13 MAY 1865, Page 1
Mr. Newdegate proposed the second reading of his Bill arranging
a compramise about Church-rates on Wednesday afternoon. His proposal is to abolish the rates upon occupiers, and substitute a fixed and low rate upon owners, to be levied like the tithe. In other words, he gives up part of the tax in order to make the remainder perpetual, deprives the Church of the fluctuating income needed for its worship, yet binds the Dissenters to pay for ever a tax which they think unjust. Of course the Bill was thrown out— by 126 to 42—Sir G. Grey observing that there was a general consent to let Church-rates rest for the present. " Hush-a-by baby on the tree top" seems to express best the Home Secretary's policy upon all things, but he should remember what happens when the tree rocks.
