The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1868-04-02
English Church Rates.

The advent of DIsRAELI, q Jew, as
Prime Minister Of England (the first who
ever attained that post) is compared with
that of JOSEPH. in the house of PHARAOH.
JOSEPH very much moderated the rigors Of
the Egyptian monarchy, and Mr.. D1sRAEL1,
it is contended, has made decided de-
monstratioa in imitation Of his illustrious
prototype by promoting the abolition Of
church rates in England and Wales. A
compulsory bill for this purpose has, as our
readers already know, passed the House OF
Commons. 1t was introduced By Mr.. GLAD
STONE, but its real author is said to be Mr.
WALDEGRAvE LESLIE, a young member.
The effect Of this bill is that while no man
in England and Wales will be compelled
to pay any tax for the support Of the
established church, those who still desire
thus to sustain the ministry of their choice
may employ the existing machinery fcl
the assessment and collection of their con.
tributions. This machinery, however,
should the bill pass, will soon be con-
sidered far less efficient than the indie
pendent action of the churches themselves,
and will be abandoned.
The bill has to 60 to the House of Lords,
where it will be vigorously opposed. Blu,
Mr.. DIsRAELI is said to have great infu-
ence amongst the Lords, and the impress
sion prevails that they will acquiesce in a
measure which will be to them bitter
enough, and only submitted to under a
conviction that it is unavoidable.
Of course this relief cannot be denied
to Ireland-unless, indeed, the English
statesmen are as partial and inhuman as
mete out to the South laws and oppres-
sions which are not visited upon their own
States. Scotland already manages her
religious matters and church rates in her
own way.
The abolition of compulsory church
rates, should it succeed, will indeed be a
great revolution in England. 1t will be a
signal measure Of justice. A great change
will be wrought in the established church
probably to its advantage. 1t will de-
rive fresh vigor proportional to the de-
mands for energy and self-reliance that
will be imposed upon it by the withdrawal
of Government support through the church
rates. And, like the petted child left to
struggle for itself, 1t will profit by that
wise and beneficent law Of nature which
imparts strength in proportion as the me-
cessities for selfprotection inspire exer-
ton. But while vigor will be impaired to
parishes where parishioners areto be found
churches without worshippers will be
closed. No future SWIFT will find himself
supported with comfortable quarters al
the parsonage, and only his "beloved
RosERn to listen to his Sunday discourse
Indeed, in Ireland the church will become
almost extinct.
But let US not be too confident. This
movement carries with it by consequence
too many sweeping changes to allow US to
hope that it will easily succeed with the
Lords, Notwithstanding MIR. DIsRAEL1's re-
pnted influence with them. 1t is wave
that would beat against the bishops seats
and ultimately wash their very foundations
from beneath them. The tithes being abol-
ished, the country would next demand the
abolition of the church representation in
the House of Lords; and the power to carry
the present proposition would argue the
ability 60 accomplish the next step. The
bishops, at least, will more than likely resist
this wave to the bitter end. -u..