9
Now, to a simple man like myself, it appears that the whole effect of this would be, to put money into A.'s pocket instead of into B.'s; but how the people of England—how the nation at large would gain by it, I am quite unable to comprehend. If, then, it is the duty of Government to look to the general interests of the empire, I do trust that they will boldly meet, and firmly resist all proposals for the remission of assessed taxes; which would not be productive of benefit to the nation at large; which would not in the least degree improve the condition of the labouring classes: but which would, in a material degree, prove detrimental to the state, and injurious to the poor, by taking it out of the power of Ministers to propose the repeal of other taxes, which at present press heavily on productive industry. It may be an unpopular act to oppose the repeal of assessed taxes. It may be unpalatable to individuals to refrain to lighten their shoulders of a heavy burden; but the Government ought to know nothing of individual interests; it ought to know of no interest but that of Great Britain. Let Ministers look to this; let them not consider how they are to gain the support of this or that party, by the repeal of particular taxes; but let them manfully determine to sacrifice, if need be, popularity at the shrine of duty; and in repealing taxes to give the preference to whatever system appears most likely to conduce to the welfare of the kingdom.
