The Sun.
London, England, 1833-01-23 00:00:00

HOUSE AND WINDOW TAXES.

The Committee of Delegates of the nine united
parishes of Westminster assembled together last
night, at the British Coffee-house, Cockspur-street,
fur the purpose of adopting measures to effect the
mmedia,e repeal of the House and Window Taxes.
Mr. 13rtowN, of Regent-street, was called to the
Chair.

The CHAIRMAN said, as this is the first meeting
of a general committee of the nine united parishes of
the city of Westminster, I am rt-qui-stPd, as your
Chairman, to state the object for which it is formed,
and the principles on which it is founded; as sevtral •
cities and towns are preparing to follow the example
of this great city, it is of importance that our pro-
ceed;ngs should not only be known, bur likewise
understood. We assemble us citizens of Westmin-
s►er, in our• civil capacity ; however varied our
views on political subjects may be, on this subject
e can—and we will—strive to be unanimous. We

have a simple and straight course to pursue, an act
of justice to demand of the Government, namely—
ro keep faith with the public, by removing taxes,
which were imposed as war taxes only ; therefore,
let us all unite as brother-eitiz ns in prosecuting the
single object alone, for which this Committee is
formed, namely—the " repeal of the house and
window taxes." In furtherance of this object, the
Committee trust all political discussion will be
avoided; therefore, I hope I may rely on your sup-
port of the Choir, by preventing the -necessity of its
interference. The business of this evening is to
deliberate upon the propriety of holding a public
meetings in Westminster, and to make arrange-
ments for the same, in order that Ministers may
know that this portion of the metropolis are in
earnest when they declare these obnoxious taxes to
Ile a burden too heavy to be borne; taxes which
unjustly press so heavily on every industrious trades-
man and on every person of limited income, that
heircontinuance will no longer be submitted to. It is
necessary that we shoul.l speak out constitutionally,
temperately, but firmly, that we are not satisfied with
he removal of leather taxes, beer taxes, and gin
axes, by which we have derived little, if any,
sensible benefit. The industrious middle classes
want practical relief, not theoretical—a relief from
that which they see, feel, and know to be a galling
incubus on their industry—a relief from the half-
yearly demand of the inexorable tax-gatherer—a
freedom from the arbitrary and inquisitorial visits
of window peepers and surchdrgers, which are SQ
repugnant to English feeling. It is in vain fox'
Ministers to deceive themselves—either their po.:.
pularity or these taxes must be repealed ; for so
long as these war taxes continue, they will furnish
twice every year fuel for dissatisfaction. But vie
are told that the country towns are very quiet on
these taxes; perhaps we shall see a few of them
shake off this imputed torpor, and enliven their
Town Halls arid Vestry Meetings with this motto,
The Repeal of the House and Window Taxes."

However, Gentlemen, if country towns will not do
their duty, we will do ours; a good example wilt
soon be followed. Marylehone have just met, and
::!ready four thousand names are affixed to their pe-
tition. Paddington and Lambeth are doing the
same ; and, as our respected representative told us
the other evening,it will soon be decided by Cocker,
very influential fellow in the present day ; he has
sixteen metropolitan Members to back him, and he,
is resolved to bring the profession of every other
Member to a test. Each Member will have to
hazard a vote which must cling to the recollection of
his constituents until the revolving day of his elec-
tion. And rely on it, Gentlemen, Cocker will win

the day. But we hope the Ministers will see that
we are not actuated by any political, unreasonable,
or factious motive. We wish to exhibit. a sobriety
of character that shall induce them spontaneously to
come forward and remove these oppressive burdens&
for which they will have the united and hearty
thanks of the whole kingdom.—(Cheers.)
Mr. CROUCH said, it was now for them to consi-
,ler the best means of proceeding, whether by one
large public meeting, or by parochial meetings in the
several parishes. He proposed parochial meetings,
as less expensive, and offering greater facilities of or-
ganization. He proposed that Parochial Commit-
tees should be formed, which should be subdivided
into Street Committees, and that a rent should be
collected for the purpose of obtaining the sinews of
war. A shilling per annum from each person might
be sufficient.
Mr. DE VEAR concurred that parochial meetings
would be less expensive, and more efficacious.
Mr. WYLD moved, and Mr. PAYNE seconded "a
resolution " That, in the opinion of the meeting,
he house and window taxes were moat odious and
oppres•ive impos.s."
Mr. FENN suggested, that it would be more ad-
visable that authorized Committees from each pa-
rish should be formed, as self-elected Committee
were object.onable.
The CHAIRMAN denied that such was the cases
The resolution was then put, and carried unani-
tnously.

Mt. ADCOCK moved, " That the Committee
,hould proceed to the immediate consideration of
the best means of effecting the repeal of the house
Ind window taxes," which was seconded and ear-
eird unanimously.

Mr. CROUCH moved, "That meetings be held in
every parish in Westminster to petition Parliament
riff that purpose. He thought that, though a pub.
lie meeting had more eclat, parochial ones would be
note efficient.

Mr. A'BECKETT coincided, and said the previous
xpertence had proved the tact to be as stated by
Ir. Crouch. In severa! p.trishes, requi,itions were
.Iready in progreNs to the d &rent vestries to hold
ourochial meetings.

Mr. FENN said that a city meeting would be much
more effec ire; that more talent would be collected
together, and more excitement created in the public
mini than Ht any hole-and-corner meetings.
Mr. CHURCHMAN moat inclignatit'y denied that
these meetings would be hole-and-corner meetings.
Mr.,WYLD doubted whether the public mind was
in a fit s ale to attend public meetings on ;his sub-
iect. The agricul.ural part of the population were
int with the metropolis on this su' j-ct—they did
.tot feel the shoe pinch them. The accomplishment
,f all great objects was a work of time. Witness
ohe question of Catholic Emancipation, the repeal
f the Test and Corporation Act-, and the Reform
Bill. Much work was yet to be done before this
question could make imagistic mil, and therefore,