CHURCH REFORM-TITHES.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE SPECTATOR.
Broxbourne, lIerts, 22d March 1132.
Stu-I observe in the Spectator of the 17th instant, under the head of Pluralities Bill, that the Bishop of LoNnox, in reply to Lord Km: voN's remark on the Bishop's eagerness to put down pluralities, he having bad a couple of livings in different parts of the kingdom - said he had expended Inure on Chesterford than would have purchased the advowson; but, even if he Find done wrong, that was no reason why others should be allowed to do so. This observation I consider worthy of remark. Here, Sir, is evidently ex- hibited a desire to reform-a friendly disposition to comply with the wishes of the people. It augurs well for the Church, and for the sacred order who have been on most occasions held forth to public gaze when opposing any measures that the people have desired. It is but fair they should receive the congratula- tions of the country, when such laudable intentions are manifested, which I trust will be appreciated by every class in society. It proves an honest and worthy intention on the part of the Right Reverend Lord, and must rank him high in the estimation of all liberal men. Perceiving this affectionate disposition on the part of the Right Reverend Bishop, I will venture to call his Lordship's atten- tion to the existing system of Tithes, and thereby to finish the work he has so generously begun, which must and will obtain for him the love and respect of the whole kingdom. No man, as a tenant of land, attempts to deny the just claims of the Clergy, or has a desire to deprive them of their undoubted pro- perty. The principle, I believe, is nowhere objected to among the agricul- turists-at least not within my knowledge or acquaintance ; it is the mode of collection, the unequal charge, and, above all, what is most repugnant to the feelings of an Englishman, "the discretionary power" with which the tithe- receiver is invested. It is notorious, that in ninny villages a settled and acknow- ledged money payment in lieu of tithes, of 4s. 6d. and 5s. per acre for arable, and 4s. 6d. per acre for grass land made into bay, has been received for upwards of twenty years past by the impropriator. Should any of the inhabitant occupiers, from any cause, give offence to the tithe-receiver, he has the power to say- " Sir, your tithes must be set out in kind ;" and will not receive them in any other way, while all the rest of the inhabitants pay only 4s. 6d. or Sc. per acre. Also, the inequality of the charge in different parts of this country. In the vil- lage where I reside, the composition is charged at 4$. 6d. per acre for corn, and 4s. 6d. per acre for grass made into hay. At St. Alban's, the money composi- tion for corn is 10s. per acre; and I believe varying in most parts of the country. These are the defects that require to be remedied : they produce a bad feeling, that ought not to exist, and which a general composition in lieu of tithes would extinguish. I should also suggest, that every cottager having a cow, breeding sow, poultry, fruit, or other articles subject to vicarial or small tithes,-such per- sons not being entitled to a vote for the town or borough by reason of their rental,. or whose rental in land does not exceed 10/. per annum,-be exempt from small tithes. I would respectfully suggest to the Right Reverend Prelate, a money price per acre for corn, grass, and green crops generally- i. wheat land, best quality, 5s. 6d. per acre, all others 4s. ; potatoes, 4s. 6d.; barley, 4s. 6d.; oats, beans, peas, and all other pulse or grain, 4s. per acre ; grass made into hay, 4s. ; all other green crops, 4s. per acre. It would have the effect of relieving the mind of the small farmer, would encourage and pro- mote improvements in all farms, and create what is much to be desired-a kindly and affectionate feeling between the parties. The Clergy would obtain more upon an average than they do at present ; for here I must step forth to declare what I really believe as regards tithes-that the Clergy do not obtain two- thirds of what they are legally entitled to claim. I have not the pleasure of knowing, or being known to, either of the Right Reverend Prelates on the Bench, neither am I in any way connected or interested in Church property or Jiving of any description. My sole object is, to call the attention of the Right Reverend Bishop to the matters herein stated, than which few are of more
importance to every class in society. RUST1CUS.
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