ater
than had been anticipated by government; and then proceeded to make
his calculations for the present year. He calculated the produce
of everything at L56,445,370; and that the expenditure would be
L56,001,842, including L5,486,654 for the sinking-fund. This would leave
a clear surplus of L443,528. He argued from this, that a surplus of
L864,676 might be expected for 1826; and of L1,254,676 for 1827. This,
together with the surplus of 1824, namely L1,437,744, would make a total
of L4,000,624; and in applying this surplus to the diminution of the
public burden, the chancellor of the exchequer explained that he had
three objects in View: increased facility of consumption at home,
in conjunction with increased extension of foreign commerce; the
restriction of smuggling; and some alleviation of the pressure of direct
taxation. To accomplish these objects, he proposed to lower the taxes on
various articles to the amount of L1,526,000. This relief was in general
judiciously applied: the imposts reduced were on hemp, coffee, wines,
British spirits and rum, cider, and those articles in the assessed
taxes, as husbandry-horses let to hire, taxed carts, etc., which pressed
particularly on the lower classes of society. Of this it was calculated
that there would be lost during the present year about L600,000, so that
the total surplus of this and the two ensuing years, estimated at
more than L4,000,000, would be sufficient to meet the diminution. Some
parties were dissatisfied because there was not a greater diminution
of direct taxation; others, because greater relief was not given to the
West Indian interests; and others, because the duties on tobacco were
not lowered. On the whole, however, Mr. Robinson's financial statements
were satisfactory to the public at large. The estimates for the year
were voted with little opposition.

PROPOSALS FOR THE ABOLITION OF CERTAIN TAXES, ETC.

During this session Mr. Maberly moved for the repeal of the assessed
taxes, which was lost by a great majority. On the 5th of May, also, a
resolution, proposed by the same member, respecting the duties on beer
was negatived. The same fate awaited a motion made by Mr. Hobhouse, for
the repeal of the window-tax; and likewise a motion for the repeal of the
duties on soap and candles. A more than ordinary share of the time
of the members was occupied this year in the consideration of private
bills. So great was the passion for joint-stock companie