THE POVERTY OF THE CLERGY.
[To THE EDITOR OF THE " SPEOTATOTE."] SIR,—May I point out what is really the burden which wants removing from the clergy before we even think of curates,— " rates and taxes"? In this parish, owing chiefly to increased demands from the Education Department a.nd County Council, we have a Poor-rate for this half-year of two shillings in the pound, and I am afraid we shall have a similar one before the end of the year. In addition, we have already had a sixpenny highway-rate, to say nothing of an increased Income-tax. Alto- gether, rates and taxes absorb fully one-third of my present clerical income. Five shillings in the pound for rates and taxes (every pound of tithe being worth fifteen shillings) leaves us just ten shillings for ourselves, and we have not reached the end of our troubles yet. I ask,—Why should we be the only body of men assessed on our professional income, and why should not the Imperial Exchequer come to the assistance of those depending on the land for their living P—I am, Sir, &e., T. S. RAFFLES, Longhorn Rectory, Colchester, June 241h.
[Why should not the Imperial Exchequer come to the aid of everybody P—ED. Spectator.]
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