The Sun.
London, England, 1842-03-24 00:00:00

tizhe ,§allt.

LONDON
THURSDAY MORNING, MARCH 24, 1842.

We announce with great satisfaction that the corn-
k'3eping-out Bill was yesterday postponed till after
Easter, and that the Resolution imposing an income
tax did not receive the assent of the Committee, and is
also postponed to the same period. Thanks to the per-
severance of Mr. COBDEN, Mr. T. DUNCOMBE, and their
friends, but no thanks, we must say, to the bulk Of the
Whigs, who prefer their convenience when they
expect to be in office, to the present public
welfare, Sir ROBERT PEEL, after two divisions
on motions to report progress, gave way, and
the House resumed without coming to any division
on his resolution. The House will now adjourn
till after Easter, and if the people be true to
themselves the Right Hon. Baronet will never be
able to carry that hateful measure. The late hour,
quarter past three, when the question was settled, pre-
vents us now from saying more than this :—Let great
hon our be conferred on the two minorities of 87 and 84
which sufficed to defeat and delay Sir ROBERT PEEL.

in the sleek skins of the negroes,—though Lord STANLEY,
by another measure, means to reduce their wages,—or of
diminishing the wealth of a few planters, and therefore
the whole people of England must submit to an income
tax. Ile cannot, he says, think of allowing the people
to eat their bread untaxed ; they must all submit to an
income tax, in addition to a bread tax. The sole neces-
sity for this onerous impost, is Sir ROBERT PEEL'S
insolence. He has power in the House of Commons,
and he is determined to have his own way. If the nation
submit to be:thus cheated, juggled, bribed, and bullied into
now bowing their necks to an income tax they will be a
bye-word to freemen in all future ages.

The Tory journals call the Opposition factious, be-
cause they have declared that they will delay and thwar
Sir ROBERT PEEL'S plan to impose an income tax on
the country to the utmost of their power. We declare
that they are justified in doing that, and they would
grossly neglect their duty if they did not embrace every
opportunity which the usages of Parliament sanction
to defeat the scheme. After seven months' cogi-
tation, the whole device having all that time
keen kept a profound secret, the Right Hon. Baronet
comes down to the House of Commons on Friday week
and announces, in a time of profound peace, when there
are scores of other sources of revenue which could be
opened, that he proposes in the plentitude of his vast
wisdom to impose the most iniquisitorial and unjust tux
on the people that was ever submitted to in a time of
great danger, for the paltry purpose of raising, as he
says, 3,700,00 CL That plan he proposes to carry
at once through Parliament, .without allowing
the House of Commons time to consider it
in all its bearings, or the people to learn
what it is, for only few of the present generation
remember the former income tax. If there were no
other reason whatever—if the measure were as likely to be
beneficial, as it is to be mischievous—his mode of bring-
ing forward the plan and hurrying it through Parlia-
ment, would warrant his opponents in placing every
possible obstacle in his way which the forms of Parlia-
ment allow.

We will not suffer ourselves to be led into a discussion
of any qualifications of the tax. We protest in limine
against the whole plan. The nation requires relief from
taxation, and that restrictions be removed from indus-
try. Sir R. PEEL'S plan continues restrictions and in-
creases taxes. We oppose it in toto and on principle,
and the Opposition will, we are sure, do the same.

This, however, is but a small part of his demerits. He
has sought to cheat, as well as drive, the people into his
tails. He has coupled the income tax with an alteration
of the tariff, and justifies the tax by the relaxations which
he affirms he makes in our commercial restrictions, and
by the loss they will cause to the revenue. The
justification would be inadequate, if true, but it is more
cunning than true. On one day he tells the commercial
community that the relaxations will extend and enrich
trade. On another he tells the agriculturists that they
will have no effect on prices. His relaxations in the
tariff, when closely examined, are really found to be
very trifling, and such as not to afford the shadow of
a pretext for an income tax.

It is,' we believe, not asserting too much, to say that
there is not, at the present time, an assembly in the
world in which questions of greater magnitude, or of
greater importance to the vital well-being of the human
race are discussed, than in the General Court of Pro-
prietors of East India Stock, periodically convened at
their house in Leadenhall-street. Should any of our
readers demur at the soundness of this opinion, let
them consider the scope and bearing of the topics
brought under the consideration of the Court during the
interesting debate of yesterday ; and let them also
glance at the extent of that empire which has been com-
mitted to the charge of the East India Company.
We are sorry, however, to perceive so strong a reluct-
ance on the part of some influential Members of the
Court of Proprietors to allow the free discussion of ques-
tions which not only concern the welfare of millions of our
Asiatic fellow-subjects, but the prosperity of this country,
which is intimately connected with the good government
of India. The India House is the proper and legitimate
place for the discussion of all questions connected
with the condition, government, and prospects of
India ; and we believe there are men in that
House fully competent to give the public the most
valuable information on all these subjects. No hin-
drance, therefore, should be thrown in their way. Any
system of barking in Leadenhall-street will only lead to
the taking up of Indian questions out of doors, and
when this is done, in consequence of the arbitrary
measures of the Directors, and their obsequious friends
in waiting, they may be sure that the continuance of their
power will be ofshort duration, and that their monopoly of
domination will be brought to a speedy end. From the
debate of yesterday we perceive, that several matters of
high importance are likely to be brought under dis-
cussion very soon. We shall feel it our duty to watch
these discussions with the attention they demand, and
shall be happy to find that the Directors profit by the
wholesome advice which they yesterday had tendered to
them. It is too late in the day for them to attempt to
strangle free discussion, or to conceal the acts of their
servants.

Between the tariff and an income tax there is no con-
nexion whatever. If the removal of the prohibitions is
to be of the least use they must add to the revenue. The
only important deduction made from the revenue by the
alterations of the tariff comes from the timber duties.
Sir It. PEEL'S mode of dealing with which has been
justly called a wanton sacrifice of revenue. No class of the
community asked him for that particular change. lle might
by a judicious alteration of the discriminating timber
duties have increased the revenue and promoted trade
But.i.according to his policy, the whole of the commu-
nity is to be tortured with an income tax for behoof of
the Canadas. We are all to be placed under its harrow,
that the lumberers of Canada may go on gambling and
drinking, and a few ship masters in England find em-
ployment for worn-out ships. Common sense revolts
against such a conclusion, and all calculations of political
arithmetic justify the assertion, that it would be
more rational and equitable to destroy the timber trade
with Canada altogether, by the abolition of all discrimi-
nating duties and levying a tax of 255. or 30s. a load on
all timber, than that the people should be worried by un
income tax.

The Tory farmers and lairds of the north must feel
sorely mortified by their present forlorn and helpless
condition. For the last eight years they have spared
neither money nor labour to,,return a majority of Con-
servatives. to Parliament, ill order to bring into office Sir
ROBERT PEEL, his Grace of BUCKINGHAM, the "farm-
ers' friend," and that able financier, 'Mr. GOULBUNN.
Their purpose was accomplished, though not by majorities
from Scotland ; and what is the result? The whole sys-
tem of taxation is changed. An income tax is to be im-
posed without their consent, and almost without their
knowledge, and many of the customs' duties 'so al-
tered as to injure them materially, without benefiting
the trade and manufactures of the country. To do the
great body of the electors justice, however, they did not
look upon a PEEL Cabinet with the same complacency
as these purblind Tories.' They preferred the ills they
knew to those that another system might produce ; they
returned a majority in favour of the extensive measures
of commercial reform proposed by Lord JOHN
RUSSELL, and the result has only made ma-
nifest their judgment and foresight. The new
scheme will work most injuriously for Scotland. Since
the use of steam-boats has become so common, a large
coasting trade has been carried on in cattle, sheep, fish, and
other productions of the country for the London market,
as well as the interior. The permission, according to
the new tariff, to import live cattle at a moderate rate of
duty, and fish duty free, will of course raise a gene-
ral outcry all along the eastern coast of Scotland,
and the excitement will not ;at all be lessened
by the determination of the Tory Premier to im-
pose an income tax on the parties, who will thus be
the greatest sufferers. When the proposed changes
are fairly understood, Scotland, almost to a man, will be'
opposed to them, and we need not wonder, therefore,
that such eagerness has been displayed to make the
measure irrevocable before the sense of the country can
be ascertained. Even the Tory landlords will soon find
that they have made a bad bargain in exchanging
Lord JOHN RUSSELL for Sir ROBERT PEEL. With
a fixed duty on grain, a great reduction in sugar,
coffee, and other Colonial produce, and a judicious alte-
ration in the timber duties, they would still have suc-
cessfully competed with the growers of foreign corn,
while an impulse would have; been given to our manu-
factures, and the demands for agricultural produce in the
home market been greatly increased. Have they any
such prospects from the new tax and the new tariff ?
We wish them joy, of their bargain,

The statement made by Lord STANLEY in the Houseo
of Commons on Tuesday night respecting the condition of
the Negroes in our West Indian Colonies will gladden the
hearts of the friends of emancipation throughout the
world. The question of the moral inferiority of the
Negro race is for 'ever set at rest by the gratifying facts
which the Noble Lord communicated to the House on the
high authorityof the Governors ofJamaica andDemerara.
In the year 1840, the Governor of Jamaica, Sir CHARLES
METCALFE, reported the condition of the coloured popu-
lation of that island to be most gratifying. They en-
joyed not only the necessaries, but most of the comforts
of life ; they were well clothed ; sent their children to
the best schools ; NNere in a condition to sub-
scribe for the building of churches and chapels
were regular in their attendance at places of
Divine worship ; and were free from crime. All this is
exceedingly gratifying, and the only drawback upon the
leasure with which we record it, is, that no such
account can be given of the condition of the white la-
bouring population of England. We rejoice that the
Government has made a paradise of the West Indies ;
but it would greatly increase our delight were
a prospect held out that similar efforts would
be made to place the social condition of the whites
of England on a level with the blacks of Jamaica. Lord
STANLEY'S speech supplies materials for some observa-
tions which we have not room for to-day, but the sub-
ject is altogether so important that we shall return to it.

We have received a file of Port Nicholson (New
Zealand) papers to the 6th of November inclusive.
The New Zealand Gazette of the latest date says that
the state of the colony is thoroughly sound, and that
commerce and agriculture are manifestly increasing.
In proportion, as the settlers become acquainted
with the climate and the excellence of their position,
does the conviction strengthen that their suc-
cesses from these sources of colonial prosperity
will be very great. Port Nicholson is rapidly
rising into commercial importance. Whalers were be.
ginning to seek supplies there instead of going to Syd-
ney, and the town otiered a very good market for oil and
whalebone. Instead of obtaining supplies of English
goods by way of Sydney the Gazette recommends a
direct trade between the ports of New Zealand and
those of the mother country. The articles most
wanted are whaling stores, materials for ship-build-
ing, exclusive of timber, such as rigging, anchors.
cables, and ship-carpenters' tools. New South Wales
offers a constant market for the surplus agricultural pro.
duce of New South Wales ; and as the voyage between
Port Nicholson and Sydney is now made in eight days,
it is natural to expect that the trade between them will
be very great.

Sir B. PEEL, by blending the income tax with the
tariff, has cunningly said to the funiture makers, " Be-
hold, I allow mahogany to come in at a lower duty,
therefore, allow me to tax your profits." To all the
eaters of meat, " I have removed the prohibition to im-
port cattle, therefore, let me put my hand into your poc-
ket, and take sevenpence, out of every sovereign." To
the manufacturers, "I have lowered the duties on raw
materials, and therefore, I propose t 3 cut three per cent.
off your profits." To the working classes he exclaims
" I tax property, and leave industry untouched ;" and
so he has, by appealing to one class after another,
sought to create divided interests in the community,
and bribe these several classes, by offering something
to the selfishness of each, into an acquiescence in his
arrogant scheme. Such a cunning, nefarious, demo-
ralising, disgocialising contrivance, based on such a pal-
pable attempt at corruption, ought to be resisted by
every honest man to the utmost extent of his means.
It is said, however, by the Tories, that it is very
wicked and very factious in the Whigs to oppose Sir
ROBERT, since our financial difficulties are of their caus-
ing. We admire the logic which asks the" nation to
make a sacrifice of its freedom, because the Whigs,
have committed blunders. Suppose the Whigs did
commit an error in causing the expenditure to outrun the
revenue, is that reason why they should not oppose Sir
ROBERT PEEL, who makes these errors an excuse for
committing a crime against the liberties of the people ? On
the contrary, their present consciousness of former errors
is a strong reason why they should assist in arresting, if
they can, the more fatal course of Sir R. PEEL. They
offer us, to, an alternative. They say, with a small
fixed duty on corn, a reduction of the duty on foreign
sugar, and an equalization of duties on all timber, a
sufficient revenue might be raised for the service of the
State. Sir ROBERT PEEL will have none of these ; he
will have an income tax, and nothing but an income tax.

Of the administration of Captain llonsoN these pa-
pers speak very unfavourably. We think it better to
leave these disputes to be arranged between the New
Zealand Company and the .Government. To give one-
sided complaints against a,govvrnor placed in the difli•
cult position of Captain HonsoN in a new colony, would
be to, depart from a practice which we endeavour to fol-
oW in all such cases.

It was well observed, by Mr. C. BULLER, last night,
in his excellent speech on this question, that nothing but
the most extreme necessity, such as great peril from
foreign invasion, can justify the imposition.of this odious
and unpopular tax. Sir ROBERT PEEL'S necessity arises
only from his oMa exaggeration of the deficiency of the
revenue, and his depreciation of the resources of the
country., lie will not run the risk of causing a wrinkle

By way of New Zealand we have received Sydney
papers of the 23d of October. The commercial affairs
of Sydney continued in a most deranged state. Several
commercial houses had failed, and among them the firm
of Goes and Co., for 165,0001. An impression prevailed
that the worst was still to come. Goods had been sold
by auction at the ruinous loss of fifty. per cent.
upon the cost price, and yet then the de-
mand was inconsiderable, us purchasers were wait-
ing for still greater sacrifices. To add to the melancholy
prospects of the colony, the crops were burnt up for
want of rain, and there was. no grass for the sheep. A
New Zealand journal says; that some years of prosperity
must pass over before NeW South Wales can fully re-
cover from the distressed condition into which a variety
of causes have forced her. We quote the following from
one of these papers :

We have seen letters from Sydney, by the Matilda, stating
that labouring men were being engaged at 10d. a.day, and

THE SUV, LON-DON', THURSDAY MORNING, MA.RCIT

rations. This is 12/. per annum, and the cost of the rations is
about 261. ; together, 381. per annum. Another letter stated.
that one employer had engaged ten men for 1701. per annum
or 17/. a-year, and rations at 261., making 43/. per annum,
Wages are stated to be nearly as low in Port Phillip,
Van Dieman's Land, and South Australia. And even
at this wretched reward for industry, it is stated to be
difficult to get employment in those colonies at the present
moment. We believe these rates are the lowest ever known
in that part of the world, and i 3 the strongest proof of the un-
hinged state of affairs in those colonies. It cannot be expect-
ed that this depression will long endure, and we hope future
accounts will describe the labourers lot to be rapidly advancing
to that state which the industrious, when they are leaving home,
reasonably expected to find on their arrival.

There is no political news of interest in the Paris
journals of Monday, save what will be found in our Fo-
reign Summary. We quote here a few extracts from
them :

It is said that the Prince de Joinville will shortly sail for the
Indian and China seas. It is in eontemplation to form two
large cemeteries for the capital, outside the continuous wall.
We may conclude that the present lice of the octroit, which
forms the legal boundary of the city, will be suppresser', and
that all the villages which are on this side of the said wall,
will be annexed to Pais; this will cause numberless changes
in the value of property.
The Indicateur, of Bordeaux, states that the number of
Spanish refugees belonging to the Christino party, who have
taken refuge in Portugal, in consequence of the failure of the
October plot, amounts to 3,000. They have been incorporated
in the Chartist army, and it is reported, says the Indicateur,
that the Spanish Regent has sent several communications to
Lisbon to demand the disbanding of the Spanish refugees now
in the Portuguese army. It is stated in the Emancipation of
Toulouse, that several Spanish refugees of note, who have been
residing in that town, have received orders from the Govern-
ment to remove to a greater distance from the Spanish frontier.
The same journal states, that General Breton, ex-Commandant
of Tarragona, and the Baron de Meer, ex-Captain-General of
Catalonia, have received orders to quit Montauban.
The Debuts give a letter from Barcelona stating that the
factious bands increase daily in numbers; and cause terror to the
inhabitants of the villages.— Galignani's Messenger.
A letter from Oran, of the Bth of March, states :—" Abdel-
Kader is now wandering about, accompanied by his brother and
some slaves. The Emir, from his loss of power, and from his
being abandoned by those whom he hAbrought up, has become
exceedingly suspicious and distrustful. His former kalifas,
Mustapha 13ess Ghamay, and the Kaid of Muscara, no longer
come near him, and he often goes ten leagues without his
attendants knowing anything of the matter. It is reported
that the Governor-General intends marching against We-
drama. This town would undoubtedly be usetul to ns
in keeping clown any attempts that the Emir may make
to excite revolt. It is a rich place, and possesses oue
of the best-furnished markets in the country. The grabs
from the gorges, from Tafna, and from the frontiers fof
Morocco repair there once a • week in great numbers, Eto sell
their goods. At Mostaganan new submissions have been ree
ceived. The communication with the interior are perfectly re-
established, and for twenty leagues round we live as securely as
in France. The weather has become fine, and the health of
the troops se good. that the hospitals are nearly without sick.
General Bugeaud is expected back in a fortnight. We have
received a supply of provisions and stores, which has brought
dawn the prices of articles of consumption."—LeConstitutionnel.

1842,

Mr. Efpitinstonu gave notice of a motion. after Easter to levy a i
probate and legacy duty on real equal to personal property.
Sir R. Inglis persists, he said, in his determination to inflict, 1
after Easter, morn churches on us, if he can.
The House went into a Committee on Ways and Means, and
discussed the income tax for the remainder of the evening.