The Sun.
London, England, 1825-03-04 00:00:00

taxation upon trade and InAnufactureg, and the suppression of
smuggling, we're, no doubt, two very important objects; but
he much feared that if the Right Honourable Gentleman per-
sisted in refusing to remove those taxes which the whole nation
demanded, he would in the end impede the accomplishment
of his own wishes. He was sorry the Right 'Hon. 'Gentle-
man had not in conformance with his own principlei, reduced
the duty on French wines to a level with that on the wines of
Portngal. He was surpriseil, he cOnkssed, at the indignation
expressed by the Right Hon. Gentleman opposite (Mr. Hus-
kisson) against the wine-merchants. He • should have been
surprised at it from any one, but most of all from him. He
would vote for the two first Resolutions but as for the funds
embraced by the remaining Resolution., he thought they
would be better applied in the reduction of the duty on to-
bacco, and other articles, by which the baleful practice of
smuggling was kept up.
' Mr. HUSKISSON begged leave to add 'a feW words to what
he had already said upon this subject. He had omitted to no-
tice what had fallen from the zion. Member for Wareham
(Mr. Calcraft), relative to the Treaty with Portugal. The
original Treaty with that country was the Methuen Treaty,
which was upwards of a century old. By that Treaty a cer-
tain proportion in favour of Portugal was to be observed in the
duties upon French and Portuguese wines, and in return- Por-
tugal was to take our woollens. In 1810 this Treaty was re-
vived by another, which was to run fifteen years, and then be
open to revision, by which either party could suspend any ar-
ticle in it for the purpose of renewed discussion and amend-
ment. It was true that this Treaty was now about to expire as
regarded that power of revision, but in all other respects it was
a permanent treaty. With respect to the Company alluded to
by the Hon. Member, it had existed in Portugal for upwards
of sixty years, and there was. no doubt that if• it was found,
upon investigation, to interfere to prejudice' the consumption
of wine in this country, it would be the duty of his Majesty's
Government to direct their attention to it. With refer-
ence to the terrible indignation he had expressed against
the wine merchants, who were going to pocket what was
intended for the benefit of the public, he 'wished to ex-
plain that lie was only proposing to do with regard to them
what he bad done to the public brewers in a former Session.
When the Malt Duty was taken off, one of them declared in
that House that they would pocket the amount of duty re-
mitted, and not lower the prices of their beer. He made a si-
milar intimation then, and the beer was instantly lowered.
Mr. CALCRAFT referred to the Treaty of 1810, to shew
that the acts of the Wine Company in Portugal were contrary
to its provisions.

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER admitted,
that the conduct of this Company had lately become such as to
require the interference of his Majesty's GovernMent. The Go-
vernment of Portugal took a different - view from them upon
this part of the treaty, and had given notice of their intention
to suspend the article relating, in strict ennforpance with the
terms of the treaty. Some discussion had alreisity taken place
on the subject, and he should be quite prepared to go through
the whole matter with them when the, proper time arrived.
Mr. SIAJORIBANKS observed,- that if the Wine Mer-
chants did not reduce the price of their wines to the full amount
of. the .ditty remitted, they would act 'most indiscreetly for
themselves, and most unjustly towards the public. Their
whole, conduct in this afliiir he considered as most unjust and
reprehensible.
Mr. MONCK observed, that however much the country was
indebted to the Chancellor of the Exchequer for the reduction
of taxes, they were more indebted to the gang of smugglers.—
And, if was not mistaken, before many months that House
and, the public would be laid under greater obligations to
that formidable body. Tobacco, and every thing upon which
taxation was excessive, they would, find means to obtain
a remission of taxation upon. Upon tobacco alone lie be-
lieved the quantity seized, in the course of three years, was
no less than one million of pounds. This statement appeared
in a public document, and calculating that only one-fourth
of the quantity run was intercepted by the Government, it
would follow that at 4s. a pound duty, 800,00 C/. was lost to the
revenue, in three years; with regard to the motion of his Hon.
Friend, confessed he was no enemy to a Sinking Fund; but
then it must be honestly applied as originally intended by Mr.
Pitt, which he conceived it was not at present. So far as the
two first Resolutions went, they should have his cordial support.
Mr. CALVERT supported the motion. With respect to
what had fallen from the Right,Hon.Gentleman opposite (Mr.
Iluskisson), he begged to assure him that the Brewers cared
not a farthing for his threats.—(A laugh.)—When they lowered
the price of porter, it was on account of a reduction in the
price of corn ; but as for the Right Hon. Gentleman's threats
he repeated they never did,
.and they never would ,care for
them.—(Continued laughter.)
Mr. Alderman HEYGATE supported the resolutions which
pledged the House to the reduction of the House and Window
tax.

Sir ROBERT WILSON dePrecated the system of direct
taxation. As to the prevalence of direct taxation in Holland.
was not the Chancellor of the Exchequer aware that the fiscal
system of that country was creating the greatest discontent,
and would probably lead to serious evils. Last year no fewer
than NO EnOish- families left Brussels on that account.
Sir W. INGLEBY said a few words in favour of the mo-
tion.

Mr. MABERLY replied, and the House divided—
For the First Resolution • . 64
Against it _ . . . . 111

Majority against it

--47

The other Resolutions were negatived without a division.
Mr. II t; ME postponed his motion relative .to the exclusion
from voting of Members who had a direct pecuniary interest for
or against any measure, to Tuesday,inext.
LAND TA X.
Mr. lIE IMES obtained leave to bring in a bill for the regu-
lation of Monies arising out of the Assessment of the Land.

QUARANTINE.
31r. C. GRANT obtained leave to bring in a bill for the re-
moval of the duty upon Ships performing quarantine.
ASSESSED TAXEs..

On the motion of the CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER,
the Assessed Taxes Repeal Bill was read a second time, and
ordered to be committed to-morrow (this day.)
In answer to Mr. IIuME, the Right Hon. Gentleman stated
the repeal would commence on the sth April.
Mr. Horn-tot:sE postponed his motion for the repeal of the
Window Tax from Tuesday next, till after Easter.
The other Orders of the Day were then disposed of, and the
House adjourned at Half-past TwELvE o'CLocx.