The Sun.
London, England, 1854-01-28 00:00:00

LONDON, SATURDAY EVENING, JANUARY 28, 1854.

THE ROYAL BRITISH BANK, Incor-
porated by Charter, on the Scotch System, ALLOW INTE-
REST on the fluctuating balances of drawing accounts, and on de-
poeits of any amount for fixed periods, calculated from day to day at
rates varying from ONE to FOUR, per Cent. per annum. Grant cash
credits and advances on convertible securities, and issue circular and
promissory noto, and hills of exchange in TRIPLICATE, negotiable
by the Bank's correspondents at every place of any hnportance at home
and abroad, without charge to the bearers. Copies of the detailed
terms of business, and any further information, will be supplied at
the Bank, Tokenhouse•yard ; and at any of the branches-429,
Strand; 77, Bridge-road, Lambeth; 97, Goswell-road, Islington;
and 1, Shaftesbury-terrace, Victoria-street, Pimlico.
By order of the Court of Directors.
11U311 INNES CAMERON, General Manager.

ART UNION of LONDON (by Royal Char-
ter).—Every Suhszriber of One Guinea will have an Impres-
sion of a large plate of deep national and historical interest, .I'IL-
BURY FORT ; WIND AGAINST TIDE," by J T. Wilimore,A.lt A.,
after C. Stanfield, R. A.. The impressions will be ready on the 13th
of next month. Each Prizeholler will be entitled to SELECT for
HIMSELF, as heretofore, a Work of Art from one of the Public Ex-
hibitions.
GEORGE GO DWIN,I Honorary
LEWIS POCOCK, .5 Secretaries.
441, West Strand, 14th January, 1854,

WAREHOUSEMEN and CLERKS'
SCHOOLS for ORPHAN and NECESSITOUS CHILDREN.
Notice is Hereby Given, that the next MEETING of the SUB-
SCRIBERS to this Charity will be held at the GEORGE HOTEL,
Aldermaubury, on MONDAY, the 30th January instant, at Half-past
6 p.m. precisely.
Offices, 12, Bread-street, Cheapside.
GEO. LAWRENCE, Hon. Secretary.

ANNUITIES ON THE MUTUAL PRINCIPLE

AFNGINEERS', MASONIC, and UNIVERSAL
MUTUAL LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY.

345, Strand, London.

PURCHASERS OF ANNUITIES ADMITTED TO PARTICI-
PATION IN THE PROFITS.
Policy gtamps paid by the Society.
Assignments of Policies Registered Free of Charge.
A Liberal Commission allowed to Solicitors and Agents on the
introduction of business.
ANTHONY PECK, M.A., Assistant-Actuary.

-UAW LIFE ASSURANCE OFFICE,
ALA Fleet-street, London, January 2, 1854.—NOTICE Is HEREBY
Gavxu, That, a GENERAL MEETING of the Proprietors of the
Law Lite Assurance Society will be held at the Society's Office,
Fleet-street, London, on THURSDAY, the 2d day of February next, at
half-past 11 o'clock in the forenoon, pursuant to the provisions of the
Society's deed of settlement, for the purpose of receiving the Au-
ditors' Annual Report of the Accounts of the Society up to the 31st
of December, 1853; to elect two Directors in the room of Anthony
Brown, Esq., deceased, and the Right Hon. Samuel March Phillips,
whose name was withdrawn at his own request when proposed fox
re-election in June last ; and for general purposes. The director
to be chosen in the room of Anthony Brown, Esq., will remain in
office until 24th June, 1855. The director to be chosen in the room
of the Right Hon. Samuel March Phillips will remain in office until
24th June, 1857.

By order of the Directors,
WILLIAM SAMUEL DOWNES, Actuary.

GRAND TRUNK RAILWAY COMPANY of
CANADA.—Notice is Hereby Given, That the Directors have
made a CALL of 21. 10s. on each and every share of the A series of
the company, and a CALL of 10 per cent. on each class of the De-
bentures of the company, payable at the Bank of Messrs. Glyn, Mils,
and Co., Lombard-street, London.
The said Calls are due on Monday, the 6th February, 1854. If not
paid on or before that date, interest at the rate of 6 per cent. per
annum will be charged on those in arrear.
Shareholders have the power of paying up the whole or a portion
of their shares in full, and interest at the rate of 6 per cent. per an-
num will be allowed on all sums paid in anticipation of Calls.
The Directors further give notice, that by a recent Order in Council
to the Government of Canada, the Debentures of the Province will
be issued in January next to those shareholders who shall pay to
Messrs. Glyn, Mills, and Co. 51. per share (that is, 21. 10s. per share
in addition to the Call now advertised) on each of their shares, and
in full on the Debentures of the Province to which such shares are
entitled

By order of the Board.
WILLIAM CHLPMAN, Secretary.
2, Leadenhall•street, London, Dec. 3, 1853.

LAURENT'S CASINO, ARGYLE Rooms,
(Lessee, Cuss. C. LAnamit, Onslow-house, Fmaam-road),
The above Rooms are now OPEN FOR THE SEASON.
and will continue open every evening, with LAURENT'S
CELEBRATED BAND. Admission, Is. Doors open at half-past 8
Dancing to commence at 9 o'clock, and terminate at half-past 11.

WESTMINSTER ABBEY or VICTORY.—
NELSON at the BATTLE of ST. VINCENT.—LEGGATT,
HAY WARD, and LEGGAT r beg to inform their patrons and friends,
that T. Jones Barker's last grand historical PICTURE of NELSON
RECEIVING titheD from the vanquished officers on the
quarter-deck of SAN JOSEF, on the memorable 14th of Feb-
ruary, 1797, at he Battle of St. Vincent, is NOW ON VIEr at
their Gallery, 79, Cornhill.
Court Circular, Nov. 24, 1853.—Windsor.—" Messrs. Leggatt had
the honour of submitting to her Majesty and his Royal Highness
Prince Albert Barker's painting of Nelson receiving the swords of
the officers on, the quarter-deck of the San Josef after the battle of
St. Vineent."
In consequence of the unfavourable state of the weather, the pic-
ture is exhibited by gas-light, and may be viewed from 10 till 6.

IIINGARIAN PROMENADE CONCERTS.
—Admission, Is.—ROYAL MARIONETTE THEATRE,
Adelaide-street, West Strand—Every EVENING, at Eight, by the
renowned HUNGARIAN B AND, whose performances have created
such intense interest throughout the leading European cities. The
programme is varied nightly, and includes the finest compositions of
ancient and modern masters, as well as Hungarian and other na.
tional Melodies, Mazurkas, Waltzes, Galops, and Quadrilles. Ka-
lozdy, conductor. Soloists—Flugelhorn, Horanyl ; clarionette, M.
Augarde; piano, Miss J. Warman. Vocalists The Misses
Brou3ham. Morning Performance, Wednesday and Saturday, at
Three

GLENFIELD PATENT STARCH (used in
her Majesty's Laundry), and WOPIIERSPOON'S Machine-
made CONFECTIONERY, MARMALADE, JAMS, JELLIES, &c.,
(which gained the Prize Medal of 1851), may be had of all Grocers ;
Wholesale of WothersPoon, Mackay, and Co., 66, Queen-street,
Cheapside, London, and Robert Wotherspoon and Co., Glasgow.

A GENTS WANTED for an established LIFE
and FIRE AS3URAINCE COMPANY. Commission allowed,
25 per cent. upon new Life Premiums, and 5 per cent. renewal, also
15 per cent. Fire Premiums, new and renewal, with any necessary
charges such as postage, 80. Address to C. Y., 4, Broadway, Lud-
gate-hill, London. •

THE WELLINGTON (late Crockford's) CLUB
DOUSE, entrance 160 Piccadilly. Gentlemen visiting Lon-
doe can dine in the Splendid Dining Rooms of this celebrated esta-
blishment at a very moderate scale of charges. The Dining Room
is the largest in London ; the Cooking first-rate ; and the choicest
Wines are supplied in the Imperial measure. Reading and Smoking-
rooms are open for the accommodation of gentlemen after dinner.

----------
CLOSE OF HOLIDAYS. Th©- return of
Youth to their respective Boarding-Schools induces a solici-
tude from parents and guardians for their Personal Comfort and
Attraction, and ROWLANDS' MACASSAR OIL, for accelerating the
growth and improving and beautifying the hair, ROWLANDS'
KALYDOII, for improving the skin and complexion, and removing
cutaneous eruptions, and ROWLANDS' ODONTO, or Pearl Denti-
fr!ce, for rendering the teeth beautifully white, and preserving the
gums, are considered indispensable accompaniments for the attain-
ment of those Personal Advantages so universally sought for and
a imired.
Beware of Spurious Imitations. The only genuine of each bear
the name of " ROWLANDS' " preceding that of the article on the
wrapper or label.
Sold by A. LOWLAND and SONS, 20, Hatton-garden, London;
and by Chemists and Perfumers.

ANOTHER NOTE.
ANOTHER Note is sent to Russia, possibly
perfumed with gunpowder : the Principalities are to he relin-
quished, and the Northern forces to retire. Notes of Interrogation ?
and Notes of Admiration! are the notes most applicable to the Esta-
blishments of E. MOSES and SON. For the advantage of those who
are not thoroughly acquainted with London, it is necessary to ob-
serve that E. Moses and SON'S gigantic houses of business are,
Minories and Aldgate (opposite the Church), and their West-end
branch is New Oxford-street, corner of Hart-street. But many ask,
what are E. MOSES and Sots? They arc the most noted merchant
tailors of the age ! The producers of the best fitting, the best made,
and the most fashionable Clothing in the world ! For whom do they
make it ? For noblemen, clergymen, men of business, mechanics,
and all others ; for adults, youths, and children ! What are their
charges ? The most economical prices are asked for first-rate
articles ! What do they make besides attire? Shirts, the best in
materials, the most fashionable in make, the most elegantly em-
broidered, and the largest quantity of plain shirts (in all sizes) which
were ever made by any house of business ! They also make every
article of clothing for ladies, for which they charge the most econo-
mical prices. What do they make, and what do they 85:11? All
fashionable articles of hosiery for ladies and gentlemen. Furs, hats,
caps, boots and shoes, &c., and the best selected outfits for emigrants
to any country or climate.
CAUTION.—E. MOSES and SON regret having to guard the
public against Imposition, having learned that the untradesfnan-like
falsehood of "Being conneeted with their Establishment," or " It's
the same concern," has been resorted to in many instances, and for
shvloas reasons, they beg to state that they have
No CONNEXION WITFT ANT OTFIER. 110179 E IN OR OUT OF LONDON,
except their own Establishments, as follows :
London City Establishment, 154, 155. 156, and 157, Minories, 83,
44,145, and 86, Aldgate, opposite the Church, all communicating.
London West-end Branch, 55)53, 507, 508, Now Oxford-street, 1, 2
and 3, Hart-street, all communicating.
Bradford (Yorkshire) Branch, 19 and 20, Bridge-street.

Sheffield Branch, 36., Fargate.
Colonial Branch, Melbourne, Australia.
Merchant Tailors Clothiers, Ratters, Hosiers, Furriers, Boot and
Bhoe Makers, and General Outfitters for Ladies and Gentlemen.
IMPORTANT.—ShouId any article not give satisfaction, it will be
exchanged if desired, or, if preferred, the money will be returned
without hesitation. All goods arc marked in plain figures, the lowest
price, from which no abatement can be made.
The Establishments are closed from sunset on Fridays to sunset
on Saturdays, when business is resumed till 12 o'clock.
A new Book, " The Epitome of Comfort and Economy," contain-
ing full lists of prices, our system of self-measurement, &c.,
may be had on application, or post-free.
A handsome Almanac for the year ending 1854 can be had. gratis
on application.
Ica I'on pule Francais. Qui si parla Italian.
icier ppricht man Deutsch. Mun ae babla Espano

UNITY FIRE INSURANCE ASSOCIATION,
Registered pursuant to Act of Parliament.

Chief Offices-40, Pan-Mall, London.
REPEAL OF THE GOVERNMENT DUTY' OF THREE
SHILLINGS PER CENT. ON FIRE INSURANCE.

It has been the aim in modern times to arrange a system of taxa-
tion which, while it supplied the exigencies of the State, would leave
commerce unfettered, and equalise the burdens of individuals." The
various changes which have been lately made need not be here reca-
pitulated. The principle is affirmed, and the removal of all fiscal ano-
malies can only be a question of time. There is, however, one tax
so anomalous, so unjust, so cruel, so opposed to the avowed policy
of the Legislature, that it demands especial and energetic effort on
the part,of the public to seek for its abolition. The duty on Fire In-
surance is a tax indefensible save only by the ne essity felt at the
time of its imposition. An impost was then levied on every thing
which could by any possibility be taxed. It was in the year 1815,
by the act 55 Geo. 111., c. 184, that the duty was first imposed, and
which has remained to the present time unaltered, of three shillinga
annually for every hundred pounds insured from fire.
Fire Insurance Associations are practically the subscription of
sums of money by the multitude to save individuals trom ruin by a
sudden calamity. A tax, therefore, on this subscription is opposed
to the whole theory of fiscal legislation, and forms at once an aggra-
vation of distress and a premium on improvidence. Loss by fire,
were it not covered by insurance, would frequently be ruinous to
individuals, and injurious to the wealth of the country. Associa-
tions, therefore, of the people to prevent a rain which legislation
can neither avert nor restore, so far from being prejudiced and oo-
pressed by fiscal burdens, ought to receive every assistance and
encouragement from the Government. But in fire insurance, the
Government not only does not protect the people, but it absolutely
prevents protection; for many persons remain uninsured, or are
insufficiently insured, merely because they cannot afford to pay the
duty.

INJUSTICE OF THE TAX.
The tax on fire insurance is unjust in principle. It is a tax upon
calamity. Men are liable to the inroad of a secret enemy, whose
advent cannot be anticipated—whose devastation cannot be averted
—and who carries ruin in his train. To save himself from this ruin
and devastation, the insurer pays a sum of money in combination
with others for mutual protection. Having the opportunity, if a man
neglects to insure his property, he commits an injustice on his fel-
lows, on the country, and on the Government. The destruction of
his property leaves him a pauPer, and a claimant on the in-
dustry and resources of others. By the consumption of his goods,he
abstracts a portion of the wea'th of the country, which he has no
power to replace. He probably casts out of employ those who have
been dependent on him for labour, without the power of reinstating
them. And by pauperising himself, he no longer pays his Edit pro-
portion of the expenses of the State.
But if his neglect be an injustice, how much more unjust must be
a Government impost upon the man who insures his property, and
thus saves the wealth of the country, defends himself from pau-
perism, and continues to contribute to the expenses of the State ?
What would be thought of that government which imposed a tax
upon a man whose property had been consumed ? Though it would
be more palpable, it would not be more unjust than the taxation of
another because he had already providently taxed himself, to pre-
serve his property, and the wealth of the nation.
The impost, moreover, is indefensible, because it does not come
within the primary principles of taxation. One of the first principles
of taxation is, that the tax shall press as evenly as possible on all
the subjects of the realm. If we try the duty on fire insurance by
this test, we find that the largest properties in the kingdom wholly
escape taxation, Men who have a large number of ships, for in-
stance, do not insure, because they get such an average of loss as to
insure themselves one ship against another. It is possible to ima-
gine property over which the individual loss of each item would be
less than the amount required tolnsure the whole. So that, in fact,
the largest holder of property, since he did not insure, would evade
the duty which must be paid by the poor man who insures a few
chairs and tables. The man, therefore, who does not insure his pro-
perty escapes taxation. The effect of this hnpost is, that he who
does his duty to the State shall be taxed —he who neglects his duty
to the State shall pass free.
Taxation of the people, also, for the exigencies of the State, is only
righteous when it yields protection in return. In Fire Insurance the
Stateyields no protection whatever. A man may have insured his
property, valued at 1,0001., tor 50 years : during which time he will
have paid 371. 10s. to the Insurance office, and 751. to the Govern-
ment. At the expiration of that time, if his property be consumed,
the Office will pay him 10001., while the Government knows nothing,
and cares nothing for him or his misfortune. Triedby this test, again
the tax is therefore indefensible ; and no more reason could be given
for its imposition than for a tax on fire engines, fire escapes, water
mains, or other engines or appliances for the avoidance of calamity.
IMPOLICY OF THE TAX.
Not only is the Fire Insurance duty unjust in principle, bat its pre-
sent mode of imposition is impolitic towards the exchequer and to
the community. It is the avowed aim of the Government to aggran-
dise the wealth of the kingdom, and to preserve, as far as possible,
even individuals from pauperism. How mach greater is its duty to
foster and encourage provident habits in the people, and to unfetter
` all Institutions which lead to these results. Whatever promotes the
welfare of the people, is necessarily a benefit to the Exchequer. The
Fire Brigade which saves a mass of property from destruction, pre-
serves a property to best Ilrated for revenue. The Insurance Office
that guarantees an individual from sudden ruin, preserves a taxpayer
to the State. To cast difficulties therefore in the way of Institutions
which preserve the insurer from ruin, and to impose a tax which acts
as a prohibition to insurance, is unquestionably im politic when viewed
merely in its influence upon the Exchequer. It is holding out a
premium upon improvence, and encouraging men to leave to chance
that safety and immunity which they might with certainty have
secured. If a man does not insure his property and a fire consumes
it, he has committed an injustice upon the community. The more
nearly then he assures his property to its real value, the more just he
is to the community. But the more
he exhibits this sense of justice,
the more he is taxed by the Government. Such a man is not
taxed for his wealth, but for his prudence and sense of justice. An
anomaly which admits of no defence. .
OPPRESSIVE CHARACTER OF THE TAX.
The oppressive nature of this duty *upon Fire Insurance is also
totally disproportioned. On common insurances, the premium
charged for insuring property is Is. Gd. per cent., while the duty is
3s. per cent. This is 200 per cent. for no benefit upon what the
office charges for securing the property of the insurer. On artizans,
and ethers of the great industrial classes, the imposition is still
more grievous, and to them it acts as a complete prohibition of the
advantages of insurance. In one particular—that of tools of handi-
crail—the sympathies of the community have very lately been
strongly excited by the total loss of the implements of the arti-
zans, where a fire has unfortunately taken place. These men
have not only been thrown temporarily out of work, but have been
also deprived of their means of earning a livelihood, or cast on
the eleemosynary assistance of benevolent individuals. The artizan
does not require this. He only asks that fanilitioa mar ha wins!,
him, that he may insure his chest of tools and the implements of
,his trade, without contributing 200 per cent. to the; Government
for which he receives no return whatever.
EFFECT OF THE TAX ON INSURANCE.

The pract cal effect of the tax is exhibited in the small amount
of •procerty insured in comparison, both with the insurable property
of the country, and with the insured property of other countries,
where no such prohibition exists. The value of property in Great
Britain and Ireland is 4,000,000,000/4 and the value of insurable
property has been estimated at half that sung. The amount of
property insured in all the offices in Great Britain is eight hundred
and fifty millions, realising a Government revenue of 1,100,0001..
whereas the insurable amount of property in Great Britain being
estimated at 2,000,000,0001., would yield, if insured, a Govern-
ment duty of 3,000,0001. These returns show that one-third only
of the property of the country is insured against fire. This esti-
mate is proved to be correct by the return made of fires actually
occurring.
The total number of Fires in the Metropolis in 1852 was 923. Of
this number 442 were insured for building and contents, 124 building
only, 74 contents only. Of these experience would teach us to c-ti-
mate that the property consumed was only insured to two-thirds of
its value. The numbers would therefore stand thus :
Building and contents insured.. •• •• •• • • 215
Building only in5ured.............. •• .. •••• •• • . 83
Contents only Insured...". •• •••••• • • • • • • ••• • • 24

T0ta1.....• 302.

- -
It will thus be perceived that out of 923 Fires, in only 302 instane es
or less than one-third, were the parties fully insured. This is a prac-
tical evidence of the operation of the Government duty as a prohibi-
tion of Fire Insurance. We have further proof of this by comparing
the amount of property insured in Great Britain with that of other
countries. The figures stand thus :
France....., „ „ _L1,415,000,000
Germany ..... 1.05,000,000
United Kingdom 850,000,000
The insured property of this country, by this return, is shown to be
nearly equalled in Germany, and to be exceeded by Five Hundred
and Sixty-five Millions Sterling in France.
We have here, then, a duty imposed by Government which is
shown to be unjust, anomalous, and impolitic in theory and prin-
ciple, and in practice injurious to the best interests of the com-
munity. There is no one who would be so mad as to leave his
property, whether small or large, either uninsured or insufficiertly
insured, if he had merely to pay the rates of premium which fire
insurance associations have found to be sufficient to meet the risk
incurred. It is the difference between Is. 6d. per cent. and 55. 6d.
per cent. imposed by the Government duty and the Government
stamp, which causes the most provident and prudent country in
the world to leave two-thirds of its property uninsured. A pro-
gressive Government cannot suffer snch an anomaly to exist. The
tax is so unjust and so obnoxious that efforts must be made for
its immediate repeal, or if that cannot be obtained. then such a
modification of it as will remove its injurious effect upon the
community.

Mr. J. R. M'CULLOCH says—
" Perhaps the duty on Fire Insurance is the most objectionable of
existing Stamp duties. It amounts to 3s. per cent. on all property
insured; whereas the premium paid to tne Insurance Office on ordi-
narily hazardous property, is no more than Is. 6d. per cent., or only
half the duty. Thus, if a person wish to insure 1,000/. on a dwel-
a shop, warehouse, or other commonly hazardous pro-
perty,ays 15s. to an insurance office as an indemnification for
itih''eg-rbiskhuese l;
, and 30s. to Government for leave to enter into the transac-
tion ! So exorbitant a duty cannot be too severely condemned. It
disriourages that providence and forethought, the encoura4ement of
which ought to be an object with all prudent Governments ; and it
is the principal cause that much property is not insured, and that
what is insured is seldom sufficiently covered. Every individual, in
fact, who insures any commonly hazardous property is obliged to
pay three times as much as the risk is really worth ! Under such
circumstances, the wonder certainly is, not that a great deal of pro-
perty is uninsured, but that such is not the case with a great deal
more. Seeing the vast importance of insurance, it may well be
doubted whether it ought to he charged with any duty, however
dutyslight.Butwereth:_oula fixed at 6d. per cent., its influence in re-
pressing insurance not be very sensible, and the increase of
business to which such a reduction of the duty would lead, would be
so very great, that we have little doubt that in a few years the re-
duced duty would yield nearly as large a revenue as is derived from
the present exorbitant duty."*

MiCrtlioeh's British Empire (3d edition) vol. IL, page 209,
t Fortes Progress of the liatio9:l, page 597.

Mr. PORTER also observes—
" If it be desirable—and who can doubt that it is so ?--that all per-
sona should secure themselves from losses arising through accidents
beyond their control, it must then be held unwise to subject law-
aneeto taxation; and when, as in this country, the tax thus levied
amounts to 200 per cent. upon the sum required by the Insurance
offices to cover the ordinary risk from accidents by fire, the degree
of discouragement occasianed by the duty must needs be very great.
It is not only by reason of thehecurtmarisingdtoeindividuals, security arising to individuals,
amounting often to the prevention of beggary, that Insurances
against fire and upon lives are beneficial ; they exercise a good effect
upon the country generally throng's the accumulation of savings
which they cause. The money, as It is paid to the Insurance offices,
is beneficially employed, and made to stimulate in one way or other
the industry of the nation; and wh, en called for by the arrival of the
nents were meant to provide, it
contingency
tpro portion of cases the money is so
y cer
tain againstt
hawohni cah tahrge
ep a y
much clear gain, becase without s uch a resource the premiums out
of which it is pr Would Would have been unprofitably consumed:l
ADVANTAGES OF THE I tEPEAL OF THE TAX.
The advantages which would acct ,ue from the repeal of the duty
on Fire Insurance vast amount th at 31. per cent. would be saved
P roperty throughout the kingdom,
prfot ected in a commercial sense from
tnootwheunitisnsisturerera.
wAouldthenbe
lire ; and the wealth which is now c onsumed would be replaced. But
above all, it would lead to the insu ranee of the property of thevol poor,
and of those who are now by
the s lightest calamity by fire involved
in almast irretrievable ruin. It is scarcely surprising that when an
office can afford to insure property at Is. 6d. per cent„ the poor man
hesitates when he finds the premi urn and duty and policy together
amount to ss. 6d. Thus he leaves his property uninsured, and
in Rail-
takes
his chance of a calamity which may , never happen. Suppose
way Insurance there were a duty of r 200 per cent., how many of those
who now seldom travel without
vat' lopting it would then avail them-
selves of the system? It is in uto inveigh against improvidence
while our statutes actually discou rage prudent forethought. There
is no reason why Fire Insurance hould not be universally adopted.
There is no reason why the artisan t should not leisure his implements
and the servant her box of clothe s—why the tradesman should not
insure to the value 'of his goods, a Ad the rich man to the extent of
his possessions—save an unjust it npost which makes him pay 200
per cent. for nothing.
MODIFICATION OF THE TAX.
Although the Flee Insurance dui ,y is unjust iI. principle, and in -
jrtrimis in practice, still it is possib' it may not be altogether got rid
of at once. There has been a g rest tendency in the Government
towards gradual repeals of anv tax ation, however obnoxious it might
be. Itohould not be so ins his ins lance. But it has been thought
better to provide for t ternat' tve,—that it the repeal cannot be
effected, at least, a modification • :nay be obtained. Hospital, infir-
maries, and farming stock, have been already exempted from this
burden. By the 7th Victoria, cap. 21, the duty on Marine Insurance
was reduced. The duty on marint risks of less than 10s. is 3d. per
cent., the duty graduating upware is in proportion to the premium.
It is, therefore, proposed to ask for a repeal of the Fire Insurance
be greatly modified. The reduction of the
duty, or that it may
stamp on the policy from one sh Ping to on, penny, and the re-
duction of the duty from 3s. to 6d. er cent., would not only re-
move the prohibition against firm r insurance among the industrial
classes, but would lead to such a n increased insuranro of property
as to yield a revenue in excess of that now collected.
It must be remembered that the present rate is prohibitory—
that but one-third of the propert yof the kingdom is insured— that

there is no reason but the high duty, why the whole of the pro-
perty of the kingdom should not be insured. The present amount
of revenue at 3s. per cent. is 1,100,0001. If the whole insurable pro-
perty of the kingdom were insured, with a duty of three-halfpence
only per cent., it would yield a revenue of 1,250,0001., or an increase
of 150,0001., per annum, above that now obtained from the Three
Shilling duty.
This modification is moreover the form which our various pro.
gressive measures have pointed oat. High duties, wherever they
can be evaded, are found to be no more advantage to the exchequer
than high prices to the till of the shopkeeper. The reduction of
postage from its former • prohibitory charges to one penny, has
brought increase insteao of loss to the revenue. The reduction of
the expenses of transit have caused an enormous increase in the
receipts of the Railway and Steam-boat Companies. The reduction
of Omnibus and Cab Fares have led again to increased profits.
The reduction of receipt stamps to the uriform penny will secure
a corresponding revenue, honestly paid. and avert the continual
fasud practised on the old system. These intelligent:reforms, then;
which set the masses letter-writing and travelling, will, if applied
to the Fire duty, set the masses insuring.
REASONS WHY THE UNITY HAS ORIGINATED THIS
MOVEMEST.

The co-operative power which the Unity Fire Insurance Associa-
tion possesses, and the vast territory over which its appeal can be
made, afford peculiar facilities for establishing a machinery which
may be the means, even in the next session of Parliament, of effect-
ing, if not the repeal, at least, the modification of this obnoxious tax.
The unprecedented number of its proprietary, consisting of upwards
of Five Thousand Shareholders, a number watch is being day by day
augmented by the issue of One Million New Shares,—the Identity
of interest secured between its Shareholders and Insurers, by the
settled and guaranteed division of its profits, whereby the energies
and sympathies of both are enlisted in its advancement—the num-
ber and energetic character of its Agents—and the extent of country
over which its Shareholders are diffused—enable this Association to
organise a more universal and unsectarian appeal, than could be
made by any office not interested in maintaining the present
duty.
The Unity was established with a view of introducing a new era
n Fire Insurance. It sought by an heretofore unattemptcd diffusion
of the Shares, to enlist the active co-operation of an enormous pro-
prietary. By the defined and guaranteed division of two-thirds of
the gross profits, it enables the insured fairly to participate in the
prosperity they help to secure_ By preventing the insurance of pro-
perty, where no fire occurs, being all outlay and no return, it gives
the utmost encouragement to the adoption of a system which saves
both rich and poor from ruin.
In Eighteen months the Unity has secured the Largest Proprie-
tary in the World, consisting of Five Thousand Shareholders. It has
effected 8,254 Policies, insuring 5,005,1201. It has its original capi-
tal One Million Stirling, fully subscribed. It has obtained a paid-up
working Capital of One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Pounds.
It has increased its Capital to Two Millions Sterling, and it is now
issuing One Million New Shares of IL each, at cent. per cent. pre-
mium ; 40,000 of which have been allocated to 450 Shareholders in
three weeks.
The connections of the Unity feel strong'y the injustice of a tax
which fetters the wheels of progression, and leads to such continual
calamity. The machinery which has effected the foregoing results,
can now be put into operation to arouse the whole country to the
importance of seeking a repeal of the obnoxious duty ; or if it must
still be enforced for the purpose of revenue, then such a modification
of it as shall make it merely nominal. It is a question in which every
individual is interested—but to the mass of the people of the king-
dom, is in reality, a question of vital importance.

The following is an extract from the Petition of the Members of
the Unity Fire Insurance Association, and others interested in the
Repeal of the Duty on Fire Insurance :
The Petition of the Policy holders and other Members of the Unity
Fire Insurance Association, and of the undersigned Persons
who are desirous of extending the Benefits of Fire Insurance
to all classes of her Majesty's subjects.
Humbly Sheweth,—That your petitioners believe it to be an
acknowledged principle of your Honourable House, that it is the
duty of the Legislature to encourage, as far as legislation can do
so, habits of prudence and foresight in every member of the com-
munity, and especially in the middle and industrial classes.
That in conformity with this wise and parental principle, your
Honourable House did, by the 3rd and 4th William IV., cap. 23,
most justly exempt from duty all insurance from loss or damage by
fire on all Agricultural Produce, Farming Stock (live or dead), and
Implements of Husbandry ; as also by other Acts, Hospitals, In-
firmaries, and Asylums.
In conformity with the same great principle, your Honourable
House did, by 7th Victoria, cap. 21, materially reduce the duty
upon Marine Insurance ; and in the last session of Parliament did
grant a large reduction in the stamp duty upon Polities of Life
Assurance, as well as an exemption from income tax of the moneys
devoted by individuals to Life Assurance purposes.
That while these exemptions are accepted as a great and wise
boon, they bring into still stranger contrast the far heavier burden of
a duty on Insurance of the remaining property of the country from
Fire.
That besides an uniform stamp duty of one shilling upon every
Fire Policy, however small the amount insured may be, there is
also a separate and constant annual duty of three shillings per cent.
upon the sum insured.
That in all commonly Hazardous Insurances, the premium charged
by the offices amounts to only ls. 6d. per cent. per annum, so that
the three shillings annual duty is double, or 230 per cent. upon the
premium.
That to Artisans, and others of the great Industrial Classes, the
whole of whose property consists of their furniture and the tools of
their trade, the fiscal charges (amounting to 266 per cent. per an-
num upon the premium of a policy for 1001.) operate as a complete
bar against Insurance.
That so severe is this tax upon prudence and foresight felt to be
by the community at large. that the proportion of property insured
from Fire in the United Kingdom, scarcely, if at all, exceeds one-
third of the ascertained amount of property insurable.
That in Marine Insurance, by the salutary act passel in her pre-
sent Majesty's reign (7 Victoria, cap. 21) the rate of duty was re-
duced to threepence per cent. so long as the rate of premium does
not exceed ten shillings per cent., while in Fire Insurance, on the
contrary, it is still kept up at three shillings per cent. although the
rate o' premium be but eighteenpence per cent. Thus on Marine
Insurance the duty is but threepence per cent. upon the premium,
while in Fire Insurance, the duty alone is 200 per cent. upon the
premium, besides the shilling tax upon the policy.
That your Petitioners, while they hail with gratitude the justice
and the wisdom of those boons to the Agricultural and Shipping inte-
rests, further pray your Honourable House to take into your favour-
able consideration the justice and expediency of affording a similar
exemption to all other property, and implements of industry, whe-
ther tools of handicraft or any other machinery.
Your Petitioners, therefore, humbly pray of your Honourable

rtercare,
That the uniform Stamp Duty upon all Fire Policies may be re-
duced from One Shilling to One Penny.
That the amount of duty now chargeable upon all Fire Policies
may be repealed. Or that it may be reduced to 6d. per cent. Or
that such other modification may be made in the duty now levied on
Fire Insurance risks, ai your Honourable House may in its wisdom

see fit. •
Signatures may be affixed at the Chief Offices of the-Unity Fire
Insurance Association, 40, Pall Mall ; at the Offices of all the Agents
of the Unity throughout the Country; and at the
LOCAL BRANCH OFFICES.
Bradford, Yorkshire-12, Darley-street.
Bristol—Albion Chambers.
Eastern Counties-79. S . Giles'-street. Norwich.
Halifax, Yorkshire-25, Waterhouse-street.
•
Leeds-5, South Parade.
Liverpool-11, Lord-street.
Manchester—Adelphi Buildings, Piccadilly.
Northampton—Drapery.
Not!lngham—Wheeler Gate.
Sheffield-67, Market-place.
Southampton-2, High-street.
Birmingham-42, Temple•street.
THOMAS 11. BAYLIS,
General Manager and Secretary.

Unity Fire Insurance Association
Chief Office,, 40, Pall Mall, London.
January, 1854.

ROYAL POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTION.
PATRON—H.R.H. PRINCE ALBERT. •
FIRST EXHIBITION of SPECIMENS of COLOURED PHOTO-
GRAPHIC PICTURES, giving all the accuracy of outline and
tints of nature, in addition to the MAGNIFICENT PHOTO-
GRAPHIC PICTURES, prepared expressly for this Institution by
Monsieur Ferriere of Paris, exhibited en a surface of about a thou-
sand square feet, with an ENTIRELY NEW SERIES of DIS-
SOLVING VIEWS, daily at a Quarter past Four, and in the even-
ings at a Quarter-past Nine.
LECTURES by Dr. BACTIOFFNEIt on WILKINS'S NEW PATENT
UNIVERSAL ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.
LECTURE by J. 11. PEPPER, Esq., on SPONTANEOUS COMBUS-
TION, with Brilliant Experiments.
Open Mornings and Evenings. A
dmission, Is. ; Schools and
Children under Ten years of age, Half-ric
Annual Subscribers to the Institution are eligible to be elected
Members of the Reading and Chess-Rooms, on paying an additional
Guinea per Annum.

THIRD EDITION.—WITH ADDITIONS.
Just published, Bvo., in cloth, price 55., by post free, ss. 6d.
ON TRUE & FALSE SPERMATORRHCEA,
with the View to the Correction of wide-spread Errors
:n relation to the Treatment and Cure of the Impuissant and Sexual
Hypochondriac!,
Translated from the German of Dr. PICKFORD.
T 3 which is added, an ESSAY oditor.n SEXUAL DEBILITY, by the
E

"Dr. Pickford is known to English readers by his frequent practi-
cal contributions to German medical literature. This is the first
time, he informs ns, that he has addressed himself to the non-medi-
etl reader. We trust this may not be the last, if he shall detect any
other equally flagrant evil which it may be in his sower to correct."
—London Medical Gazette, May 30, 1851. The tribe of 'Quiet Sympa-
thisers:and' Medical Friends,'are mercilessly exposed ; and if this book
zould flnd its way into the hands of those who stiffsr from the com-
plaint of which it treats, we are satisfied that many hundreds would
be saved much needless suffering of body and mind, and what is of
'ess importance, though it is that which the quacks most prize—
much money... ...This volume is well qualified to put an end to the
empirical system of treating Spermatorrhwa, and to plats the treat-
ment upon a more rational and physiological basis. It is, therefore,
likely to do much good."—Medical Circular. Juno 16, 1852.
London : H. Balliere, 219. Regent-street.