THE CORN-DUTY.
[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."1
SIR,—I generally agree with the editor of the Spectator. About the shilling a quarter on corn I do not. Mr. Gladstone left a shilling a quarter registration duty on corn, so there can be no question of principle in it. In a fit of pedantry Mr. Lowe took it off. When the present Government reimposed it we were solemnly told that it was a permanent impost for all time, amid dismal predictions as to the effect it would have on the poor man's loaf. Unfortunately for the prophets, facts have falsified the predictions. Corn is even lower now than it was then. There is no room for claptrap about the big loaf and the little loaf. We all, rich and poor, pay the same for the same sized loaf, or if we do not, it is the baker's fault. Can you name any other tax that brings in 22,500,000 a year without the consumer feeling it in the most remote degree ? Had the Government taken a penny or two- pence off the Tea-duty the consumer would at once have directly benefited, and the Government saved its character for con- sistency. This shilling a quarter may be the "thin end of the wedge," a stepping-stone to a higher duty and Protection ; but of this I am quite sure,—that it will not be until the great
body of the people choose it.—I am, Sir, &c., C. M.
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