The Sun.
London, England, 1850-10-25 00:00:00

the British nation, has already cost the country more
than TWELVE HUNDRED AND SIXTY MILLIONS OF POUNDS
STERLING, or considerably more than once aed a
half the amount of the national debt, that weighs down
and paralyses the industry of the country. And it is,
indeed, full time that something definite should be- de-
termined with respect thereto. The claims of Earl
COWPER to 1,5951. 16 and the fortunate assignees of
the late CHARLES Boors to 1,200/. per annum
out of the Excise, and of the Duke of MARLBOROUGH
to 4,0001., and of the heirs of the Duke of SCHOMBERG
to 2,9001., out of the Post-office, should also be closely
scrutinized, and every circumstance connected there-
with brought clearly before the chosen representatives
of the people. If pressed before the re-imposition of
the income-tax an investigation may be conceded ;
but if the charge be renewed in its present, or even in
a modified form, for any protracted period, it will he
vain to hope for redress. The aristocratic element
which still exists in what is called the House of Com-
mons—and even the person-A predilections of the
Premier in behalf of his order—will prevent inquiry
into the justice of the title of the fortuna'e wearer of
the strawberry leaves to any portion of his income.
An account of the sums 'wished on the favourites of
monarchs would not find much favour in the sight of
Lord JOHN RUSSELL.

The great desideratum, however, to be achieved is,
as we have, already stated, to limit the duration of
the renewed property-tax, or any substitute that may
be granted in lieu thereof, to a single year. It.is the
control over the national revenue, the holding of the
national purse-strings that constitutes the popular
strength. How greatly would that strength be
enhanced if one of the principal items of
income should be assented to in each and
every session, as well as the application of that in-
come. It might not be practicable to do so in matters
of indirect taxation. The Customs and Excise duties
should be known beforehand, in order that merchants
and manufacturers might be enabled to decide on the
business they would be willing to undertake. But
there is no such necessity with respect to a direct
tix on property ; that might vary in each year with-
out the slightest inconvenience, so as to col
lect a sum sufficient for the actual wants of
the country, after the application of the
funds derived from other sources. The consideration
of the subject would afford an admirable opportunity
for demanding the redress of any grievance, for ex-
posing any wanton extravagance, or insisting upon
due economy and retrenchment. It would be strictly
in accordance with the constitutional theory, which
declares that the Executive shall be dependent
on the legislative power for the necessary sup-
plies. While the money is there, while it can
be legally levied on the people, plausible pretexts
may be found for seizing on it, should any
dispute unfortunately occur between the Crown and
the Parliament of these realms. Such an event may
be very improbable, but it has already happened, and
it is at least possible, and therefore the contingency
should be guarded against. If, however, the impost
expired of itself, and the people could no longer be
called upon to render accounts of their earnings, and
to hand over a definite portion thereof to the tax-
gatherers, it would enforce a speedy submission,
and prevent the possibility of any aggression on the
rights and privileges of the people. It would indeed
consolidate the liberties of the subject, and place
them on a firm basis and foundation that could never
be shaken. Again, then, we call upon the fiscal and
financial reformers throughout the length and breadth
of the land, and their name is legion, to exhibit a zeal
and activity befitting the occasion, and to make their
wishes known to their respective representatives in a
manner that cannot be misunderstood. Let there
be no possibility of mistake or misconception.