Mr. Humesaid, he had a Petition to present from William Carpenter, praying for a repeal of the 60th of Geo. 3rd, cap. 9, and for the general abolition of all taxes on knowledge. This petition, although it had emanated from an individual, related to a subject of paramount importance to the best interests of the community, and the present enlightened Government, it was to be hoped, would ere long abrogate all duties on newspapers and political publications, for he was fully persuaded that this would be the most effectual method of repressing incendiarism, and those other evils with which the country had so often been afflicted. The system hitherto adopted would almost lead to the inference, that those who had the management of the State were actually mad, for it appeared to be their constant endeavour to keep the people in absolute ignorance and moral degradation. The petitioner was at present suffering incarceration for the heinous offence of having published a Paper at the price of 4dl., whereas the legal minimum was 6d. according to the enlightened Act against which he very properly petitioned. His punishment was a disgrace to those who had inflicted it, and it was no less disgraceful to any Member of that House who could bring himself to advocate it.
§ Petition to lie on the Table.