The Sun.
London, England, 1853-01-10 00:00:00

LONDON, MONDAY, JANUARY 10, 1853.

If the Income Tax had not received the Legis-
lative sanction, and been continued for eleven suc-
cessive years in its present form, it would appear
a work of supererogation to enter into any elabo-
rate arguments to prove its inequality and injus-
tice. The sound practical common sense of the
nation revolts at the proposition, that fluctuating
and precarious income, earned by physical or men-
tal toil, is to be placed on the same foundation
as the dividends, interest, or annual produce
of accumulated and realised property. The one
must speedily terminate. With the death or loss of
health of the acquirer, a change of law or a
change of fashion, it ceases. The hand of the
skilful artist may lose its cunning, the intellect of
the popular author, or the acute and learned bar-
rister, may become impaired through the very
exertions he has been required to make,
so that even the most successful of his
class would be unable to support him-
self and family, and certainly not to keep up
the insurances to which he had devoted no incon-
siderable portion of his earnings in more pros-
perous seasons. For such emergencies, every
man of ordinary prudence would set aside a con-
siderable portion of his receipts, which may be
considered in the light of capital, to be substituted
for the talent committed to his charge when it
shall cease to be productive. The moment it is
so appropriated, that it begins to become remune-•
rative, it is again, and very properly, charged.
It is thus subjected to a double burden ; first,
when it is earned, and, secondly, when it has been
invested.

On the other hand, the owner of well cir-
cumstanced real or personal estate has no care
or anxiety. He may rest perfectly tranquil that
no change or casualty can materially affect his
interests. If his name be inscribed in the books
of the Governor and Company of the Bank of
England as the owner of a goodly sum in the
Three per Cents., he receives his annuity, whether
times be prosperous or the reverse.
No commer-
cial crisis can drive him to despair, or compel him
to resort to desperate expedients to maintain his
damaged credit. The abolition of special plead-
ing, or side-bay rules, will not cut away the funds
by which he was enabled to provide for the edu-•
cation of his children, or to undertake the health-
. preserving trip to the sea side. Under any cir-
cumstances his income accrues with unvarying
regularity. At his death it remains for his
children. In case of sickness or idleness, it still
may be depended on. As the Laird of Dumbie-
dykes said, "it
J'alvinguhlie he is sleeping." And
there is neither the obligation in
ducement
to the
to set aside a large proportion
of his revenue,
either for the exigency of his old age or of the
rising generation.
But Chancellors of the Exchequer have en-
deavoured to defend the obnoxious system.

PEEL, and GOUULBIJRN, WOOD and GLADSTONE,
have moat strenuously and energetically protested
against any change or modification of the
assessment. The objectionable enactment
having once passed, no alteration would
be accepted that did not promise a perfect
system. When anything was spoken of the hard-
ship inflicted on struggling men, the case of Mr.
MOOR; the Leviathan sinecurist, or of some of
the wealthiest of the ale-kings or millionaire
bankers, was referred to, and contrasted with that
of an unfortunate widow having a scanty sum in
the Three per Cents., the savings of a prudent
and thrifty husband, and the smile of derision
excited by the comparison was regarded as a
triumphant argument in favour of the existing
practice. These, however, are the exceptions to
the general rule, and. we must not legislate
for exceptions. If Mr. MOORE'S case is to
be considered, let there be a special enactment
framed to meet it. We should not have the
slightest objection to ten, twenty, or fifty per cent.
being laid on parties who, like the rev, gentleman,
or his kinsman, Archdeacon CROFT, are in the en-
joyment of enormous incomes, for which they ren-
der little, if any return. Nor would it greatly
grieve us if the Dukes of GRAFTON and MARL-
Boßouan—the heirs of the Duke of SCHONBERG--
the Earl CowPER, or the assignees of CHARLES
BOONE were placed in the same category, in respect
of the pensions which they have so long been re-
ceiving. But it cannot be maintained, that be-
cause these persons are in the enjoyment
of Bch enormous incomes, the myriads of
hard-working and under-paid clerks, small
tradesmen, or professional men, are to be
subjected to excessive taxation, in order to
ensure that these persons should be compelled. to
contribute a portion of their unrighteous gains to
the public service. The cases of the ale-kings or
millionaire bankers is not at all in point, because
they have large capitals embarked in their respec-
tive occupations, which is fairly and legitimately
liable to taxation, and could not escape if the
charge levied were made according to the capi-
talised value of each man's possessions.
The absurdity, if it be so, is occasioned by the
attempt to place every description of industrial
income within a single class, and in one
schedule. So long as that is persisted in,
there will, there must be injustice. There may,
to, use the words of Lord JOHN RUSSELL, " be a
greater approximation to justice than in the mea-
sure hitherto in force." That is all. But
when the charge is levied on capital, and. capital
only, irrespective of the profits it may return,
then, and not till then, will each man be taxed
according to his means, and the charge levied with
perfect equality and fairness. We throw this
hint out for the consideration of Fiscal Reformers.
If they please, they can ensure its being carried
into practical operation. It will be well worth
the trouble of achieving.

We may now hope that the Railway Cab-ques-
tion, asi it is termed, will be placed in a train for
speedy decision by a competent authority. It
has now been brought before six different Magis-
trates, but none of them have followed the flip-
pant and self-satisfied course adopted by Mr.
A'BECICETT, before whom it was first raised. The
consequences of that judgment might have been
productive of great public inconvenience. It
could scarcely be supposed that the several
companies having metropolitan termini would
be prepared to surrender into the hands of the
Commissioners of Police the right of entry at
all times into their premises—not merely for
themselves, but for any persons who might chance
to be licensed as cab-driTers. Unless the managers
were permitted to enforce the regulations, which
the peculiar nature of their traffic and the protec-
tion of the property of passengers by their re-
spective lines required, the greatest annoyance
would necessarily follow. The Companies
could not be expected to submit to the vexatious
interference to which they would be liable—and
the necessary result would be, that passengers
would have to seek vehicles at the nearest stand
beyond the limits of the Companies' premises.
This course was for a short time adopted by the
Eastern Counties Board, but it was speedily al-
tered at the request of persons using the line.
On Saturday the subject was brought forward
for the sixth time at the Lambeth Police Court.
The Honourable Mr. NORTON and Mr. ELLIOTT
wore both in attendance—a course which the

importance of the case not only warranted, but
demanded. In this instance it was a person
authorised by the South-Western Railway Board
to ply at the Waterloo Station that was summoned.
Much interest was naturally excited among the
railway officials and cab proprietors as to the issue
of the contest. The cabbies secured the efficient
aid of Mr. BALLANTINE ; while the Railway
Board were well represented by Mr: CROMBIE, the
solicitor of the Company, who at once made the
most liberal admissions—everything, in fact, that
could be required for obtaining a final decision on
the broad merits. There was no quibbling, no
evasion, but everything bond fide, and straight-
forward. It appeared in the course of the
discussion, that one Magistrate, and one only,
has adopted the view of Mr. A'BECKETT, al-
though .he has evinced greater discretion, ii not
permitting the penalty to be enforced until the
decision of a Superior Court can be had on the
point. On the other hand, three learned gentle-
men, considering that there was no just cause of
complaint, dismissed the summonses on which
they Were called on to adjudicate. Their calm
and deliberate judgments were confirmed by the
opinions of thelaw officers of the Crown which were
taken on the subject, and forwarded from the
Home-Office to the several Magistrates for their
guidance, and which were to the effect, that the
plying for hire within a railway station was not
within the meaning of the statute. As, however,
there is a difference on the magisterial bench, and
a minority of these functionaries remain uncon-
vinced by the arguments or authority of the AT-
TORNEY OT SOLICITOR GENERAL, it is exceedingly
desirable that the question should be set at rest
by the judgment of the Court of Queen's Bench,
which can easily be obtained under the section
referred to by Mr. ELLIOTT on the refusal of a
magistrate to adjudicate, and the railway autho-
rities are willing to undertake the heavy expense
of obtaining a decision. It is more than probable
then that Messrs. NORTON and ELLIOTT will
adopt this course, and refer the matter
to the Queen's Bench. The whole expense
should not, however, be permitted to fall on
one company. All the great trunk lines are
equally interested in the result, and all should
join in the necessary outlay. We have no doubt
that such will be the case, for deeply as they have
been maligned, we have never known a want of
liberality or public spirit on the part of the man-
agers. The South-Eastern, and Brighton, and
Eastern Counties Companies whose termini are
placed within the jurisdiction of the convicting
magistrates, who think that they are sounder lawyers

than Sir FREDERICK THESIGER Or Sir FITZROY

KELLY, Sir ALEXANLER COCKBURN or Mr. BETHEL,
may have the greatest reason to desire a
speedy decision, but it is a common cause,
and should, and doubtless will, be met by a
common exertion and a common outlay.

EARL GRAITVILLE.—This nobleman, Lord President
of the Council, met with an accident while hunting on
Thursday with a party of gentlemen, the guests of the
Duke of Bedford, at Woburn Abbey, Bedfordshire, the
noble earl experiencing a fall which unluckily broke his
collar bone. His lordship was conveyed to London the
same evening, and, we are happy to state, is progressing
satisfactorily to recovery, the medical attendants of the
noble earl announcing that he is going on as well as
possible.

- RESPITE OF THE CONVICT BARBOUR.- A special mcs-
sengur was sent from the Secretary's of State's office,
Whitehall, on Friday evening, to York, bearing a week's
respite for James Barbour, who was under sentence of
death for the murder of Robinson, the hawker. The
execution of Barbour had been fixed for Saturday, the
Bth inst. Another messenger was sent off last night.
This respite for a week only is not the result of any doubt
of the propriety of the conviction, according to the strong
legal evidence produced. It was granted solely on ac-
count of the very pressing solicitations that were urged
at the last moment, and promises of disclosures that it
would be difficult entirely to deny. The authorities of
York Castle, however, are instructed to intimate to the
chance of
o having
n his
Iliw-
swparretecdhent:ltuculs:prit
dependp that
u his
finalp
hdctie
prdmised testimony, and that as far as the evidence ayfel-
ready produced goes, there is no reason for interfering
with the duee-eourse of the law.

MONEY AND COMMERCIAL NEWS.

CITY, Two o'CLoCK.

The sales of cotton, at Liverpool, on Saturday,
were estimated at from 3,000 to 4,000 bales, all to
the trade. The market was steady, at previous
rates. The sales included 200 Pernam and
Maranham, at 6d. to 6d. ; 300 Surat, at 3gd.
to 4id. ; and the remainder nearly all American.
Railway Shares were rather firmer.

The corn market was heavy again this morning.
The West India accounts present nothing of par-
ticular interest, and there had been no business of
importance done in the House of Assembly since
the previous advices left. Among the notices of
motion we find one for the purpose of bringing
under consideration " the propriety of admitting,
free of duty, the productions of those countries
which may reciprocate, by admitting the products
of Jamaica on similar terms," the results of which,
if passed, would, it was considered, materially
benefit the colony.
At St. Croix a committee of the Legislature had
recommended additional compensation to be granted
to the owners of the slaves emancipated by the
Danish Government. The steamer does not bring
satisfactory information of the state of trade, which
had been duller than usual at Christmas time,
owing to the lateness of the crops in Jamaica and
the sickness prevailing in the other colonies. The
steamer has over a million and a half of dollars in
specie on board.
At Panama there had been arrivals of 2,532,000
dollars, of which 395,325 dollars were on English
account.

By the steamer Linia, from Valparaiso, there
had also been 194,978 dols. received.
The clipper ship Oberon brings advices of De-
cember 7 from Pernambuco. Sugar continued to
be freely supplied, and prices had given way, but a
large business was transacted. Of cotton, _ there
were considerable arrivals from the interior. The
exchange on London was nominal at 2s. Bid.
Freight to the United Kingdom was 475. 6d. per
ton.

The New York letters speak well of trade in ge-
neral, which was active. Money was easier, and in
bills of exchange on London a fair business was
transacted. Cotton was in tolerable demand, and
breadstuffs were rising.

The balance-sheet of the National Bank of Bel-
gium is to the 31st ult. The total business opera,
tions represent the sum of 127,390,000 dols. The
circulation was 69,379,510 dols.
In announcing payment of the first interest
coupon, viz., 8 francs 75 cents. (being 5 per cent.
on the 6/. paid-up), the directors of the Paris and
Lyons remark :—" The dividend arising from the
profits of working_will be fixed at the approaching
general meeting, and paid on the Ist July, together
with the half-year's interest falling due at the same
period." _ _

In announcing a call of 11. per share, payable
between the 18th January and Ist February next,
the directors of the Western of France add :
" This call, which makes the amount per share
paid up 61., will allow an early conversion of the
nominative certificates into others, to bearer'—
i. e., so soon as the Government shall have sanc-
tioned the modifications required by the company
in reference to its statutes."

The following are the numbers of the Bonds of
the Paris and Orleans, designated by lot (at the
drawing of the 14th ultimo), to be paid off at 501.
each, on and after the 3rd instant :-92 Bonds of
the first Loan—viz., 3,801 to 3,892 ; 19 Bonds of
the second Loan—viz., 9,261 to 9,269 ; 11,361 to
11,370.
The English Stock Market opened well, Consols
being up to 100# ; but they have gone rather
flatter since, being now 1001 to #. Bank Stock has
been very steady at 2243/4. Exchequer Bills are worth
675. to 70s. ; and India Bonds, 795. premium, being
both rather heavy. The New 3 per Cents. are
1011 to / ; and the 3 per Cents., 1011 to
The Foreign Market is inactive. Mexican have
been 23i to f--the,news from the Republic being
still unfavourable. Grenada Deferred Bonds are
worth 121 ; Equador, 5 ; and Brazilian New, 94.
Peruvian Old Stock is worth 105, and firm. Por-

tuguese Old 5 per Cents. have been quoted 42 ; and
Spanish Deferred, 23g. The Certificate is 4 to I.
The Turkish Loan is only II premium. Dutch 2
per Cents. have been at ssg to 67 ; and Russian 44
per Cents. at 104 to
Railway Shares are generally very good, and
although there is not a large business doing, prices
are up about per cent., and in some instances
more, Eastern Counties, Caledonian and Aberdeen
being in most favour. French Shares have been a
shade better.
The Gold Mine Shares are pot largely dealt in,
but realise about former prices generally.
The Australian Agricultural Shares are much the
same as on Saturday, and also the other shares.

BRITISH FUNDS THIS DAY.
(From the Official List.)
Basin ess done.
Bank Stock
3 per Cent. Reduced Annuities. .....
3 per Cent. Consols Annuities
New 31 per Cent. Annuities
Long Annuities, Expire sth Jan., 1860 6A
Ditto 30 Years, Expire 10th Oct., 1859
India Bonds, £lOOO 79
Ditto, under £lOOO 79
Consols for Opening 18th January
Exchequer Bills lAd. March.
£lOOO 7O 67
£5OO 7O 67
Small 7O 67

June.

PRICE OF FOREIGN FUNDS THIS DAY.
Brazilian Bonds, 5 per Cent.
Ditto New, 1852, 4i per Cent 9Bi
Equador Bonds 54
Grenada Bonds Deferred,

Mexican 3 per Cent - 231
Peruvian 6 per Cent.
Peruvian Deferred 3 per Cent 64t
Portuguese 5 per Cent. 42
Ditto 4 per Cent 4of
Russian Bonds, 4f per Cent.... lO4 a
Sardinian Bonds, 5 per Cent. 951
Spanish Bonds, 3 per Cent ____ x d
Ditto New Deferred, 3 per Cent 23a
Spanish Committee Cert. of Coup. not fun, 4ii :i p c
Turkish Loan, 6 per Cent., 1852 g 2 -R
p
French Rentes, 3 per Cent
Dutch Exchange 2a per Cent 67 6g x d
Ditto 4 per Cent. Certificates.
THREE O'CLOCK.
Consols for Opening 18th January

THE ALLEGED ROBBERY OF DOCKYARD STORES.—
Peter German, master of the Unity, schooner, belonging
to Portsmouth, was on Saturday charged before Wr N.
Massey, Esq., M.P., Recorder for the borough of Ports-
mouth, with stealing between 14 and 15 cwt. of old iron
stores, consisting of a chain cable, iron knees, iron shack-
les, &c., the property of the Queen. These stores had
formed part of a cargo he had had ,to convey from the
Dockyard to Johnson's Wharf, London ; and which, on
the return of the vessel to the dockyard, were, informa-
tion being given which led to a search, found on board
in an out of the way place. Messrs. Poulden and Wise
were the barristers on the side of the prosecution, and
Mr. Saunders for the prisoner. The case occupied the
Court nearly six hours, the defence being that the arti-
cles in question were on board the Unity without the
knowledge of the prisoner ; and the jury adopting this
view of the case, acquitted him.
Loss AND ECOVERY OF A MAIL.—On last Friday
morning, about a quarter before seven o'clock, as City
police-constable No. 224 was going his rounds, he ob
served a chimney sweep in Smithfield staggering under
the weight of a large leathern bag, which he had on his
shoulder. The sweep did not attempt to avoid him, but
boldly accosting him, requested that he (the constable)
would go with him and his burden to the post-office, at
the same time stating that he had found the bag and
contents whilst looking for work. The constable, being
on duty, could not leave his beat, but offered to accom-
pany him to the station-house in Smithfield. This pro-
posal being acceeded to, they carried the load between
them, and on arriving at the police-station it was ascer-
tained to be the heavy mail bag from Newcastle-upon-
Tyne and adjacent places. The sweep accounted for
the possession of the property as follows :—ln passing
through Coppice-row, Clerkenwell, soon after six o'clock,
he perceived what appeared to be a sack of corn in the
carriage road, and going towards it discovered it was a
mail bag. The circumstance has been reported to the
Postmaster-General, and a suitable reward will be con-
ferred on the finder for his honesty and promptitude in
restoring the missing mail to the proper authorities.
DREADFUL MURDER.— It is our painful duty to record
a dreadful murder which was perpetrated on Wednesday
evening last, at Crowl, midway between Beechwdod and
Cloughjordan. The victim—a quiet, inoffensive man,
named Hugh Coley, who was bailiff to the Misses Craw-
ford, formerly of Rapla—was shot dead, while reading a
letter at his own fireside. It is stated that an armed
gang came to a window, one of them took deliberate
aim and shot the unfortunate man on the spot, also
severely wounding his son, who was in the act of hold-
ing a candle for his father at the moment. The cause
of the shocking outrage is not ascertained ; but it is al-
leged to arise from some entertained towards
Cauley by some persons evicted from the Crawford pro-
perty. Cauley was for a number of years in the service
of Mr. Cooper Crawford, of Rapla, by whom he was held
in very high regard, on account of his general good con-
duct. We learn that several persons have been arrested
fearfulb deed.—Limerick by the on suspicion
itep of being implicated in this
THE LATE DUKE OF WBGLINGTON.--We understand
that the will of the late Duke of Wellington is to be
proddee
ivdeed undert
tthh
ee suuamr
wo fh
uBhoou,
00n0v0e1
y. e d It ht
the
ra
es
ma last
at
uaas e
fbeenthe
late illustrious Commander-in-Chief to St. Paul's Cathe-
dral is to be placed in the Repository of the Royal
Arsenal at Woolwich, and the pall used upon the occa
sion of the funeral in Chelsea Hospital.
SERIOUS ILLNESS OF LORD DENMAN.—We are sorry
to have to state that a communication was received in
town on Saturday, from Nice, stating that Lord Den-
man had been seized with a paralytic attack, and that
he was in a very dangerous condition. His lordship's
eldest son immediately left town, to attend upon his
venerable parent. •