The National Register.
London, England, 1819-05-03 00:00:00

ON THE

NELESSITI OF ILETRENCHMENT.

WE have repeatedly had occasion to allude to the'
present overwhelming system of extravagance, and
particularly to what we consider tit excessive and
unconstitutional military establishment in a time of
peace. It is not, however, in the military estimates
alone that this spirit of profusion exists. It per-
vades every branch of the administration, and swells
every item of the public expenditure. The sums that
tra expended in downright waste arc immense; and

ulasever has witnessed the profusion in the establish-
teent of 1 nobleman of great fortune, and dissipated
liabites-sthe wanton waste, the constant riot, and
the combination between the servants and trades-
men for the purpose of plunder, has an idea in
miniature of the great establishment of the nation:4
In both instances the sums that are thrown away,
would maintain a handsome, nay a splendid esta-
blishment. It is certain that the waste of our go-
vernmeut far exceeds the expenses of the Prussian
monarchy with its army of nearly three hundred
thousand men. It is perhaps equal to the expendi-
ture of the Austrian empire, thoegh a population
of seven and twenty millions is subject to the hn-
pedal sceptre. At least ten millions are consumed
in waste, through negligence, or malversation, in
this country. Its this calculation is included the
unnecessary expense, incurred in the collection of
the revenue,—the money consumed in jobs, besides
-what is wantonly expended in the government
ofikes. The sums raised for the peer, and that are
diverted from their use, may also be included, be-
cause the poor rates, at their prevent amount, are a
consequence of that flagicious policy which has
leought down so many other evils on the country.
In our computation we have not included unmerited
pensions, sinecures, overgrown salaries, useless
offices, and superfluous servants of the government.
Upon the wie.le, the sum has been under-rated Tether
titan exaggerated; and if it has been said truly thus a
common-weu!th might be supported out of the trap-
pings of a monarchy; it might he asserted with at
least equal confidence, that a splendid and vigorous
empire might he maintained from the mere waste of
the British government. But this consideration,
painful as it is, is net. the most humiliating part of
the subject. The money, we!...th is thus wasted, is
partly applied to purposes ti,e most destractive of
the morals and liberties of the nation; and the re-
maincer goes to the most venal and meddling adhe-
rents of the ministry. Eta the injury, grave as
it is, does not rest here. Its effects are spread over
every part of the body politic, however remotely
elmected with the gevernment. Persons connected
v:ith the law are rroverieially im lined to ley the
r :embers of the community under contribution. At
tee same time the expeneos of the law administration
are enormous, and form a grievous tax upon the
public. An those emanate from the character of
tile government. Parsons and magistrates are also
encouraged to job, and, in every instance, at the ex-
pense of the country. Next the administrators of
the poor take an active part in the system; and it