The Sun.
London, England, 1853-04-22 00:00:00

LONDON, FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 1853.

The contemplated renewal of the Income Tax,
without revision or modification, appears to be
the exciting topic of the day. Whatever may be
thought of the other details of the financial
scheme, there is but one opinion respecting the
arievous mistake into which the CHANCELLOR of
the FACCEE4LTER has fallen, as to its chief feature.
As to the probable abolition of the impost in
1860—which he rather hints at than directly
promises—it is completely eliminated from the
calculation. We are subjected to so many con-
tingences during the interval, that even setting
aside the impropriety of attempting to legislate
for another Parliament, or to bind a new Finan-
cial Minister, it would be totally impossible for
Mr. GLADSTONE, even if in office in 1860, to bind
himself as to his fiscal policy at that time. All,
then, that can now be taken into consideration is,
that he asks for a renewal for seven, in place of for
three years, and that he attempts to cajole the
people by a possible reduction of the tax from 7d.
to 6d. in the pound after 1855, and from 6d. to
sd. after 1857. Now, we do not accept that as
a favour. On the contrary, we believe it to be
the most injudicious course that could be adopted.
We have repeatedly asserted that it is, not to th 6
amount of Oe charge that there is any objection.
Far from it. It is its gross and palpable injus-
tine that excites the disgust and indignation of,
the defrauded victims.

The excellent letter of our correspondent An-
glicus, which will be found in another part of
this day's impression, corroborates and strengthens
this view of the case. It shows that the inquisi-
torial and wn-English powers given to the collectors
are even more objectionable than the amount of the
charge. Another. letter from an esteemed
correspondent, "3. H. G. H," will also
be found well worthy of perusal. He complains
of the entire impost—believe that it encouraged
extravagance and led to the large amount of
debt then ir: curred, as without it we should
not have had the credit. This is so far true, but
it only proves the wonderful efficacy of the tax as
a fiscal instrument, and proves the valuable results
that might be obtained, not only from its continu-
ance, but extension under a more equitable system
than that now in operation.
Mr. GLADSTONE may attempt to show that those
who are really injured cznstitute but a small propor-
tion of thepayers. If they werein a decided majority
the robbery could not have been perpetrated. It is
because they are only able to protest against being so
grossly victimised that the infamous swindle has
been, so long continued. It is not because pro-
fessional incomes only produce 1-22 d part of the
entire proceeds of the impost that the injured
parties will submit to the plunder without resist-
ance or remonstrance. He may go on the doc-
trice—jUst as convenient for a financial Minister
as for " a black-mail collector " for Mr. GLAD-
STONE as it formerly was for ROB ROY, that
"That they should take who have the power
That they should keep who can."
He may, however, be well assured that the disgust
of the victims will be increased in the inverse
ratio of their means of resistance, that the in-
tensity of their feelings will be aggravated by the
knowledge of their weakness, and the impossibility.
But, although they
of offering an effective opposition to the project.
collec-
tively be weak, theyi may individually or
have still a powerful weapon
available—the
justice of their demands
—and that will operate with powerful effect on
English hearts
may
pr-r.'ofiti:Abla consciences. Al-
though they
will refuse to sanction Or yfmthe
support the wrong
wrong, they
doer, or to receive their
are
who look
booty. Even fundholders themselves,of the
down with contemptuous compassion
on
di tiou of the unfortunate labourer for his the deo:-
bread, may feel justly indignant at the undue
vouritism that hhs placed the despised toiler
ill° same category' with thenlscivek, and would re-
fusen to profit by the palpable partiality exhibited.
This will beidk first point on which the attack
will be made, and ou the resi!4„of which the sta-
bility of the Government must, if not altogether,
depend. Mr. DISRAELI, in his Budget, recog-
nised the distinction between precarious and per-
manent income, and, of course, the entire strength
,YEWS 141 ' . : ,:erful, and influential party by which he
iAlt,,,t;_Traip, eel will divide against the Ministry.
..
.",.„*" '7l:-.-7`ratfi., Aim), there is the Manchester School,
". ''' - - ''''.4l47.'' ed, theineAlbdi:S wherealave spoken
*...gAt, :fp •:', - 1 7
t
. ,
Xi a

S