The National Register.
London, England, 1816-06-24 00:00:00

RETROSPECT OF THE SESSION.

THE labours of Parliament may now be considered as
closed. It is expected that the Commons ►will adjourn next
Wednesday for a few days, to give time to the Peers to
come up with them, and that both Houses will be pro-
rogued about the 4th or sth of July. Of the Session
we may therefore speak as of the past. It is now mat-
ter for history, to which it will afford a varied and im-
rwtant page. Short in its duration, and for the first
time after '45 years of universal cares, confined to the
limits and interests of this country ; it compensated by
vigour and activity for what it lost in extent of operation.
Notwithstanding the greatness of the subjects that had
hitherto engrossed the attention of Parliament, it never
displayed so much firmness and true national spirit, as
during the few months which have now brought round
the close of its sittings. Never, on the other hand, was
the country more feelingly awake to its least proceedings,
or more ready to support them, and give them effect by
throwing into the legislative scale the timely and de-
cisive weight of her petitions. The first occasion on
which all her force was marshalled to sustain the stand
made by her representatives, was indeed well calculated
to call forth her voice and her exertions. An impost
universally abhorred, long borne with detestation, but
with patience, because it was confidently expected to
terminate with the war, was once more presented to the
public eye, under forms vainly softened by modifications
intended to reduce both its amount and its powers.
The absolute necessity the Income Tax to enable Go-
vernment to wind up the expenses of the late contest, was
urged with plausibility and obstinacy, but urged in vain.
Parliament conceived that its revival would only serve to
encourage extravagance in the Ministers. Its opposition
roused the land. Petitions on petitions besieged the
House ; and the favourite measure of an administration
admired for the success of all its plans for the liberation
of the world, was rejected by a majority of :;7, though
supported by all the influence of the Crown, both
in Parliament and in its ramifications throughout the
kingdom. The results of this triumph on the part of the
country and her representatives were not long doubtful.
—Ministers withdrew their own estimates and reduced
them. The salaries of certain officers had been increased
when they anticipated a successful issue to their attempts
at reviving the Income Tax. They would not appear
so totally defeated as to tread hack their steps in this
instance. But whilst they suffered the augmentation to
remain, they lopped off other offices, so as to effect upon
the whole a considerable reduction in that branch of
public expenditure. The regulation of the Civil List
to prevent all excess in future, may also be considered
as one of the consequences attendant on the loss of the
Property Tax; as well as the advantageous arrangement
with the Bank, which enabled Ministers, together with
the diminution of national expenses, to supply the wants
of the country without creating a single additional impost.
To the state of Agriculture did Parliament next direct its
wisdom. The farmers and landholders, who during the
whole period of the war had enjoyed a revenue four-
fold increased at the expense of manufacturers and
traders, no sooner found that peace introduced plenty
into the land, and compelled them to return to low
prices, than they exclaimed, that they were ruined, and
a cry of desolation resounded from one end of the king-
dom to the other. It cannot be denied, that in comparison
with their former profits they suffered severely; and theta
sudden and alarming depreciation took place in landed pro-
perty. Agriculture was neglected, and films relinquish-
ed,
for other speculations which bore at the time a more
promising aspect. The alarm spread to the House, and
petitions loaded its table front those who were affected
by the passing calamity. Parliament once more inter-
fered, but with soberness and judgment. A general
committee was funned, to examine into the state of agri-
culture, and the means of remedying existing evils.