The Daily Gate City

Taxes on Knowledge
The last of the English taxes on knowledge—namely, the two cent stamp on newspapers—has been abolished, after a long struggle, by a Parliamentary vote.
Heretofore no unstamped publication, containing 'news, and issued at less intervals than twenty-six days, could be sold. It could not even be printed, under a penalty of one hundred pounds for each separate number. In future, the stamp will not be necessary, except on such journals as are to be sent through the Post-Office. The House of Commons have so far affirmed the principle of the bill for making this alteration, (by a vote of 215 to 161,) that according to the usual practice the measure will be allowed to proceed. The House of Lords, as it is a fiscal question, has no power to interfere.
This newspaper stamp duty has existed for about 150 years, having been originally imposed with the avowed purpose of controlling the press. From one cent it gradually was raised to eight cents for each copy of the newspaper, and continued at this rate until 1836, when it was reduced to two cents. It now will be entirely removed -except where used as prepayment for newspapers sent by mail.
Hitherto the stamp was indispensable on all newspapers. but those which were mailed passed postage free.
The change, no doubt, will greatly affect the Newspaper Press of England, and may probably alter its character. N. Y. Times.