Star.
London, England, 1818-03-05 00:00:00

•

• SA LT 7'AX.
MR. DITOR—As I conceive your Paper the most
impartial, and free from party views and motives, I
think it the most proper vehicle through which to
convey my ideas to the public, on a subject which by
all, must be allowed to be of the greatest impor-
tance to the country, and which, although partially
discussed in the House of Commons, during the last
Session, did not appear to have that attention paid to
it, nor to excite that interest, which its great impor-
tance, both to the agricultural and mercantile inte-
rest, demanded ;" or the still weightier consideration,
the employment and subsistance of a large proportion
of the poorer classes of the community. I mean the
present enormous Duty on Salt.
If I recollect right, the Chancellor of the Exche-
quer opposed Mr. Calcraft's motion on the subject,
on the ground that he had no tax to substitute for it,
and that the sum it raised (one million and a half,
or upwards) could not be dispensed with.
I am, however, of opinion, that its effects are so
extremely injurious to the general interests of the
country, and so exceedingly oppressive on the lower
classes of society in particular, that it ought, at what-
ever hazard, to be got rid of ; and I trust that I
shall be able to shew, that it would be exchanged to
the advantage of all daises, for any tax, or any addi-
tion to those at present existing, even he revival of
that most dreaded one, the Property Tax. It is to be
hoped that the present Session may not pass over
without its total repeal.
The entire repeal of this duty would afford the
greatest encouragement to the Fisheries of any mea-
sure that could be adopted. The abolition of the
fot malities of bonds, oaths, Excise locks, and inspec-
tions, which Salt is now subject to, would give such
facility to its removal and its use, that it would occa-
sionally be carried coastways, instead of ballast ; and
the cheapness of the article would, at all times, in-
sure a sufficient supply for every purpose, to be
lodged in every port, and Fishing Station, in the
Kingdom.
This would enable the lower classes, by Fishing,
to provide for themselves a large proportion of their
food, as well as a supply for the consumption of the
interior, and for export. A very small capital would
then suffice to begin with, a stimulus would be given
to their industry, and habits might be induced of
economy and foresight. How valuable a source of
employment and subsistance would it not prove, at
this moment, to numbers of seamen and others, who
are wholly destitute, or deriving relief from the
Poors Rates.
As the Salt Laws are at present, they, in a
measure, give the capitalists a monopoly of the l
Fishe-
ries, for no one can do any thing in this business with-
out sufficient property and connections, to enter into
heavy bonds, without a considerable capital, inves-
ted in warehouses, salt, casks, vessels, boats, nets,
&c. And as under these circumstances there are,
comparatively, very few Depots of Salt, it has not
unfrequently occurred, that for want of it, large quan-
tities of herrings have been absolutely wasted, or led
away for manure. At other times, when there have
been opportunities of taking them in abundance, the
fishing has ceased, as they have been tendered of no
value, from this cause.
It has also not unfrequently happened, that from
the stock of Salt being in one or two hands, they
have been enabled to purchase the fish at their own
price, to the great detriment and loss of the poor
fishermen, who cannot now cure for their own use,
even what they take themselves, but find it cheaper
to purchase from the fish-curer, who can sell the
cured fish for less money than they would have to,
pay,for the Salt alone. Thus, it may be said, are the
poor deprived of the bounty of PROVIDENCE.
Were Salt wholly free from Duty, a beat and nets,
of ten or fifteen pounds value, would in many situa-
tions, be all that was required to commence fish-
curer ; as a' and casks could be purchased on the
spot when wanted. The fishermen would not be al-
together at the mercy of the curer, or holder of Salt,
as now ; and from the greater encouragement they
would consequently have for exertion, the quantity
of herrings taken would probably be increased be-
yond calculation, and thus afforded to the consumer
or merchant at a cheaper rate. Besides the cod, ling,
and various other species of fish, at present much ne-
glected, which might be taken, and cured to great
advantage, on many parts of the coasts of these king-
doms ;—we should thus, probably, be able to afford
a large supply to the East India Colonies from home,
as well as furnish a valuable article of commerce to
the Mediterranean and Baltic.
By these means the country would be enabled to
support a much larger population, of whom a great
proportion mould consist of a hardy and inditstiious
race of seamen on the coasts, to which so much im-
portance has always justly been attached ; and hav-
ing this proper encouragement afforded to their in-
dustry at home, it might be hoped the inducement to
emigrate to America and elsewhere (of late so pre-
valent) might be lessened.
Besides the advantage to the Fisheries,. it would
enable the lower classes to lay in provisions when
cheap ; at the same time, it may be presumed, it
would greatly benefit the agriculturist, as in case of
any great depression in the price of beef, pork, &c.
such as we have witnessed not long ago, they might
be rendered exportable commodities, or might be
transported from one part of the kingdom to another.
Hides might frequently be removed to advantage,
could Salt be used free of Duty.
By agriculturists Salt is held to be useful for cattle,
and as manure. is used also in various manufac-
tures, which might, be further extended to great ad-
vantage. , . . •
The foul repeal would greatly favour our foreign
comm vice. At wesent Salt from' this country can
only bAxported to advantage from Liverpool, al-
though it might fregtientlt be taken from thence, at
a very trifling expense; or as ballast, to ports where
it might be desirab'e to ship it, as part .of a cargo,
with Ether articles.
The forms atid bonds at.piesent attendant on the
shipment oi :ot, are certainlymost troublesome and in-
convenient, td or nothing of their 'demoralizing pature.
Is it not grievqns also to reflect, that for all the
common purposei of life, this most- useful and ne-
cessary ortiele candit be had in this country, where
produced, for less than abont fifty-five shillings per
cwt. although the original cost is but ninepence to
twelve pound ; aiid in America, after paying a duty