The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser.
London, England, 1824-04-27 00:00:00

TO THE EDITOR OF THE BRITISH PRESS.

am induced to address you in reference to your fluent
and flattering expivistion on the statement of income and expen- ,
diture in each year 'deice 1735, which is inserted in your paper of
Saturday. You Net out by pronouncing the statement in question
" a most important and interesting paper," and infer from it,—be.
nun. since 11115, when taxation and expenditure appear to have
attained their maximum, and when the expenditure exceeded the
revenue by nearly forty millions per annum, whilst the taxes have
been reduced nearly ttirenty millions per annum, and now exceed
the expenditure by upward,' of six millions per annum,—that the
country is rising toe "proud state of universal confidence and pros-
perity." "ft is," you say, •" a proud and consoling state of
things, anti that it forms the great triumph of Mittistrry, and has
secured the present unquestioned popularity they enjoy with the
country at large." You proceed to say, that, " with a commerce
spread on every sea, and air influence paramount, not only in Eu-
rope, but the.- whom the civilized world, unexampled happiness
anti prosperity have alan seteed rent our own shores. The present
Weeny of (:rat Ilfitain is, ") nil aiy," one of uny Ara& led greatness,
wraith, and glory; and that it is founded on a basis that dnerng
to endure, and is likely to last for ages of greatness and power to
come, for it has been l'airly nequired ; it is supported by freedom,
by national character, MA national energy and industry, directed
by Meru' and CliPetielle.leiliiiirilL" Ilarl I read such an expatriation
as this in the ('varier or New Time:, I 'should have let it pass for
what it is worth, but regarding your paper as a vehicle of philter,-
phial and rational political reasoning and elucidation, equally dis.
daining to minister to selfish interests, prepossessions, and vulgar lore-
judion, as to authorities and the powers that be, I cannot refrain
(to use the language of a popular periodical) from denying every
part of your enthymeme : Yoe say that the statement in
question a " • most important and interesting papso:" I say that
it is specious and delusive, mid thurefere unworthy. You aver
that the expenditure has been diminished in the ruorstrous sum of
about GO millions annually, and that there Ins been a vast reduction'
of the burdens of the country 1 say, that whatever may be the re-1
deletion in the money amount of the expenditure, there is no reduc.
tion in the burdens of the country. It is your opinion that the,
present history of Greet liritain is one of unparalleled greatness,
wealth, and glory ; and that it is founded on a basis that deserves
to endure, for it has been fairly acquired : 1 say that the present
history of ireat Britain is one of unparalleled privation, distress, and
degradation, and of the most awful portent; and that its present
ainGition hos been founded either on the grossest error, or the most
unpardonable deception. You affirm that the country is supported
by freedom, and directed by liberal and enlightened Councils :
I affirm, that it is 'supported by a state of subjection, toil, and
privation, without a parallel in the history of man, and directed by
couccils, which, whatever purity or goodness of intention they may
may possess, are replete with petty, gpenilative, and temporizing
characteristics; and, to break the enthymeme, I will now proceed
to an elucidation of the several propositions in detail, in the order
in which they stand. First, AS to the importance and interest of the
statement. By the accounts which have been laid before Parliament
annually, during the 21 years, 1793-1816, the total revenue
amounts to 1,166,564.0341. ; whilst by the statement in question, it
amounts only to 1,126,610,41141. being a difference of about 40
millions; in addition to which, three quarters of a year, from the
14th January to the 10:h Octiiher 1799, appears to have been stated
twice in the statement in siiestion, making a difference of about 22
millions more, or 62 millions in the aggregate. Again, with re.
spect to the income and expenditure in the three years. 1813-15,
from which you infer such a monstrous reduction has taken place,
had the items been stated in detail, it would have been son that
the revenue of those three years had been swelled by 23,548.7701.
under die head of extraordinary resources received from Ireland ;
whilst the expenditure had been swelled by 20,701,5351. remitted
to Ireland during the same period, and 32,354,28111. subsidies to
foreign Powers. It is obvious, therefore, that in deducing the re-
duction in the mere money amount from the ma.rimum which the
income and expenditure obtained, that about seven millions per
annum must be first taken from the maximums point ; as the
items relating to Ireland resolve themselves into a mere nomi-
nality ; and, as regards the 32.354,21181. for subsidies in those
three pars, I shall sliew, although a corresponding amount
has ceased to appear in the statements of the Government
income and expenditure, that tier foreign loans now in operation
resolve themselves into a national burthen, to the extent of 101,015
millions poxannum, as virtually as did the 32.354,1111. of subsi-
dies in the years 1813-15. Again, as regards the amounts fur the
six years, 1817-22, by the accounts laibefore Parliament annu-
ally t the actual amount of taxes in those six years amounted to
325,762,5151., whilst the statement you so highly extol accounts for
only 299,923,3111., bring a difference Of nearly 26 millions; and
with reference to the last year, you say that in 11118, you mean
1817 (ending sth January 111111). the tcvenue was little more than
48 millions; in 1822 it was 50,700.0001., and in 11123 the resources.
and prosperity of Great Britain are so much increased, that it
amounts to near a4.54,,0imi1. Thus, you proceed rei ray, "we
have now, with the property tax and a whole host of inifthens be-
side, reduced, in place of a monstrotia deficiency, the large surnhis
applicable to the debt of the country of more than six millions
sterling." A more false and delusive representation than this
Was never made; in the first place, you omit to naive the fact that
in 1819 the rates of taxation on certain articles were increased oat
a calculation to produce upwards of three millions per annum; and
diem, had you examined the items which form the aggregate of the
revenue for the last year. you wind(' have seen that about twn
was borrowed money, and 767,0001. arising from the juggling
transaction relative to Austria ; AO that, as far as legitimate revenue
is concerned, it does nut exceed the legitimate demands upon it,
by more than about three, instead of six millions per annum ; the
the difference between the three millions, and the amount expended
on the rerchage of three per cent. Mock- having been raised at a
rate of shunt 751. money for every 1001. of stock, whilst it is now
being expended at the rate of about SM. money for every NlOl. of
week, being a lass to. the public of about 211. on every 1001 oh
stock so purchased. So much foe the worthiness of the statement in
one point of view ; butt, for a more complete uudtntanding of the
subject, it is necessary to divide the 31 yeats 1793-18:Z, into four
periads—drat, 1793-.l797—second, 17911-11;07 or B—third, 1808-
)8174 aselbatly, 1818 downwards. It will be seen that during
'the OK d these periods, no material increase in taxes took
plseetelut that, with the commencement of the second period, an
inertiae of more than one third at once took place. How was it ?'
An examination of all the circumstances of that period will shew,
that the increase in the income and expenditure was occasioned as
' much, if not more, by the change in the monetary system which
' took place in 171.7, than it was by any actual increase of absolute
expense, and the same at the commencement of the third peri,d,
when the monetary system underwent a further change. Total non-
intrinsic representations of amount being legalised as good pay-
ment, ocerniored again a further increase in the money price of
commodities, rather than s corresponding increase in the quantity
of commodity; and then, when, in 1817, it was proposed to
reestablish an intrinsically valuable money currency at the same
standard as exhibited prior to 1797, commodity again yield-
ed in its money price to the circumstances of the measure pro-
pond, and which was effected in 11119. So that if the burdens of the
country are measured b gold, to which all cemmorlities are again
made referable, they will be found greater in Itto than in any
former year of the existence of the nation ; and the privation and
distress of the greater portion of the people will he found severe in
proportion to such increase. On an analytical and fair investigation
of the actual amount of taxes collected in each year, since 1792,
the maximum of money amount will be seen to have been, in 1815,
when the amount was 71,153,1421., and the average of the three years
1813-15 to have been 69.902,1051. per annum, but the money price
of gold on an average of those three years, was nut less than 107 s.
per ox., and consequently the pressure of taxation annually, tin an
average of those three years, was only equal to 13,085,1010 oz. of
gold, whilst on an average of the three years, 1920.2-2, the money
amount of taxes annually will be seen to have been 55,279,7951.,
payable in gold, or representations of amount convertible into
gold on demand, at the rate of 775. 6d. pans.; consequently the
pressure of taxation is now equal to 14,265,750 or. of gold, instead
of 13,0651130, or 1,200,000 oz. per annum, more than at any for-
mer period; and further. the ounce of gold will now obtain more
of every ether commodity than it would on an average of the three
years, 11113-15, and tonsequently, as all taxation is its ultimate
result falls on the products of labour, the severity of its pressure
is increased in proportion to the increased quantity of products the
ounce of gold will now obtain. It may be well to observe that the
increased amount of taxation in an ounceof gold in itaelf,or abstract-
edly viewed, leads to no just conclusion ; because, supposing the sup-
ply of gold to have increased in a corresponding or greater ratio, thaw
on whom taxation falls, would he so much more i.ble to contribute,
and the increase of aggregate amount would in such case occasion
no increase of severity or pressure in its exaction; that is. a redim-
dant supply of gold would occasion precisely the same effect as a
redundant supply of paper, or any other non-intrinsic representa-
tion of amouta, viz. an increase in the money rate or price of pro.
ducts, whereby less produce and consequently less severity of la-
bour, into which all taxation resolves mielf,would meet the demand
of taxes; but three has been no redundant supply of gold, and no in-
crease (in a general sense) of the money price of commodities,
and therefore the severity and pressure of taxation is virtually, and
to all intents and purposes, increased since 1815, in a degree as
before expressed, say equal to the money value of 1,200,000 oz. of
gold per annum, and as much more as the ounce of gold will now
obtain more of commodity, or the products of labour, than it would
during the Limner period of 1813-1815; and as a proof of die privet.
Lion and distress resulting front such increased severity and pressure
of taxation, may be adduced the decreasing or stationary con-
gumption of every taxable commodity contributary to the sub-
sistence and comfort of society, notwithstanding an increase in
the number of consumers exceeding one.thinl. Wine, the most
natural of luxuries. within the last 30 years has decreased in
consumption or'-half ; malt and tea have not increased ; and
of sugar, although oie of those AI iniaters whom you designate so
liberal and enlightened , asserted in Parliament the other evenieg, had
inercase.d in consumption more than 40 per cent. since 1814, tile con-
sumption in nine years subsequent to 1814 has been actually less than
it was in the nine years preceding 1814, in which year
. two special
causes,--an extraordinary increase of price, and an mantic in the',
rate of duty,—tended to diminish the consumption ; and a return
of the number ofrattle and sheep sold in Smithdeld 51arket in tach
year since 1790, made to l'arliament last Sessions, shows, in pro-
portion to the increased number of consumers, that there was an
avern,e of the five years, 1818-22. an annual diminution of supply
of 36561 head of cattle, and 0664 sheep in comparison with the
supply on the average of the five years, I'l9B-1802.
If further proofs than these arc wanting in corroboration of the
fan of the privation and distress of the great mass of the peoples
haring increased in a ratio exceeding the increase of their numbers
and the virtual increase of taxation, the returns 'hewing the alarm-
ing and frightful increase of pauperism and crime may be adduced.
The length to which this part of my elucidation has run, compels
me,
me, in deference to the space it will occupy in your column's, to
reserve my conclusion for another opportunity. Relying upon your
candour and regardfor truth for the insertiop of the present,
I remain your obedient Sextant,
24th April. N.

CHINESE PAINTS

1 From the Afechassies lfegindat.l

•
The peculiar beauty of the Chinese drawings is swing, lit ne din
particular nature of the minoring sublimates, ItrieNkrnit
preparation, raidto their being mixed with glue or aim, Wheel
gutn-water, as is the common practice in Europe, • . .
In regard to the preparation, two things must hit obaerred
that the beauty of the colour depends, in a very.great musam,
upon the fineness of its particles, the finest being always thg.toest
beautiful. A Chinese painter often employs a man for Moe or
four days to grind a small quantity of vermillion in a Plaselalin
mortar, and it is from this •they derive their fine reds. It i 4 there:
fore necessary to levikate the paints to a very grad denote sub:
til ty, in order to let them acquire the inmost degree of Willbuti
which they are capable ; aridit must not ha imagined; that bens*
they seem to be c-ceedingly floe to the touch, they may not be tni-
prtved by Pirther grinding.
Secondly, it must be considered, that inoat mineral colours are
prepared w:th acids, alkalies, or other salts, and that a small super-
aim ...dance of those saline substances generally remains with them,
which, after a shorter or longer time. produces Considerable altera-
tion in their brilliancy, and often entirely changes the colour. .• .
In order to obviate this ineonvenience, the paint, after baring
been lerigated, must be repeatedly .washed iq elten water : dif
tilled water is the fittest ; but the waters of many springs are suf..
ficicntly pure for this purpose, In order to effect this properly.
Ira about half an ounce of the paint in a half-pint glint phial, and
fill the rest of the phial almost entirely with water; shake it well
then let it sand for a while, and the coloured powder will soon &II
to the bottom ; then pour off the water, by inclining the p,hial gem:
tly, so as not to disturb the sediment, and fill it again with clout
water, and so on for five or six times; after which, the mimic
being gently dried, must be ground a lhde longer, and then It LI
4t,for use.

- -
The glue or size to be mixed with the paints, is exttactad from
1 parchment in the fondling manner:—Take about four nuncss of
clean parchment, cut it into small bits, and put it to soak In a
quart of clean water for abuut twelve hours; then boil the, whole
on a gentle fire, end in the hennaing take of the scum with •
spoon. TI e vessel must remain always unclaimed, hod the liquor
mnst be stirred now and then. After boiling foe aboutnt, hour.
take of the pot from the fire, .and strain the liquor, whibt hot,
through a charm sieve. The liquor must be put into a clean pet
again oicr the tire, and boiled gently till half of Is evaotbeasM
the remainder is then spread •;•rry thinly uphill Pints of Mk
which being kept in • warm place for a day or two, the size wUI
dried, and will become very bard. •
When it is wanted for use, put a small quantity of it in a cup of
luke.a arm water, mid dip the pawn in it.
The properties of this glue, which render it much superior. tO
gum water, are the following r—lt does not deaden, Der °them*
alter the colours tyith which it is mixed. It does not era* Oki
gum ; and it bromine soon so head, IS uo tsrf / to defend die ter.
lours from being affected by 'wire and other vapours, but even.
to bear the surface df the chatting being cleansed by Wane of
net sponge.