Mr. Vansittartmoved for a return of the amount of the balances remaining in the exchequer, and in the hands of the several treasurers of the army, navy, and ordnance, in the year ending the 5th of Jan. 1805, and which were allotted to pay off sums voted for the service of the year 1804.
§ Mr. Longobserved that when the account just moved for should be brought forward, it would appear that the statement which the noble lord had made yesterday was quite erroneous. The noble lord had stated that 5 million of the late loan was to be applied to the discharge of the last year's arrears; thus casting a reflection upon the judgment and financial calculation of his right hon. friend (Mr. Pitt). But it would be seen that the arrears alluded to were not those of last year merely, hut an accumulation of several years. It would, however, be recollected by all who were acquainted with our financial history, that ar- 588 rears had accrued almost every year to be provided for from the Ways and Means of the preceding year. The balances of the revenue of the last year were, he contended, more than sufficient to cover the deficiencies complained of as arising in that year. Thus much he thought it necessary to say in vindication of the conduct and system of his illustrious friend, the noble lord's predecessor.
Mr. Vansittartmaintained that his noble friend had not described the arrears alluded to by the right hon. gent. as those of the last year; but on the contrary, as the result of several years. On the whole amounting to more than 5 millions.
§ Mr. Canningtook fire at the recollection of the remarks, which were made yesterday by the noble lord the chancellor of the exchequer. At the time he heard them he was surprised, but since then he had had recourse to the proper sources of information, and had learned that the sums yet to be received were more than sufficient to meet the expenditure of that year. Therefore assets remained to cover the debts. Such being the fact, he could not help complaining of the unfair, illiberal reflections which the statement made by the noble lord was calculated to produce with regard to the conduct and character of his lamented friend (Mr. Pitt).
Lord Templeobserved upon the right hon. gent.'s angry solicitude to resist any injurious allusion to the memory of his late friend, for whom there were many who felt quite as warm an interest and attachment as that right hon. gentleman could pretend to. However, as the right hon. gentleman professed to feel so much umbrage at any reflection upon his right hon. friend, because he was no more, it was rather strange that he should attempt to throw out reflections upon his noble friend (lord Henry Petty), who was absent.
§ Mr. Canningreplied, that he should not be deterred from commenting on the statements of the noble lord, whenever a proper opportunity occurred; and that he thought his absence extraordinary when the house were about to go into a committee of Supply.
The house then resolved itself into a committee of Supply; and the report on the resolutions respecting the Ways and Means being brought up, and the first resolution read,
§ Mr. Brookerose to state, that he should 589 feel it his duty to oppose the additional tax on Sugar.
§ Mr. Francisalso said, that he should take an opportunity to state some objections to the resolutions generally, and in particular to that which went to make such an increase on the Property Tax.
§ Mr. Babingtonsaid, that he could not approve of taking away the exemptions under the Property Tax. He should also ask the noble lord, whether be meant to comprise military officers, clergy with small incomes, and those who had only a life interest in an estate, under the operation of the Tax?
Mr. Rosethought, that as the noble lord had expressed a wish that the consideration of the Resolutions should be postponed, it would be but fair at present, to abstain from any discussion of them till Monday, when it could be entered in at full length and with every advantage.
§ Lord Henry Pettyexpressed himself obliged to the right hon. gent. who had spoke last; but while he was up, he would take the opportunity of replying to the question that had been put; that it was intended to exempt military officers and clergymen of small incomes, though not those who had only a life interest in their property.—The several resolutions being read, the farther consideration of them was postponed till Monday.