Thank you for visiting SNEWPapers!
Sign up free
The New Hampshire Gazette And General Advertiser
Portsmouth, Exeter, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
Extract from London letter dated July 6 describes post-election economic distress in Britain, with oppressive taxes and poor rates burdening the populace. The young minister's budget speech proposes raising six millions via new taxes on coals, candles, hats, and more, praised for its clarity and boldness amid national exigencies.
Clipping
OCR Quality
Full Text
Extract of a letter from London, dated July 6.
"We have at last got clear of the riot and outrage attendant upon general elections, and have time to inspect into the affairs of the nation, which are, I very much fear, in an irretrievable condition. Our taxes are already so numerous and oppressive, that I can honestly declare scarce a day passes without some application for rates or taxes: the hardiness of the times have increased the number of the poor so much that I pay five shillings in the pound poor-rates.
I was in hopes now that peace is established we should have a respite from oppression, instead of which the minister has brought in a bill to raise the sum of six millions; the interest of which, and other contingent expenses arising from the navy debt, will be paid by a tax on coals, which are to be rated at three shillings per chaldron.
This tax will certainly fall heavy upon the poor, whose miseries will be aggravated by this impost—a copper per pound on candles, they are 20 coppers per pound already—two shillings a piece upon hats—two coppers per yard upon ribbands—ten shillings a year upon saddle and carriage horses—two shillings and six pence a thousand upon bricks—one guinea on game qualifications—three pence per yard upon printed linens—ten pounds a year for leave to brew—an addition to the duty on paper—five shillings weekly for licence to keep a hackney coach.
I do not blame our young minister for raising money, the exigence of affairs completely excuse him: I only wish that he had laid his taxes upon such articles as are consumed by the opulent and luxurious.
I was in the house at the time the minister opened what is called the budget, and was very well pleased with the generous regard he appeared to feel for the natural rights of mankind.
He spoke three hours. And I never heard an harangue, that involved such an infinite variety of important, but dry, complicated, and difficult topics to detail with perspicuity, that had more merit, or was more easy to be comprehended and understood. His speech was an uncommon display of ability, manly spirit and that degree of ministerial boldness, which the unfortunate situation of the country calls for."
What sub-type of article is it?
What keywords are associated?
Where did it happen?
Foreign News Details
Primary Location
London
Event Date
July 6
Outcome
bill to raise six millions through taxes on coals at three shillings per chaldron, candles at a copper per pound, hats at two shillings each, ribbands at two coppers per yard, horses at ten shillings yearly, bricks at two shillings and six pence per thousand, game qualifications at one guinea, printed linens at three pence per yard, brewing license at ten pounds yearly, added paper duty, and hackney coach license at five shillings weekly; funds navy debt interest and expenses.
Event Details
Post-general elections, national affairs in irretrievable condition with numerous oppressive taxes and five shillings in the pound poor-rates due to hard times increasing poverty. Despite established peace, young minister introduces bill for six millions, funded by new taxes falling heavily on the poor. Minister's three-hour budget speech praised for clarity, ability, and boldness addressing complicated topics and natural rights.