The Sun.
London, England, 1836-05-07 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, SATURDAY, MAY 7. 1•;6

the adoption of this policy in the case of this article I
was attended by the deterioration of the home manu-
facture, or v. hether it had not precisely the contrary effect.
Now I shall lay before you an example of the manner in
which this new principle operates. I may term it a new
principle, or rather the principle propounded by the late Mr.
Huskisson, because lie was the man in this House who gave
utterance to those great principles of commerce on which we
have since proceeded, and which he was the first to originate.
I apply this, in the first instance, to the article of gloves. Ac-
cording to the doctrine of those to whom we are opposed,
the result of a free trade in gloves was to have been the total
destruction of the home manufacturer. Has such been the
result ?_very far from it. The result has Ueen that-the num-
ber of pairs of gloves imported has considerably decreased
within the last year. In 1834 there were imported 1,603,000
pairs of leather gloves, while in 1835 there were but 1,293,000
pairs, making a decrease in the one year of no less than
310,000 pairs. But, contemporary with this vast improve-
ment, as regards the importation of the manufactured article,
the importation of kid-skins, the raw material of the trade,
has, in consequence of the duty having been reduced, so aug-
mented as to give an additional stimulus to that manufacturing
interest which was so loud in its apprehensions of impending
ruin in consequeoce of free trade. In 1834, there were
imported 181,000 undressed, and 617,000 dressed kid-skins,
making a total of 798,000 skins altogether. In 1835 the num-
ber of undressed skins was 235,000, and of dressed 791,000 ;
making a total of 1,044,000, and showing an increase in the
year of 246,000 skins. In a word, by the system we have pur-
sued, not only has the importation of the manufactured article
decreased, but from the ascertained fact of an increased and
increasing importation of the raw material, we are able to de-
duce the satisfactory conclusion that the trade of the country
in this article of gloves is improving. The only remaining
subject under this head upon which I have now to call the
attention of the House, is the silk trade—that trade which we
were told was, by the policy we adopted, to be utterly de-
stroyed and annihilated. Now, Sir, let us consider what has
been the condition of the silk trade of late years; and let us,
contrasting that condition with the state in which we now find
it—let us see how the forebodings of those who are opposed
to our views have been realised. Upon comparing the re-
turns of the importation of raw silk in the years 1834 and 1835,
what do we find to be the result ? In 1834 the quantity of
raw silk imported was 3,346,0001b5., of waste, 1,009,0001b5.,
and of thrown, 185,0001b5., making a total of 4,520,0001b5.
In 1835, the quantity of raw silk was 4,151,0001b5., of waste,
1,382,0001b5., and of thrown, 254,0001b5., making a total of
5,787,0001b5., and showing in the year an increase of
1,267,0001b5. And at the same time it should be observed, that
there had been a decrease in the amount of duties on the ma-
nufactured silks imported—a decrease which clearly showed
that the imposition of an ad valorem duty had, instead of, as
was anticipated, ending in the ruin of the English silk manu-
facturer, been of essential service to him. In 1834, the
amount of duties on manufactured silks imported was 188,000/.
while in 1835 it was only 165,0001. Thus you have, as re-
sulting from the altered system-4rom that system by which
the trade was to have been ruined and annihilated—an in-
creased importation of the raw material, which necessarily im-
plies increased employment, and a proportionate demand for
the manufactured goods of the country.—( Hear, hear.) I
might show, by the like means, that with regard to foreign
wines and other articles, the whole of the principle upon which
we proceeded has been borne out by the result. I observe my Hon.
Friend the Member for Worcester differs from me on this point—

Mr. ROBINSON—In the case of French wines.

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER—I believe
they constitute no exception to my position. I have not by
me at this moment the return, but my impression is that the
result, as regards French wines, is precisely the same as that
of the other articles I have particularised. But looking to
the question of these customs generally, it is clear that there
has been a considerable increase within the last four years,
and though the fact may be that in the first two years we lost,
or in the last two gained, I think I am fully justified in ar-
guing that, as upon the general summing up, there has been
found an increase, the alterations we have lately made have
been highly beneficial, not merely by the addition they have
caused to the revenue, but by the stimulus they have afforded
to the trade of the country.—(Hear.) I cannot quit this ques-
tion of the customs duties without adverting to the very great
improvements which, within the last few years have taken
place in the custom duties in Ireland in many of the most
important ports. Upon a statement of the description lam
now making, it is very material that the proportion of the
contributions made by that country to the general revenue
should not be passed over ; but important as such a statement
is at all times, it becomes doubly so when a reference to her
imports affords conclusive proof that not only is her com-
merce sensibly on the increase, but that, from their general
nature, may be deduced the satisfactory inference that, in re-
gard to the comforts and luxuries of her people, there is a cor-
responding improvement.—( Hear.) The document I hold in
my hand is a return of the customs receipts in Irish ports for
the years ending 1833, 34, 35, and 36. It is as follows :

Year ending Jan 1, 1833. 1834. 1835. 1836.
Belfast
Cork 149,000 161,000 166,081 186,600
Dublin
Limerick
Derry
Waterford

In the year ending Jan. 1835 ... Tea 164,000

1836 ... - 475,000

It is quite true, that in the latter year there has been a great
consumption of tea, but as from this circumstance, as well
as from the fact, that there is actually now, from many of the
Irish ports, a direct trade springing up between Ireland and
China—a matter which we, who took part in the discums;on.
respecting the opening of that trade, never anticipated—l de-
rive most satisfactory assurances that the condition of the Irish
people is improving. I think the House will join with me in
the conclusion, that, upon the general statement, there is great
ground for congratulation and anticipation—( Hear, hear.) I
cannot conclude my observations in respect to the customs
duties without adverting to the reductions lately made in the
expenses incurred in their collection. Upon this point lam
happy in being able to say considerable progress has been
made ; and as a reduction of the expenses of the collection of
the customs duties is a matter which is not altogether imma-
terial, I trust the committee will excuse me if I dilate upon
the subject for a very few moments. It is often said that it
behoves this House to ask, on behalf of the public, for infor-
mation on those branches of expenditure which arc not an-
nually voted by us. I agree entirely in the proposition, that
the House has a right to ask for that information, and it is with
a view of giving it that I take the liberty of now stating some
few details, to show the progress we have made on this head.

EXPENSE OF COLLECTION, UNITED KINGDOM.
( Exclusive of Coast Guard, &c.)
For the Year. No. of Officers. Salaries.
1817 7731 £819,686
1822 6788 726,572

1827 5220
1832 4976
1835 4809
Diminution in 18 years 2922

630,801
565,021
558,644
261,042

CHARGE OF COLLECTION.
1822 £lo 15 2 per Cent.
1827... .......... t.... 7 1 10+
1832 6 19 10
1835 5 17 3
BRITISH NORTH AMERICA, AND WEST INDIES.
1826. . . £100,522
1836 84,852

15,670 decrease
Future establishment
Total eventual saving £32,530
I think by this statement it is clearly proved, that we are gra-
dually making advances towards a more economical collection
of the customs duties ; and, on the part of the Government,
do not hesitate in giving a promise, that—a ith perfect safety
to the revenue and without danger to the multifarious interests
depending upon the proper performance of the duties attached
to the officer of customs—we will continue in the course we have
entered upon, and whereever a reduction can be made, a reduc-
tion shall take place.—( Hear.) It must, however, be clearly,
understood, that the subject is one surrounded with much dif-
ficulty, and that while in some cases a reduction will be fur
the present wholly impracticable, it is more than probable
that the considerations I have mentioned—namely, the pro-
tection of the revenue, and a due regard to the interests in-
volved—will compel us to increase existing departmental estar
blishments. I may mention tint from the important port of
the Clyde we have received a most urgent remonstrance upon
this subject, in which it is stated that the present customs esta-
blishment is utterly inadequate, and requiring that, as an act
of justice to the parties engaged in its commerce, as well as
for the sake of the revenue, some addition should be made to
its strength. Now this application we must accede to, be-
cause we would not be justified, for the sake of a paltry un-
substantial economy, in reducing the establishment so low as
to hazard either frauds upon the revenue, or the interests of
the fair and honest trader, as opposed to those who infringe
upon the laws.—( Hear, hear.) I now come to the excise
branches of the revenue, and here I expect the House will
call upon me to be more explicit than I have hitherto been,
and to state clearly the ground upon which I venture to esti-
mate that there will be found for the coming year an increase
under this head. Well, Sir, the grounds upon which my
supposition is based are as follow :—Under the great heads Of
revenue, in my budget of last year, the Committee will recol-
lect I stated what had been the ratio of increase which in each
case had taken place during the preceding four years : and,
having done so, I compared the last year with the preceding
three years, with a view of showing how in each department
the case exactly stood. I have now the result of a similar
computation to lay before the Committee, and it will be per-
ceived by my statement that we have progressed still further
in our course of prosperity, and that the improvement upon
which I had to congratulate the House last year continues
still to flow in a steady and gradually increasing stream.—
( Cheers.) I will take each head alphabetically as it stands,
commencing with that of auctions—
Increase per cent. Increase per cent.
year ending April year ending April
5, 1835, as corn- 5, 1836, as com-
pared with average pared with average
of 3 preceding y rs. of 3 preceding yrs.
Auctions
Bricks
Glass
Hops 2l
No. of Licenses
Malt 3
Paper, Ist and 2d class 7
iVlillboard 7
Stained l7
Hard Soap
Soft Soap 1 decrease
Spirits
Vinegar

4 decrease
8
12 increase
13

so that under all these heads of excise revenue—after having
had a large increase last year—l am enabled to afford the sa-
tisfactory intelligence that there is a corresponding increase
in the present. Now with respect to the :duty on malt. I
should observe that it is on malt I anticipate a very great por-
tion of my increase. I will now tell the House on what data
this anticipation is based. In the year ending January 1,
1833, the consumption of malt was 37,987,000 bushels; in
1834 it rose to 40,517,000 bushels ; and in 1835 it again rose
to 40,662,000 bushels, showing that on an average of the
three years the consumption was 39,722,000 bushels. Now
for the year 1836 the consumption is feand to be no less than
45,317,000 bushels, being an i^.creas2 of 5,595,000 bushels.
Here I must be allowed to observe, that I think those who
doubted the policy of the course pursued, as connected with
this tax of late years—the policy, firstly of repealing the beer
tax, and secondly, the policy of resisting the repeal of the malt
tax—must now be fully satisfied that in so doubting they altr-
gether miscalculated the probable effects of it.—( Hear. ) At
all events, the result to which I now refer must fully justify
those Honourable Gentlemen on both sides of the *House—
for we were united on both those questions—and who as-
sisted the Government in bringing about the total abolition
of the beer tax, and in resisting the proposition for the reduc-
tion of the malt tax, for the votes they gave on those occa-
sions. It is quite impossible that the gradually increasing con-
sumption which has taken place in this article of malt can have
taken place without giving to the agriculturists the full measure
of benefit of which it is an indication.—( Hear.) But even
upon the increase which we find in the last year, I anticipate a
further increase—indeed a considerable increase—in the cur-
rent year.—( Hear.) This expectation rests on vague surmise
—it is not a mere calculation, but is deduced from data which
are not likely to prove fallacious. By reason of the malt laws,
under which the tax is established, I have now before me a re-
turn of the actual amount of charge which will be receivable
under its head within the next six months ; and in order to gain
the amount likely to accrue within the other six months of the
year, I take the average of the analogous six months in the
three preceding years. These two sums I add together; and,
deducting from it the sum of 200,0001. for repayments and
drawbacks, I find that the probable amount of malt duty for the
current year may be taken at 5,650,0001.—(Hear.) Now, I
cannot quit this question of excise, without shortly adverting
to the experiment which the House sanctioned me in making
last year, because it becomes very material when I come to
the close of my argument, and when I proceed to state the
practical result I draw from the adoption of the principle upon
which that experiment was based that its result should be dis-
tinctly placed before the House. Last year I was induced to
try an experiment with respect to the trade in glass. The duty
of 6d. per lb. was found to press heavily on the trade, and
having reason to believe that through its means the fair and
honest manufacturer was oppressed, that the revenue was con-
stantly cheated in the drawbacks, and feeling pretty well as-
sured that the increased excitement which wuldd be given to the
trade by the reduction of a duty I believed to be excessive,
would make up for the consequent deficit, I ventured to pro-
pose in the last year a reduction from 6d. to 2d. per lb. lam
not, owing to the short time the experiment has been in ope-
ration, enabled to say that all my anticipations have been re-
alized; but certainly I may say that as far as my means of in-
formation extend, the result has been quite favourable to those
theorists who lay down the proposition that the increased con-
sumption upon the reduction of a duty believed to be ex-
cessive will make up for any diminution the revenue may on
the moment sustain. The return as regard flint glass is as
follows :

_ .
FLINT GLASS.
First round ending Feb. 20, 1835-1,196,720 lbs.
1836-1,272,992

Increase 76,272
Second round, 1835-1,219,792
1836-1,394,176

Increase 174,384
Quarter ending April 5, 1835-2,416,512
1836-2,667,168

Increase

Already, therefore, there has been an increase under this head
of revenue to the extent of 10 per cent., and I have every rea-
son to expect that accordinr, as competition progresses, and
capital is employed in the trade, this increase will improve.
To show the effect the reduction has already had upon th e
trade, I may as well read an extract from a reply that I re-
ceived to a letter requesting information on the subject, from
the collectors employed in this branch of the excise department
—it states that—

" In the Lichfield collection, two additional furnaces have
been built—a manufactory re-opened—another is in course of
erection—a third is contemplated. In Manchester there is an
increase of fourteen per cent.—in Stourbridge eleven, not-
withstanding the increased price of the materials, the value
of red lead, and American ashes having ,considerably more
than doubled in the last year In the York collection, the
manufacturer has considerably enlarged his works, but has
yet more orders than he can execute, during the next four
months. In London, the immense demand for phials. moul-
ded bottles, and other low-priced articles, shows that the
illicit manufacturer is beaten out of the market, and causes
great difficulty in procuring a sufficient number of hands to
perform the work. There are comparatively few arrests for
illicit manufacture."

As resulting then from my experiment, I have the increased
employment of the manufacturers, and of the persons engaged
in this trade—the benefits to the public at large, by the dimi-
nished price of an article of comfort—and I have, above all,
the diminished number of prosecutions for offences aeninst the
5..-ss,s,s. Novi, I contend these results alone ought to be suf-
ficient encouragement to the House to persevere in the course
that I have taken, and in case of all taxes felt to be injuriously
excessive,
consumption t o reduceunhesitatingly,
ake
u p
any
temporaryrelyi n g upon
deficit
t h
ine
the increasere..
of
renue.—( Hear, hear.) But upon this point I have another
example to quote, and one of considerable importance. I
allude to the reduction of the duty on Irish sprits. In 1833,
upon the proposition of my Noble Friend ( Lord Spencer), the
duty upon Irish spirits was diminished. Now what had been,
the result of that measure? In every sense a most favourable
one. In the year ending Ist January, 1833, the number of gal-
lons of Irish spirits brought to charge was 8,542,000 ; in 1834,
8,382,000; and in 1835, 10,329,000. From this it appears that
the average brought to charge during the three years was
9,084,000 galls. Now, in the year ending Ist Jan. 1836, there
had been no less than 11,634,000 gallons brought to charge
showing an increase above the average of the three preceding
years of 2,549,000 gallons, or of nearly one-third of the whole
consumption.—(Hear, hear.) Well, and what was the in-
ference lie drew from this fact? Why, that they were now,
at a diminished duty, receiving a greater amount of revenue
than they did at the time the duty was highest in amount.—
( Hear, hear.) In concluding this branch of my statement,
I wish to mention that many considerable reductions have been
already made, and are still in progress, in the Excise esta-
blishment. I may say for certain, that by the discontinuance
of the survey on brewers and wine sellers 187 officers have
been reduced, and salaries to the amount of 18,8571. thereby
saved ; besides which, we are freed from all the turmoil and
difficulties of the Excise surveys of 101,687 dealers in tea,
9,126 dealers in wine, and 36,861 brewers.—( Hear, hear.) I
shall now proceed to the smaller branches of the revenue.
Sir R. PEEL—At what is the Excise calculated?
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER— At
14,170,0001. This is the amount of the estimate for the
next year as stated to me by the presiding officer of the
department—the same officer who drew up the estimate of
the past year, which the Committee will recollect has been
realised by the result. It has been formed, I should also
mention, upon the same data as that of last year, and I be-
lieve the House may rely upon its correctness. I now come
to the stamp duties ; but I wish in the observations I shall
make in reference to them, not to allude in any way to the al-
terations that are in contemplation. This will form a separate
topic, and would only serve to embarrass the details into which
I have now to enter. It appears from the returns under this
head, that with two exceptions, namely, the duties on probates
and administrations, that the excess of last year, after preceding
years, is likely to be followed up in the present. Under the
heads of the probate and administration duties, there is a likeli-
hood of a decrease ; but the amount of loss under these heads
will be more than compensated for by the amount of gain under
others. I now come to the question of the Post-office. In deal-
ing with this question, I should mention that the convention
lately entered into between his Majesty the King of Eng-
land and the King of the French upon the subject of an
intei'change of _communications between the two countries,
exercises a considerable influence upon it. For a time the
arrangement which this convention is intended to carry into
effect will involve some loss of revenue to us ; but my belief
is, that ultimately, through the increase of communication,
we shall be gainers. I should mention that the convention in
question is founded on an Act passed in the last Session, by
which his Majesty was authorised to allow a free transmis-
sion of foreign newspapers from any country which should
agree to receive ours on the same terms. In pursuance of
it, also, a reduction in the amount of postage between the two
countries is to take place. The duty on English newspapers
going into France is fixed for the present at a very small
amount—being four centimes, or less than a halfpenny, and it
is expected that even this will be given up as soon as the sanc-
tion of the French Parliament can be obtained to such a mea-
sure. Upon letters the reduction will be considerable. Hi-
therto the postage of a letter from Paris to London was 2s.
ld. ; henceforth it will be but Is. Bd., and the postage from
London to Paris, heretofore 2s. 10d., will be reduced to the
same amount-Is. 9d. This arrangement, as I have already
observed, will cause a temporary decrease of revenue under the
head of the Post-office ; but I feel quite confident that the in-
creased number of communications consequent upon this re-
duction of postage will, ere long, more than compensate for
that deficiency. I have only further to state in connection
with this subject—the Post•office, that by the alteration made
in the system of contracts for mail-coaches, we have been able
to effect a saving of 12,0001. per annum, and that other sug-
gested reductions shall be attempted by Government, if, upon
due consideration, the practicability shall be made manifest.—
( Hear, hear.) I believe I have now gone through the various
heads of Revenue.
Mr. GOULBURN—You have not stated the estimated
amount of the post-office revenue.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER—I will
take the Post-office at 1,540,0001. ; but that will be under the
amount, if the French Parliament shall agree to the further
propositions now being made to their Government. Having
now gone through the various heads of the revenue, I must
entreat the House to allow me a few moments more of their
attention while I go through some of the circumstances con-
nected with some of the alterations which have lately taken
place in the domestic policy of the country. I do not think
I need trouble the House with respect to the existing pros-
perity of the manufacturing interests of the country. This
is a natter which I shall take for granted ; for a knowledge
of the state of the manufacturing districts must convince

every one who hears me that there is now an active demand \,
for labour avid machinery, that new works are in progress,
and that on all sides there is a call for more hands. Ia
the case of the hand-loom weavers especially, there exists
now a great demand for labourers in different parts of the
country.—( Hear, hear, hear.) These, and other circum-
stances of the same nature, are too well known to the public
and the House to render it necessary that I should dwell
upon them.—(heir. ) There are, however, sonic few
facts upon which 1 feel called upon to say a very few words.
It must be obvious that a better indication of the existing
state of the country, and of the general prosperity of the peo-
ple, cannot be found, than that afforded by a return of the
number of persons who have of late years claimed freedom
from their debts through the operation of the Insolvent Act.
Now I have the satisfaction of being able to state that the
reduction on this head, which, with so much pleasure, I re..
ferred to last year, has proceeded farther, and that if it is
allowable to form an opinion of the future by the past, there is
every reason for satisfaction and congratulation. I hold in my
hand a return of the number of persons discharged as insol-
vent debtors between the years 1832 and 1835, both inclusive.
in 1832 their number was 4,648; in 1833, 4,583 ; in 183-I,
4,275 ; and in 1835, 3,890. Here is a gradual and most satis-
factory decrease, and my confident expectation is, it will not
stop here. I must now take the liberty of reading an extract
from a letter I received lately from one of the Judges of the
Insolvent Court, lately returned from a Circuit, which aisa
gave most satisfactory evidence in relation to this point. The
letter was dated 4th April, 1836, and was in the following
words:—" In the clothing districts of Gloucester and Scem r-
set very great improvement. No case of the insolvency of a
master or weaver on his own account, where three years ago
there were several. A general prosperity observable in the
buildings of country towns and villages. In the manufactur-
ing parts of northern and midland counties has frequently ex-
pressed in court his congratulations to the county that hardly
one case occurred of the insolvency of master or weaver, es-
pecially noticeable at Nottingham and Leicester, where, on
former occasions, the number of failures had been consider-
able, and the character of them fraudulent." I have returns
to the same effect, and equally satisfactory, from Ireland ;
which, in point of commercial prosperity, seems to stand its
ground quite as well as England.—(Hear, hear.) But the
most material improvements—those which are most important
to the House and the public to advert to—are those improve-
ments which are commencing in the agricultural parts of the
country, by the alterations effected through the medium of the
Poor Law Bill.—( Cheers.) I must say, that at first I could
scarce), believe that it was possible any legislative measure
could come into such immediately beneficial action as has been
the case with respect to this Poor Law Bill. I know well it
has been aided by adventitious circumstances. I know, for in-
stance, that its effect has been hastened by the general state of
the country, by the demand for labour, by the low price of
provisions, and other collateral circumstances—( I state this
because I think the case is strong enough without them,
and because it is not the interest of any Government that
the working of its measures should be viewed through a
false medium)—but I say that the Poor Law Bill does
not require these adventitious circumstances to show that it
is likely to exercise a most important and beneficial influ-
ence upon this country's prosperity. In proof of this my
position, I will take the liberty of reading a return
which has been furnished to me, with a view of contrasting the
existing working of the poor-law system with that of the sys-
tem which the present displaced :—Taking 311 unions, inclu-
ding 6,676 parishes, I find that the amount of rates brought
under the guardians for the December quarter was 3,368,879/.
Opposed to this, I find that in 122 unions, the rates, on the
average of three years, amounted to 1,258,867/. Now, the
expenditure of the quarter ending December 31, under the
oldlsystem, was 314,717/; under the new system, it appears
to be but 154,888/. Under the old system, the expenditure
of a year amounted to 1,258,867/. ; under the new, the esti-
mated expenditure is but 619,553/. ; showing a reduction in
the one year of no less than 49 per cent. This return, I
should observe, is not drawn up from any particular class of
parishes : the calculation is made as well from parishes in
which, under the old system, great abuses prevailed, as in pa-
rishes which under that system were the best managed. In
the Uckfield, Battle, and Midhurst unions, the reduction has
been more than two-thirds. In the Uckfield union, contain-
ing 16,000 persons, a few days back there were only four
able-bodied labourers out of work. I should mention that the
March quarter has fully confirmed the former statements and
results. The reduction in the worst districts being 59 per
cent., and in the best, 20 per cent. Now, for my part, I be-
lieve that in these returns we have the best practical evidence
that the condition of the agricultural labourer is on the im-
provement, because contemporaneous with the reduction of
rates, we have it in evidence that there is an increased demand
for labour, and especially for piece-work labour.--(Hear.)
I now come to another topic, namely, a reference to the re-
turns from the different savings' banks of the country. I
adverted to this subject in the course of my financial state-
ment of last year, and it will now suffice to say that great as
was the increase both in the number of depositors and th e
amount deposited, there is now to be found a greater increase.
There was another feature in the-state of the country which
also in an eminent degree proved the ameliorated condition
of the agricultural labourer—he alluded to saving-banks.
They had been adverted to on a former occasion, But the
improvement which they now presented was most remark-
able, as he should show, for in the past year the number
of depositors was 35,528, and the amount which they invested
was 990,790/., although by law they were restrained within
so narrow a limit as 2001. in the whole. That the prosperous
condition of the country was proved by the flourishing state of
the sß,..in,g-bank, and the vast alteration that bad taken
place in the poor-rates, he took to have been demonstrated ;
but there yet remained other sources from which to establish
that most important and satisfactory conclusion, and there
was one of those to which he could not advert without dwell-
ing upon the marked ground for congratulation which it
offered. He alluded to the returns made to the Home-office
on the state of crime during the past year ; during also the
time from 1820 to 1829, divided into periods of four years each,
and from 1899 to 1833, and thence to the present time. In
the first four years of that period the number of capital punish-
ments was 372 ; in the second four years it was 229; in the
third period of four years it was 230 ; and in the last four
years only 155. The House would thus see that that descrip-
tion of punishment had been reduced by one half, or rather
more. Those returns referred to the country at large, but
there was one most important portion of the country, and one
which, in an especial degree, was indicative of the general ha-
bits and circumstances of the population generally, and more
particularly so with respect to their pecuniary condition, and
that was the returns of crime and punishment in London
and Middlesex. From the year 1827 to 1829 the number
of capital punishments in London and Middlesex was 63.
From that to 1832 they were reduced to 16 ; in 1833 they
were only two ; in 1834 there was not one; neither in 1835.
Than this analysis could there be anything more satisfactory?
Cheers.) Not only had the number of capital crimes of
late years diminished, but all crimes in connection with vio-
lence had proportionally diminished. Could there be any
state of things more calculated to encourage us in persevering
in the course of legislation in which we have commenced
( Cheers) ? Now, before I bring back the House to the ques-
tion of the surplus revenue, allow me to remind Hon. Mem-
bers of a few events not wholly unimportant in the considera-
tion of the subject upon which we are engaged. In looking
to the burdens of the country, it is but right to consider that
many of those burdees which press the heaviest on us now
cannot justly be considered in the light of perpetual burdens.
Many of them are the result of war, and of the great establish-
ments which war compelled us to keep up—such, for instance,
are half-pay allowances and pensions for military services, all
of which now are more or less in the course of reduction,
while many were on the brink of total extinction. Now, the
House may be interested to know the reductions of dead weight
in regard to half-pay, Chelsea and Greenwich Hospitals, the
army, navy, ordnance, and civil pensions and superannuation al-
lowances ; with this view I have caused a return to be drawn
up, which I shall take the liberty of reading to the House.
It is as follows :