25 MARCH 1837, Page 10

INCREASE OF SMALL BENEFICES.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE SPECTATOR.

SIR—Is it quite clear that Mr. RIGBY WASON is correct in finding "only one honest mode of increasing benefices in private patronage? " Is not the patronage a matter perfectly capable of arithmetic adjuettnent in proportion to the increase? A certain quantity of advance might vest in the public every other turn of presentation ; another proportion every third turn, or two turns Out of three, &c. ; so as to leave the owner's right of advowson exactly worth, to a pound, what it was.

These alternations of presentation are at present by no means uncommon. The whole is a mere question of arithmetic easily solved.

Before I conclude, allow me to express my trust that the selfish combination which has defeated, I suspect, the present Church-ratee Bill, will not be suffered to be successful to at least one of the parties concerned. Let the Government take the Church party at their word, and apply the pro. ceeds of the proposed arrangement with the lessees to the increase of small livings. The Church-rate question can afterwards be dealt with. Suppose the next proposal to provide for it shall be a project for raising tenths and first fruits to their proper value; we shall then have the Church only to deal with, and not as at present the combined strength of Church and lessees ; the latter of whom will probably on that question see with different eyes from those

they now use. Yours, &c. T. E.