The Sun.
London, England, 1815-04-21 00:00:00

PROPERTY T.X.-

Mr. BROGnEN brought up the Report of the
Ways afld Means. .
The Resolution With respsct to the renewal of
the Property Tat being read,
General GASCOYGNE said, he felt 'it incumbent
on him-to say a few words on the present occa-
sion. He had presented a Petition from the city
of Liverpool against the Property Tax, and it
was at the time the wish of the, P,•ititioaers that
the tax should not be•renewed. But circumstan-
ces had arisen since, 'which be was sure. inclined
the-Petitioners not to object to the measure under
modifications. .Under those circumstances, it w,s.
not his intention to oppose, but to propose, or
rather to wish for sonic modification of, it. He -
could not but see the inequality of the tax in being.
equal on yearly income and permanent property.
It could not he fair to tux the yearly income of a
commercial man derived from his business, which
depended on his health and a thousand other cir-
cumstances, as highly as the yearly income of a
landed proprietor, whose yearly income -may be
rising every year, not in proportion- to his own
activity or industry, and not depending on fortui-.
tons circumstances, but in proportion to the acti-
thy and improvement of his tenants, and to the.
advance of those articles which would he dimi--
nishing the profits of the man of business. If;
therefore, his 'Majesty's Min;jters did not pro-
pose any modification of the measure, -he should;
though he svould wish that some Honourable
Member more' adequate to the subject would re
lieve him from tin, task.

Sir JOHNNEwponi took this early opportunity
of entering his protest agi7ust the renewal of so
odious end inquisitorial a tax. -;.!.was introduced
under circumstances which did not.ilt. all justify
the introduction of such an oppressive n.eastire:
There was .no information given why the measure
was necessary. Under such circumstances be
would divide the House on it, were he sure to be
alone on the dirision. While the Chancellor of
the Exchequer said, that he would not modify the
measure itt any shape, there were some Members
who thought they could introduce modification of
it ; but he did not !thaw how any such luipe could
he entertained. The Right lion. Baronet then
alluded to the report of the measure beiOy, extend-
ed to, lretand. lie said it was always considered'
an 'inquisitorial tax in this country. What could
then be thought of it in Irelaturt where religious
animosity was likely to make it an instrument foe
the very worst purposes. He conjured the House
topause bel'ore they would cast into that country
such a fire=brand, as, in his opinion,
sum every tie of the connection with this coun-
try. That country was ill able to bear any addl-.
tional burdens but this was so new to her habits
and contemplation, besides its inequality and 'ge-
neral features ofreptignance, that he did' not
thinkslie coated be in any manner reconciled to it.
He then moved that the Resolution be taken into
consideration this day fortnight.
Mr. I3ANKES said, that what he had mentioned
last night, relative to extending the measure to
li-eLirid, was spoken advisedly, and he would per-
severe in it. lie should on a subsequent day, if
a Bill should be brought in to carry the measure.'
into effect, propose as an amendment, that
.the
word " Ireland" should_ be added to
Ireland was too heavily taxed already., and could
not bear this tax iii addition to lier.other burdens,
lie should propose taking ofi, some of those other
burdens, and substituting it. This ,would not fall
on those who stood most in need of relief, on the
poor and the labouring, whereas many of those
other burdens did, and tell on them most heavily.
His opinion was, therefore, 'not altered by any
thing that had dropped from the Right Honour-
able''Baronet.

Mr. GRATTAN said, that every thing that had
fallen from the Hon. Gentleman (Mr. Bankes)
was assertion, and that it was necessary to con-
sider the situation of Ireland before any such Tax
as that under consideration was introduced into
that country. lie did not suppose that the people
of Ireland would object to any measure That was
necessary to support the safety and honour of the
empire, but he thought, that at the present mo-
ment, the Property, or lncome•Tax, whichever
it was called, would'he highly impoliti6 and nu-
wise. He would enter more at large into the sub-
ject on a future oceaaiOn, but at present he thought
it sufficient, that the measure was so new to all
the habits•and thoughts of the people of Ireland,
that it could not be introduced to thetn without
the greatest danger. He gave the amendment his
most cordial support.
Mr. VESEY FITZGERALD said he should defer
the general observations which he should have to
male upon this subject, until the Hon-. Gentle-
man's (Mr. Baukes) motion came regularly be-
fore the [louse. - But that this opinion might not
be mistaken, and to allay the anxiety which such
a proposition was 'calculated to excite in Ireland,
he thought it right to stare. that, however re-
spectable the quarter might be from which that

proposition came, he had at 'present no intention
of recommending the adoption of that Tax in
Ireland. He wished, however, to remind the
House, that the application of that Tax to Great
Britain was only nroposed.for one year, and under
circumstances which would not justify him in now
proposing it for the sister country, even if lie
-were prepared to go the full length of the Ho-
nourable Gentleman's opinion. The Honourable
Gentleman would recollect that even in this coun-
try, where the habits of society were so different;

TREATY OF FONTAINBLEAU.
Mr. ABEEcnomate rose, pursuant to his notice,
He felt that the return of Iluonaparte to France
was a matter of the highest importance to Eng-
land and to Europe. It world beia desertion of
the duties of Members of that house•, to their
constituents, and to their posterity, if they did
not enquire whether• foresight and wisduni op the
part of Government might not have prevented this
occurrence. It appeared neeeiisary that Ministers
should be put on their defence on this question.
It could not be fi.trly maintained, that it was now
too late to call fot explanations. At an earlier
period many reasons might hive been urged
against enquiries as to the securities which had
`bean taken oil thi's suliject. It would have been
said, too, that this point might be left to the
wise and sound discretion of Government. Now,
be wished to know whether• that discretion had
been exercised with wi•+lnnt and prudence. The
'po'nt could not be ar,,ned,with.out reference to the
Treaty of Fontainblean, and to the accompanying
circumstances ; of whi6h it was said by some,
that it was the result of a mistuken magnanimity :
but according to a Noble Lord, it was- a case of
necessity: He agreed with neither of those opi-
nions. Buonapsrte might not have been quite re-
duced, but yet the Allias might bare been able to

. a seact
fichi plate of trelaiel; and si.abre the wealth was enfai.oe securities ; iiiii4 iiiiiiiiii jive ber"etroltif
so }melt greater; it sees_ lorn time. befare that to do So; than to expase themselves to 3 sec,ittfl"'
Tax 'was &ale fully pi•odueti se, . and befose the af calamities. We underitood that his call's ess"
machhicadi which was to •enforce •ita collettiou lost, dint opinions were against iiims that I lot 011
,mild hea•teffeetede If ;e•eat diffictaties had heel; , rity was goat:, that disaffection prevailed ' etas'.
funud in Erigiand; amaa greater wobld undoubt- in civil officers; but in his at'Say, wbi'li'e a Ole:
edly be radial in behind: He declined, hnwever, ' joined byaMitaisaant and Mortice, was 11:ieere'1,7
entering intd the atgument at present, and should ; eior wallet Of :the Allies. Sot& and .49 %I
content himself with stating that, under the pre- 1 were opiassed by tit least equal nuldbee'e : 01
sent eircennstances, he did not think himself pis- i then suppoSed his force nearly anitillThitte'seivete
titled in proposing to ;attend: it to that country. i were told that the Allied Sovereigns i.'erie,,, rfte'it'
With regard to the financial difficulties of Ireland; I in Paris with enthusiasm: Then cant(' t'' el eq•
however lie might lament theta, the. House . and ! of FOntainbleau, which puzzled malty, ''',
roet'';
the Hon. Gentleman must do hint the justice to .1 winced others that he bad vet considerabiCs;el3o ').`
acknowledge that he had never endeavoured to 1 The Noble Lord seemed tos asceihe the OW'
skreen them from investigation. In moviag for a ! this Treaty to the zeal of the arMY for t!zcie Tte4tl
Committee some days ago, to enquire into the , mender- Sinue said, that with Out sae" aof PO;
state of the Irish finances, he had not concealed ' the army woutd rally around the fathilY he grO,
that the people of Ireland would be called upon naperte :.tinttheu it was stated that e.',.,,ecet°
tp make great exertion--.-exertions which he agreed , 'evil to be avoided was a civil war fri 'eireetli:
with the Hon. Gentleman who spoke last that ! None could doubt that, under certain
0 itioge:l;
they would cheerfully mike in the commod cause. ' stances, Buonapaete wbuld pretest' the c- 'to -
Kat it was a great mistake to suppose. that great chance of being in France to .his 0;1' ot re'
sacrifices had not been already made. Let- any Elba. It was folly to suppose he would necatiti
man look at the amount of .the tevenue of Ireland turn, if he could do so ; and then, what stes sr
before the Union, and at the calculations upon had we for the Treaty ? • Wheee could.
eee bei., 1 'll4
which her share of the joint contributions was curity, if he had' entire freedom at Bluae tt),
founded ; let' him at the same time lock at the- trite construction of the Treaty certainly kes and
narrow means she possessed, and then consider the Allies the right of watching his mea".!l O'er
the amount to which her revenue had been since movements.- The principle of it was l''' :<,. del
raised, and he would admit, that whatever dis-, . Lion, and his renunciation of course "t' filileaed"
inclination Ireland might have to this Tait, she sign to disturb the peace of Euroae, NOl 001°.
badborne her full share of the weight of the ge- suppose that in Elba he could pretend t`,. te•
neral pressure, and she would, be had no doubt, regular war against France. Ills °l;'Yo' ' °,l
always cheerfully contrileute, to the extent of her source was in the army or the disf'''B-1: ti b:/,
power. to the public hurchens. He would not the people, and that could only be tw-iiiise ''.
anticipate the debate, but would cheerfully meet •his presence in France. This catcall's"' ale
the Han. Gentleman when the day of discussion I was a main point to watch over. it "5 00)
shoald arrive. titer consideration how far the Treaty' "-ilitisre as°
Mr. ELLIOTT said, that under the new circum- naparte had been faithful( y observed. 1-11,",' List°,
stances of the. country, and feeling that the Inca- an attorney-like sort of argument as ttf 1°- AO-,
sure was but a redemption of the pledge of the on which lie was to receive his alWv''''ce,isal 1;14
House in their Address to the Prince Regeat, he cording to his own statement, he was itiv'essacti.
would vote for the Tax. considerable difficulty, and got money by - voiP,
a Sir Jona NEWPORT could not withdraw his fram bankers at Ge'ima, &c. Another. 'lOO.
.Amendment, was, the' ' ease of his wife and child triii•eiti l°
. The House then divided, when the numbers from him. If the Treaty redassoly'd -11
is
%by . ...
were— . , the independent .Soveteien of Elba,' ' rose(
a
. Against the Amendment 99 this done ? So far as i espected the i:oti .(1_
For it
iThjority —69 lilies of Parma and Placentia, the T.
~ter
' The Resolution was accordingly agreed to, and Fontaitibleau was nnquestionably most iii oft 01;
04
a'l-ill was ordered to he brought "in in pursuance. It affected the interests, and the ndisl i'lliPii-t,
, Alderman ATRINs said, that the tax was a- tax interests., of his wife and child, wiut.l a:, be'
on industry, and was highly unequal, as being as courses, be nearest to his heart ;a" it ‘viebi"tea
great on the profits of one year as on property for sides, signed by seVeral of the molt Cr iierwi'k
ever. He was sure the tax, without any moaifi- Marshals
.of France, who could not do °tr eald'r
cation, was indeed very uncomfartable to the than consider their laMour and characte I,oool'r
country—(A laugh)—but if his Right Honourable to attend to the fulfilment of it. Their solleit
Friend {ilia Chaueellor of the Exchequer) would was pledged to this,- and the honour °I: Ina ,',,
agree to a Committee to adopt modifications, then renowned in arms was not to be trifled syests".
it in:a.al: .';`a wade something more comfortable, had also been. rumoured, and ‘l,l pretty g•:s 0/11/e
and the-country might be brought not to object to believed, that there had been an inte"ti" I Ow"
Flt ao' Jot
the measure. gress to remove Buotasparte- front -- a boils .
Mr. W. SMrTII said, that it was not to the other place of confinement; and this ho ' veio '
amamit of this he hail even so nmeii objected, as was clearly shewn in a procle.matioa (f'r"'°l‘ Vcr
to its inequalityaed to the inqiiisitorial powers its he read a short extract) issued by G,1150'4'
its collection. Ile never met a Mail, who, was at soult two days after it: was. knOWII 013 t 150 Al:
all conversant with the manner of collecting it, pal te had landed in France. There w"seBe Se-
who did not say it Was a most odams tax in its other documefie, he meant the deteece of: s'tt•‘',•,;!Ale.
Campbell, who was entrusted by hia2•lkiicse; tab ';
present si.ape, anti whether a tax on property
could be inatle to go down with the country at large niters to watch the motians of Napoleon, Id seset4
or no, he was sure tile tax in its resew shape and by that it appeuredthat Buonaparte Irare, I✓l,
would be most highly disgusting- He perfectly by his conduct that'he meditated an cic,'l;',. to iji.
coincided with the lion. Bironet who had taken N. Campbell had given intelhgeoce of t"''', a far'
i ie
a very just view of the subject." Government of :his country, acid it row° ao,
(-1 qieral GA sc?) YGN E explained, dad said, that he thee to chew, whether they had titles the' if o'7
Ito
se
would be glad the subject should be. taken up as sary precautions to prevent such esesPe' to t
he proposed, by any other Member. had not, they -were certainly amenable it I°.
The CHANCELLoa of tie ExcHEQUER thought country for those mischiefs which nii;f•ht r,l; Itc"'
that a Committee %acetic, be prodocti ve of much the interests of this country and of .6°1.4 I,:ce-1
delay, and as the tax %yes proposed but for one * such escapehaeing beeti 'allowed to take VI e!''''-
yuar, the delay would be of the greater ha- Under all these circumstances, he tlinugl“11;-011
es
portance. • . establishetd a case sufficiently strong t° -.Oes i''',
Mr. BARING thought that a tax so objectiona- Miaisteig hi slieW if due and effectual cant' , tbe'
beep acid to prevent the escape of it 'aa '
,est• tiie
,ie a
ble would come to the people with a very bad
grace, from it. House that hail refused any enema. had always declared to be so dance-4=l.°u% 0f
'l
lion to their Petitions on the Corn Bill. His Ma- peile and security, not only of Europe,
,`leas i'll,,
' jesty's 'Ministers did not gise any information to world at large. It might be seid, that Iri -rna're
justify so heavy and unequal a burthen. The Ad_ possible the Island of Elba could be -repel
dress to the Prince Regent did not justify it. Met Oily sealed ; but that was no answer t 0 tees kir
he would rather agree with the Chancellor of the call, for suet) papers as-should evince whie to We
Exchequer, that it should be renewed as a tem- necessary instroctians had been- issue' to asit''',,i's
poraey measure for one year in its present state, naval 'cetninanders in tlieMediterranelobeeee ',l'd
thau with the Hon. Alderman, that it should be the itiodans of Blismaparte„ and to take aif Or,
made comfortable to the people—(a laugh) by mo- he did &it:ofeet his escape from Ell)" ; atsolPl,'
dific:itiotts, mid be thus laid on as a perhainent could nisnifeW they had taken such neee;iele "0
measure. ':..a) truly inquisitosea was it, in its pee- citations, i
the House should refuse to giala ht was, in his opinion, ima°iS ' nioti° ,
sent shape, that he was convinced the country c
lif
coutd not long submit to it, and, therefore, under which was,
the Vri''lLei TI
its present shape, it, could not possibly become a " That an hiMble Address be presented t?.
~ j to two, Jit,
permaneeit measure; whereas modifications may realta,i(r
before
eg thfret wouldfrif,use
C he. graciously pleas'' front, r s if;,
make it such a thing as it would be hard to get Papers containing any instruogi'(ensii transmitted tit'act to
rid of. He would, however, give his vote both Officers in the Mediterianeon, relative to the "lpies °J,ti.4
observed by them towards Buo,alimite. Ais`!'„,l rest'against thetax and Committee. ••• • information which Ministers arty hare rece'v" that
AllreFoanza said a few words, which were not the Escape of Buotiapar.te from Elba." .to 0
re Pee'. slit
audible in the gallery. Lord CASTLEREAGH said, with - -1. .el, r- 'le
Bills were then ordered to he brought in ac- - part of the Hon. Member's speech, w°)liesont:r-te/
cording to the 2(1 and 3d ReSolutians, t'
to the alleged violation of the Treat? ' losr at
The Scotch flawLers' and Pedlars' Bill was read a first bleat', it was sufficient to observe, thid 13' eat 114
• enha, Va.
time, add ordered to be read a second time oli Tuesday. 'at the time be quitted the island of re, ..459
Mr. BARlNG.presented a Petition against the Corn Laws Treki'; nil,' ~,
front Bury.
____ _ complain of any breach of that a e" al"
-a- .t
individual took a more dignified coursC oar' left
at least, moreworthy of his charactcr; dot ne re,
proceeding oa this broad ground, -1 test he the
France for temporary parposes—a"tets t° lie
turned to claim his unalieitable ITeweverVea
throne of that country." "Latterly,
.ycate.
_oal
bad set up the plea -of breach of t.:l tee e." bed'
lihits, on, that point, he had received t eveat'riet
of the discussions to which ',scent - oos
tint'
i given rise; and certainly a veil ,1 the si-
t
l was afterwards seat into this country, the' et
14 position of Mons. Caulincourt, in','ree to it'o"
e-unient of breach of treat y was rns:', „lid i,, ar
n ;fist extent. The Hon. Gentlet"'"ltoo t." 1,1 tor
wath whom he acted, were always
seiesa 0-
(00 late, in the moment which theYNochilao;os4
the discussion of public qiieStions" • os ta ' I, C't.
peaced so abhorrent to their Witlircl , ~ to 'b' Ito
00 u de' 0
a met-sure at the period when •it °"" eaceL ee t
teetzasied. The Noble Lord then I.'fileli" 'oell
state, t hat though he himself was ''',),,ht bl- yet,
the Treaty of Fontaint,leno, as nit "000se' fine ,
from the papers on the table of thee, the a it,
when it came under his engnis'innesiolleeest:
perot ol' Russia having already sit be 11100
be felt Ldiat it could not have the 010
ed, with isit 3 breach of faith 040 tllB
of the 4 Wes, and without flYigg'

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