstone, Lady H. Ogilvy Lady
asset on the Southamptoe static*, has been prompted to Burrell, Hon. MIL Menlo Mr. and Men.epoll
the rink of commander on the retired line Bethune. Major-General Wil Lineman *nal
New Yost DRAD Linen Seta.—The great sale ,FM Or Hos" Hiss Prime, the Reit end Ken ft
of articles accumnlateddurirg the year at the Dead Letter- „llitbs_ Very Rev. Moreldsok the Byre& Went,
office, was commenced ote Sreardav by Beieler, aid ; n.
_Yam*. ..Yrsder- Dental, Belcher. After
been continued wish the liveliest tried et bidding overtime =
Over half the immense atalogues is of articles of jewel. • '"•"".."°?, •••• 122" "me IThe ."1"°"•." Revs. B.
Ivry, largely of the "dollar" sort, bat with sprinklingßel and Tinting, Dr. Menne and Mr. R. Brett.
month of the genuine to iednee a lively competition. I Bra HENRY STORKS AND TER GOVERNYINT Or
Upwards of three hundred article. is the eolleotioe are MALTA.—The terms in which Sir Henry Storks is spoken
packages of patent medicines in the 1111114)0 of pills, pow- of ley the English precis] la respect to his manner of °en-
ders, segues* tele, old and mew school, allopathic, deleting the government of this depeedemey, are no more
homoeopathic, Thosepsonsan, ealsotio, sad all sorts, for the then is due to his excellmeey, who hie inereishly those, is
relief of every malady known to man or woman. There bin administration, a jet and props, defames to the
are over 150 gold (supposed to be) watches. Also as is. wishes of the pope atlas, as expressed through the respect-
dreesribable medley of all the varieties of wares known to able portion of the pram, and the legitimate representstives
eivilisatioe. Amon the odd articles thus passed through ofthapeoples The fears eateriained that, should his ex-
-IJoele Sam% marls, finding tbeteteiiemslibe Deed Weer- esllesey be long Anna from this bleed, peddle ages here
Gem am of eels sicamaJoswil wel heysfloe, will mass groat deteismat thereby, ern we are scurry to
holes' wigs, beedies of eiethies. d pasts of seeing lay, too well foueded ; and we sincerely trust that her
maims. rebels of felt balm, bee sag-whasisluiel ifeeseffi's goverenesee Will be guided by this emnsideratioa
...111LIsissP wicker elm arrsialt bosom adios sot keeping away treat his pan, Imager than the eel.
sleeps, please id a limo, bap benne* la of the petalierseityfamitheelately numb*, a gewereer.
sanitary boob', fre. no Proceed. free the sffie be rillibegimaing of whose rule 'premise. so mach for theed-
i depeefled. eab)set to the seder et qe maim, shwa soy Teeteeteet mehritl Us* el Malta sod its loyet
d eves lea 111111.--Ser rent JIM. beim —Maki Beeseo Feb. L