1^0 \. On the Malt Tax. 6$ 



on which tiicf stood for 77 years. We Suall tJieii stand or 

 IciU together. But if we divide into parties, if we be inthieiiced 

 by local interests, if we refuse (as this meeting did) Lo allow 

 any of our countrymen to state facts expressed in decent * 

 language, because it is not for our interest that the whole 

 truth should be known, we shall then become a parcel of de- 

 spicable counties, frittered down, and rendered contemptible, 

 by our own sellishness ; instead of bein:^ considered as a whole 

 kingdom, commanding respect from tlie two nations, to whom 

 we are happily united in one empire, and general legislature. 



If English barley, however, is to be taxed, when imported 

 into Scotland, Scotch barley should be subject to one rate of 

 taxation, and bear or big to another. This, however, was 

 not proposed in the general meetings held at Edinburgh last 

 spring. The system of partition in Great Britain, as in the 

 hopeful partitions on the continent, should have been accom- 

 panied by a scheme of indemnities, Viexving the matter cool- 

 ly and impartially, it is the interest of Great Britain, and 

 especially of Norfolk, and the other counties, that raise and 

 export much barley, that the superabundant barley of Eng- 

 land should lind a market in Scotland, which does not suj^ply 

 itself in an average of years 5 and as the expence of carriage^ 

 commission, &.c. is considerable, that it should pay no higher 

 malt-tax than what is paid by Scotch grain. It is also for the 

 general good, that the superabundant barley, whether of Eng- 

 land, or of the southern counties of Scotland, should have free 

 admission, on an equal tax, into the northern and Highland 

 districts, provided the old proportion of taxes on English and 

 Scotch malt is continued. 



The writer of this paper would now, on this important sub- 

 ject, viz. the proportion of taxes on malt from English and 

 Scotch barley, and from Scotch bear or big, humbly suggest 

 a fev/ hints to the members of the legislature, and earnestly 

 olTer a few advices to the people. 



Will the legislators of this united kingdom be pleased to 

 attend to what is submitted, with great deference, by one who 

 wishes well to his country'-, and venerates its constitution ? 



Our happy island, in the course of last century, encreased 

 greatly in opulence, from our industry, our insular situation, 

 and our free constitution. But luxary is the attendant of na- 



VOL. v. NO. XVII E tional 



* Francis Farqubarson of Haughton, as one of the Commissioners 

 named by the County of Aberdeen, attended the meeting of land- 

 holders at Edinburgh J and was ahoseu one of the Committee named 



