Mr. William Cross, a farmer in the neighbourhood of Dover,
suggested to Sir Robert Peel in connexion with his new policy, that compensation might be given to the agriculturists by levying the Income-tax on their profits in- stead of on half their rental; adding, that his own farm had yielded him little or no profit for several years past. By return of post, Mr. Cross re- ceived the following reply from Mr. W. H. Stephenson, Sir Robert Peel's Secretary- " Downing Street, 4th February 1846.
"Si--I am desired by Sir Robert Peel to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of yesterday. Sir Robert Peel trusts that your farm will he more profitable under the law which he has proposed, than it appears to have been under a sys- tem of high protective duties. He has no intention of making any alteration in the laconic-tax Act. It is clear that, in such a case as yours, there could be no claim for compensation, as a change in the law can hardly operate to your injury.'
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