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Sir John Newport observed, that the to interfere of late against meetings of measure which the hon. and learned gen. the people, convened in order to petition tleman recommended, would no longer be against the property tax. They had done a property tax. He thought it an extra- so, rightly judging that without such a ordinary way of supporting a bill, to say, tax their own salaries, in many instances that in the committee three-fourths of it unmerited, could not be continued at might be got rid of. The shorter and their present high rate; and therefore simpler method would be to reject the tax prudently thought it better that they in the first instance ; and the hon. and themselves should be affected by a tax learned gentleman might then bring for- which took from them but five per cent. ward a bill founded on his principle. If rather than be obliged to part with their he did he should have his support.

lucrative salaries altogether. Among Lord Nugent exposed the fallacy of the other instances which might be brought hon. and learned gentleman's assertion, forward, he would notice the conduct that it was necessary to raise a certain pursued by the mayor of a very considesum for the expenses of the year. The rable town, which he need not mention. noble lord said, his chief objection to the This gentleman had refused to give his tax (laying aside for the moment his great sanction to a requisition duly signed for a objections to its principle and details)

was, meeting to petition against the income that it threw a great revenue into the tax. Now, it so happened that a very hands of ministers, before they had pledged near relation of this magistrate enjoyed a themselves to measures of retrenchment. situation under government, the salary of Until that was done, he would oppose not which had been lately raised from 600 to only the property tax, but every modifi- 800l. per annum. Another mayor of a cation of it, and every measure that might borough had in like manner refused to be suggested for the purpose of raising convene a meeting for a legal purpose, money.

although every proper form had previously Sir C. Burrell contended, that the pledge been gone through. And here he would given that the tax should be a war tax take an opportunity to rebut the assertion only, ought to be considered as inviolable. of those who said, that the Crown, by the

The petitions were ordered to lie on the creation of new offices, did not acquire a table.

new and dangerous source of influence,

over the liberties of the people. The ma'INCREASE OF Tax-COLLECTORS SA- gistrate to whom he last alluded had LARIES.] Mr. Brougham moved for an three sons in the navy, and one in the account of the number of additional col. victualling department. It should be relectors and assessors of taxes appointed marked that magistrates, such as he had in Scotland since the 25th of March 1815, mentioned, did not merely do individual and their salaries.-Ordered.

injury to the cause which they opposed, Mr Bennet moved for an account of the but that from their influence as heads of increase of the salaries of the commis- corporations, and of the respective bodies sioners of taxes since the 25th of March to which they belonged, they must possess; 1815; also, an account of the increase of considerable power of determining many, the salaries of the post-office, and of any contrary to what they really thought and new offices appointed since the 1st of felt. He could mention another case of January 1815. --Ordered.

similar interference in one of the most Mr. Lambton moved for an account of respectable cities of the west of England, the increase of the salaries of the Auditors and many others also, but they were too of the Excise since the 25th of March well known to require him to dwell longer 1815.

on the subject. He would not, however, Mr. Brougham expressed his hopes that omit to put in his most solemn protest a return of nihil would be made to some against any right which a mayor, or other of these expenses which were suspected head of a corporation might assume, of to have been increased. Such a return refusing to comply with a requisition duly would prove a most refreshing sight to the signed for a lawful purpose. The instancountry, oppressed as it was with burthens. ces which he had mentioned, though but He was the more anxious for the motion of a few selected out of

would his bon. friend, because many of those to show what means were employed to who were interested in the continuance of smother the voice of the country. the most odious taxes, had thought proper Mr. Arbuthnot, in answer to what had

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been observed by the hon. and learned those mayors whose conduct was ingentleman who spoke last, could sincerely Auenced by favours already received, and declare, that so far as his information ex- the expectation of further advantages. tended, no influence whatever had been Lord Binning repeated that, at the close exercised by his majesty's government to of his speech the hon. and learned genprevent the people from meeting to ex. tleman did make the charge on his mapress their opinion on the subject of the jesty's government. property tax.

Sir M. W. Ridley was sure that his Mr. "Brougham, in explanation, said, hon. and learned friend never maie such that he had not charged the Treasury a charge, but had stated, that the inwith direct interference on these occasions, Auence of ministers in the excise, customs, but he entertained litile doubt that the and other departments, had produced a representatives of the boroughs to which very decisive effect in preventing these these magistrates belonged, wonld, when petitions from being brought forward. an opportunity offered, mention the names The numerous petitions then upon the of these gentlemen as highly loyal men, table showed that they had not succeeded; fit to fill offices which it might be conve. but it could not be doubted that the nient for ministers to present them with patronage of government had influenced [a laugh).

the conduct of individuals in particular Mr. Ponsonby did not think that minis- places. ters had been charged with direct inter- Sir George Warrender knew that a very ference, but he conceived their conduct great difference of opinion existed in many in that House respecting the property tax, parts of the country respecting this meawas a pretty clear intimation to their sure; but he could confidently state, that agents abroad, how they would wish them in his neighbourhood the plan of finance to act.

of his right hon. friend was particularly Lord Milton observed, that persons who approved, because the agricultural distress were looking to the government for patro- would be relieved by upholding the public nage understood these matters very well, credit of the country by means of this tax. without having received any special inti- From all he had heard, he could not formation. Individuals would say when bear to observe, that if charges of this applications were made to them for sup nature were to be repeated, it would be a port at elections, “ I have such and such very pretty sort of war. The grossest sons in the army, and therefore I cannot misrepresentations had been circulated in support such a candidate.”

the country respecting this tax. He bad Mr. Arbuthnot begged to state most himself read hand-bills, that it was inpositively, that in no way whatever had tended to lay the tax on servants, and to government authorized any persons to deduct \it from the wages of artisans. prevent petitions from being sent to that These statements could be made for no House." It could not be supposed that other purpose than to excite public clathey should wish to' stifle objections in mour.

If ministers chose to recriminate, any part of the country; but if individuals and say that gentlemen on the other side took upon themselves to interferé, minis- had made representations which the lower ters should not be made responsible for orders did not understand, there would their conduct.

be no end to this kind of war. Lord Binning said, that the hon. and Sir R. Fergusson said, it might be very learned gentleman had commenced his possible that many friends of the hon. attack on the government, but it appeared baronet approved of this tax; but with that his battery was now changed. If respect to the particular part of the certain mayors, in certain corporations, country from which he came, it had been who were under obligations to government, always distinguished by a most tenacious had endeavoured to stifle petitions, or to adherence to every measure of every ad. make the petitioners approve of the tax, ministration. ministers ought not to be accountable for Lord Binning would venture only to those measures.

remind the hon. general, that there was Mr. Brougham begged to explain the at least one administration to which they charge brought against him by the noble were not attached : he meant that admi. lord,

the new chancellor of the exchequer. nistration to which the hon. general himHe had not changed his battery; he had self had belonged. always said his complaint was against Sir R. Fergusson said, their continuance

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in office had been so short, that the they should be bound to pay double rent. people had not time to form an attach- Having stated these objects, he should ment to them.

reserve himself for a more particular Sir George Warrender repeated, that detail of the provisions of his bill

, if the potwithstanding the weight and influence House should permit him to bring it in. which the hon. and learned member The right hop. baronet then moved, seemed to have with some gentlemen op- " That leave be given to bring in a bill to posite, various districts had positively amend the law of Ireland, respecting the declared, that they approved of the plan recovery of farms, from absconding and of finance of his right hon. friend, defaulting tenants, and for the protection

Mr. Bennet observed, that with respect of the tenant from undue distress." to his hon. and learned friend, he ought After a few words from Mr. Vesey Fitz, to have the greatest weight on that side of gerald, and colonel Vereker, leave was the House, because he always stood for given to bring in the bill. ward in defence of the rights and liberties of the people.

HOUSE OF LORDS. Mr. Thompson hoped, that whatever might have been the understanding be

Friday, March 1. tween government and certain individuals, Civil List.] The Marquis of Lansthe people would continue to meet and downe, before the House proceeded to express their opinions without the control the order of the day, was desirous of of any mayor or constable whatever.

taking that opportunity of calling their The motion was then agreed to. lordships' attention to a matter in which

their own dignity, as well as the respect IRISH Farms Recovery Bill.] Sir due to a legislative enactment, were very John Newport rose, in pursuance of his much concerned: and, as a foundation for notice, to move for leave to bring in a bill what he was about to say, he proposed to obviate certain difficulties to which that the clerk should read the first clause landlords and tenants in Ireland were of the act of the 55th Geo. 3d, cap. 15. liable. The object he had in view was [The clerk accordingly read the cause, to assimilate the law of Ireland to that | in which certain returns respecting the of England, in so far as, whenever a amount of excess on the civil list were tenant should abscond, and not leave suffi- ordered to be made regularly to parliacient property on the premises, the land- ment in every year, on the 28th of Feblord might not be obliged to have recourse ruary at the latest.] The noble marquis to the circuitous mode of ejectment, but called the attention of the House to this, avail himself of that summary process in order to obtain from the noble earl opwhich was used in England. He also posite some explanation why, if there was wished to secure tenants against the evils any such excess on the civil list, the to which in Ireland they were peculiarly returns had not been made to their lordliable; be meant, where the mesne tenant ships, pursuant to the act. received rent of the paravail tenant, and The Earl of Liverpool said, there was did not pay the paramount landlord, no intentional negligence. The delay, he whereby the property of the paravail presumed, had been occasioned by some tenant had been frequently distrained. unavoidable causes ;, but the accounts, he The third object was, to enable the land could undertake to state, were in forward. dord to recover possession when half a ness, and would soon be presented. year's rent should be in arrear, and there The Marquis of Lansdowne said, he was no sufficient distress upon the pre- trusted the noble earl would take care mises. This was the law of England; that the accounts should be soon pre-, but, in copying the words of the statute, sented, and also come prepared to state a mistake had been made, and, instead of what were the unavoidable causes which s half a year's rent,” the words “ more had prevented the returns from being than half a year's rent” had been intro- made at the regular periods. At the same duced into the Irish act, so that the land time he could not help observing, that it lord was obliged to suffer a whole year's would have been much more proper, and rent to be in arrear, as rents in Ireland more consistent with the respect due to were generally received half-yearly. The parliament, if the noble earl, finding that last object was, that where tenants over- ihe papers could not be presented within held; after having given notice to quito the regular time, had brought down a (VOL. XXXII.

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communication from the throne, stating all or any part of the sums due on account the reasons why the act had not been of the loan made to Austria in 1796; and. complied with. Their lordships must the other was, for an account of the steps know with what attention the returns or- which had been taken to recover from dered by the revenue acts were enforced; Russia the sums paid for interest in respect and why should not the subject have the of the loan obtained by Russia in Holland, security of an equal degree of attention and to procure a discharge to this country to returns under acts of this description from its engagements on account of that They had now waited till the very last loan. It was necessary, for the right unday, and no return had been made, nor derstanding of these treaties, to look at any information given why the papers had the accounts connected with them, in not been presented within the proper time. order to see the amount of pecuniary Acquiescing, however, for the present, in sacrifice which this country had made. In the noble earl's statement, that unavoida- these treaties he believed there were no ble causes had prevented the return, he less than twenty-five subsidies, exclusive again insisted that a communication ought of the subsidies to the great powers. The to have been made from the Prince Re- omissions in the treaties in this respect gent, stating the reasons why the act had were not less extraordinary than the matter not been complied with.

contained in them. No attempt whatever Lord Holland said, that the noble earl appeared to have been made, in the course seemed to consider the not presenting the of the negociations to claim for this counpapers as an irregularity of little conse- try the just debts and large balance due quence: but it was disobedience to an act to her on account of loans made to foreign of parliament in a matter of great impor- powers. In order to bring into one view tance-of importance at all times, and the amount of sacrifices on the part of this peculiarly so at present. The noble earl country, the particulars might be classed ought at least to have before stated to the under the following heads : 1st, the AusHouse what was the amount of the excess, trian loan of 1796; 2d, the balance dae how it had taken place, why the accounts from France on account of prisoners of had not been presented, and when he ex- war; 3d, the Russian loan in Holland; pected they would be presented.

4th, the advances of 600,0001. and after. The Earl of Liverpool said, he had wards of 300,0001. to Portugal. As to the merely stated that he was sure the delay Austrian loan, their lordships, or some of could not have been the effect of wilful them at least, would remember the circumnegligence. He could not name a day stances under which it was contracted for, for their being presented.

and the statements made to parliament, Lord Holland said, that this was an at that period. Great stress was then laid illegal delay, and peculiarly objectionable on the good faith of the Austrian

governat present, when parliament was engaged ment, and the confidence that might be in the consideration of matters with re- reposed in it for repayment. Securities spect to which the public mind was were formally taken, and we were to have strongly irritated, from a dreaded violation the right of sueing the emperor on these of a pledge of government and parliament securities in his own courts. This was that the income tax would not be con- surely a matter of too much importance to tinued during peace. If the accounts have escaped the attention of the negociawere not soon presented, he trusted his tors on the part of this country, and he noble friend would bring the question loped some representations had been made before the House by motion.

on this subject. But it was with a view

to have that matter brought regularly beAUSTRIAN LOAN— PECUNIARY SA- fore their lordships by an official return, ORIFICES.] Lord King rose, pursuant to that he now proposed to move for these notice, to call the attention of the House papers. The sum was too large to have to the pecuniary sacrifices which had been escaped attention, and some representamade by this country in its treaties and tions must have been made, or some satistransactions with the continental powers. factory reason ought to be given, for the It was his intention to submit two motions omission to make the demand. If their to their consideration with reference to lordships would look at the original amount this subject.

The first was, for a commu- of the loan, which was seven millions three nication to the House of what measures per cents. together with the interest which had been taken by ministers to recover | had accrued upon it, they would find that

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about 14 millions were due to this country fortresses in the hands of France, because on that account. Austria certainly had we could erect others for the defence of not been slow in enforcing her own de- Europe. In truth, we had better almost mands, or in raising contributions, where have had no minister at all at congress, she had no such just right as we had against since our just demands had been thus negher. She had raised contributions in Na- lected by a minister who attempted to conples, where she had no claim, or, at least, vert his blunders into proofs of liberality none so strong and clear as the right of and disinterested generosity on the part of this country for repayment of the loan in this country. It was proper that their question. What had been the conduct of lordships should have on their table an the other powers on the continent? All official return with reference to this subject, of them had put forward their claims. that the fact of negligence might be regu. The claims between Austria and Russia, larly before them; and with that view he in respect of their shares of Poland, bad should move, first, for copies of instrucbeen adjusted with the utmost nicety; tions sent to, and of representations made and in the treaty between Russia and by our ministers at Vienna, Paris, or elsePrussia there were no less than five where, for the recovery, or in the way of or six articles of this description. The claim, of debts due by Austria and other attention of those who negociated on powers to this country. behalf of this country, must have been The Earl of Liverpool said, that though called in a particular manner to this part the Austrian loan was the subject of the of their duty. Then one million having present motion, it would be more convebeen paid, there remained about thirteen nient generally to notice the other points millions due on account of this loan; and to which the noble lord had adverted, as this, added to the advances on account well as that of the loan in question. The of the Russian loan and our liberality with history of this loan must be well known to respect to it, our advances of 900,0001. to some of the noble lords now present. That Portugal, and the balance due from France transaction commenced in 1795, and took on account of prisoners of war, made a place under circumstances which afforded total of about 28 millions due to this coun- good grounds for the belief which was try; a pecuniary loss equal to the whole then entertained, that Austria would peramount of the contributions imposed on form the conditions of her engagements. France, as an indemnity for the ravages Their Jordships were aware of the events which that country had committed during which followed the transaction in quesa war of twenty-five years continuance. tion, and which ended with the treaty of It might be said, perhaps, that the length Campo Formio. Very soon after, there of time since these debts had been con

was every appearance of the renewal of tracted was a reason for not insisting upon hostilities; but the only hope of Austria payment. But why was not length of being able to make another struggle, detime allowed in our favour? This country pended on our not pressing the payment was still liable on account of the Russian of the loan at that period. He would ask, loan in Holland of 1782; and, if so, why then, whether the government of that penot pay some attention to our claims upon riod was to blame in not pressing the exeother powers? There might, perhaps, cution of the agreement? He would ask have been good reason for not insisting whether Austria was to blame in not having upon this demand against Austria at the fulfilled it? Their lordships also knew the time of the treaties of Campo Formio, result of that effort on the part of Austria. Luneville, and Vienna, after the defeats If any representations were made at that which had led to these treaties. But why time on the subject of this loan, it must had not the claim been made during the have been merely in the shape of verbal late negociations? It appeared to be the communication with the Austrian ambaseffect of the new doctrine of disinterested- sador, as he could find nothing about it ness on the part of this country, which had in the office here. In 1803 the war broke led our minister at congress to neglect the out again, and the coalition was formed interests of the nation, and then to make a which took place under the last adminisboast of it. This was of the same nature tration of Mr. Pitt. Not a word was then with other blunders in these treaties. He uttered of any intention to insist upon alluded more particularly to that sort of the payment of this loan; and certainly expensive and disinterested generosity by the minister who was then at the head which we had agreed to leave the northern of the administration, could never have

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