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te deiliroqque ɔd: gO ldu. ↑ To genstand 29761,Pub to mo

* 697 ud at urdt \ vldenbrems. 30.6m 9 to sensrom bus tus usvo

ae bui „dodipryenoɔ lo „dragon sing

SINCE the first publication of this tract, the desire has been expressed, that a more distinct view should be given of the probable effect of the Liquidation of the Public Debt, upon values in general, and upon the circulation and currency, particularly in respect of income and expenditure. { # Janted i donlw nogu 265

This enquiry may be rested upon the following considerations: namely; hoqqa bob c 09195 The average rent of land in the year 1792, compared with the average rent of land at the present time (1820).

Gin 't bas V5 ......... að bluów jbl 9d: 1-.. The effective value of money, for the purpose of British expenditure, in each of these years.

...The rate of interest of money.'

The probable rate of rent, in the event of the Liquidation of the Public Debt. [1 camqiled sonsq-677The probable effective value of money, for the purpose of British expenditure, in that event. ang ng babasi ont of mirm And, my mastit t› ramze The probable effect of that measure upon the stock, and debits and credits of merchants, manufacturers, traders, and others. For the objects of this enquiry, it will be sufficient to proceed upon a general view of these several particulars.

If the average RENT OF LAND, in the year 1792, be taken at fifteen shillings per acre, and in the year 1820, at twenty shillings per acre, and the RENT OF DWELLING-HOUSES in the like proportion of increase, the apparent increase in the rate of rent is onethird.

But, if the effective power of money for the purpose of British expenditure, in the year 1820, be not more than equal to three

fifths of the effective power of money in the year 1792; if twenty shillings be only equal, in the year 1820, to twelve shillings in the year 1792, the RENT OF LAND must be considered as being reduced in the proportion of one-fifth, and not increased in the proportion of one-third. Supposing even rent to be as well and punctually paid in the year 1820, as in the year 1792.

By the measure proposed, three shillings and nine-pence of these twenty shillings, would be required(under the assessment of fifteen per cent.; but, gradually and soon, the effective value of money, for the purpose of British expenditure, would become more than equal to the currency of 1792, for the like purpose.

On the supposition of the entire liquidation of the debt, and of the limitation of public relief to the incapable poor only, the amount of duties, taxes and rates to be required, would be very considerably less than in the year 1792. Since that time, the improvement and increase of the national territory and dependencies, of private property, of consumption, and in the productive powers of the national industry, has been very considerable; and although the increase of rent of land from 15s, per acre to 20s. per acre, is supposed, the burthen remaining to be sustained (in the event of the liberation of the country from debt) considered with relation to the means upon which that burthen would bear, would be very much lighter than in the year 1792. Money prices may be expected to decline in proportion to the reduction in the weight of impost, and the improvement in the productive powers of industry; and it may be inferred that the currency, after the liquidation of the debt, would be more effective, for the purpose of British expenditore, than the currency of the year 1792: it will be presumed, at the rate of not less than twenty per cent. It may be considered that the shilling would become equal to one shilling and two-pence halfpenny, nearly, of the currency of the year 1792.

In this case, the sixteen shillings and threepence which would remain to the landed proprietor for rent, after subtracting the assessment of fifteen per cent., would become equal, for the purpose

It is obvious that the alteration of money prices since the year 1792, varies in different situations. In towns, particularly in the metropolis, the difference is greater than in the country; and the variance between differ ent parts of the country is considerable: a calculation of common application cannot therefore be given. The reader will, of course, adjust the calculation to the standard of his own information,

2 Taking the rent at 25 years purchase The assessment of 15 per cent would be at five per cent. Ss. 9d. per annum.

£25
3 15 or

3 By the word currency, as used in this tract, is meant simply, the power of money in commanding the possession of the necessaries and comforts of life, without regard to any distinction between a metallic and a paper currency.

of British expenditure, to nineteen shillings and sixpence of the currency of 1792.

In effective value, as compared with the present time, the im-. provement would be sixty-two and a half per cent, and the rent might be expected to be well paid. The lauded proprietor (in respect of British income and expenditure) in lieu of being in a situation, inferior, as at present, to the landed proprietor in 1792, in the proportion, which 12s. bears to 15s. or 1200l. to 1500l. per annum, (even supposing rent to be equally well paid) would become superior, in the proportion which 198. 6d. bears to 15s. or 19507. to 1500/. per annum. A great improvement, but not more than commensurate with the improvement and increase of the national territory and dependencies, and the national progress in the useful and productive artsang duma ang 18 16 Gada

If, however, in the course and development of circumstances, the landed proprietor. (contrary to the supposition now entertained) should find that extent of improvement, more than would consist

with the highest degree of general prosperity, some diminution of rent might ensue, and yet leave him in the enjoyment of great advantages from the liquidation of the Public Debt

16; Other descriptions of property and income, will be considered upon the same estimates of the relative value of money, and with the like reference to British expenditure.

The RENT OF DWELLING HOUSES would perhaps, gradually decline. If an eventual reduction of one-third be allowed, the proprietor who receives ninety pounds at this time, equal to 547. only, of the currency of 1792, would receive 10 Less the contribution 15 per cent.

in a currency which would, progressively,

become equal to 20 per cent. more than

the currency of 1792, or

露

9-51

4

£ 61 4

In this case, the sum of fifty-one pounds, which would remam to the proprietor, after subtracting the assessment of fifteen per cent. would become equal to sixty-one pounds four shillings of the currency of 1792. Which in effective value, as compared with the present income, is an improvement of upwards of thirteen per cent. The INTEREST OF MONEY, supposing the same rate of interest in each period, is less effective, in the year 1820, than in the year 1792, in the proportion of two-fifths.

If 1000l. per annum, in the year 1820, be admitted to be not more than equal to 600l. per annum in the year 1792, the interest of money, although maintaining the same rate, is in effect, two, fifths less.

The liquidation of the Public Debt, being calculated to render the currency more effective than even in the year 1792, when sixpence was equal to tenpence of the present currency, a person receiving ninety pounds for interest of money at 4 per cent.' equal in effective value to 541. only, of the currency of 1792, would be required to pay 15 per cent., or 300l., in respect of the principal sum of 2000/., which would leave remaining 17007., the produce whereof, at the same rate of interest, would be £76 10 per annum, which progressively would become equal to 20 per cent. more than the currency of 1792, or

15 6

91 16

The full sum of 20007., at 4 per cent. per annum, produces 901. per annum, in the reduced currency of 1820, equal to not more than 541. of the currency of 1792. The sum of 1700l. remaining, after subtracting the contribution of 15 per cent., would produce 76/. 10s. per annum, equal to 917. 16s. of the currency of 1792. In this case, the improvement upon the present income, în respect of the first mentioned sum of 2000l. after payment of the proposed assessment, would be seventy per cent.

It would, however, probably happen, in numerous cases, that security in all respects eligible or desirable-security equal to the hitherto reputed security of government annuities could not be obtained at 45 per cent. If it be supposed that 3 per cent. only, could be obtained, the income from 17007, would be £51 0

add 20 per cent. as before

10 4

£61 4

which, in effective value, is upwards of thirteen per cent, increase upon the effective value of the income of 90l. first mentioned, in the currency of the present time.

With regard to PUBLIC SALARIES, PAY, AND PENSIONS, an income of 1001. per annum (and in the like proportion for any greater or lesser sum) would be reduced to 851. But 100%. is now equal to 601. only, in the year 1792; and in the event of the liquidation of the Public Debt

adding 20 per cent. as before

would be equal, in the currency of 1792, to

1

£85 0

17 O

£102 0

Taking three per cent. stock at 68), and other Government stock at the ordinary relative price, the interest or annuity is equal to four and a half per cent. for money.

VOL. XVII.

Pum.

NO. XXXIII.

D

£100 per annum is now equal to 607. per cent. per annum only, in the currency of 1792; 851. per annum would progressively become equal to one hundred and two pounds of the currency of the year 1792; which is an improvement of upwards of seventy per cent. upon the present income.tor

The PROPRIETOR OF LANDS AND DWELLING-HOUSES, THE STOCKHOLDER, PUBLIC OFFICER, and all other PERSONS in the enjoyment of PUBLIC PAY AND INCOME, Would, in effect, be benefited, after the subtraction of the proposed assessment of fifteen per cent., to an extent varying between thirteen and seventy per cent. in their respective incomes.

That is, supposing the present rate of rent of land not to decline, the rent of dwelling-houses to decline one-third, and admitting the ex-stockholder not to invest his capital, in numerous cases, at a higher rate of interest than 3 per cent..

The condition, of the FARMER also admits of being sustained and improved.

To establish the farmer in a condition to support the peasant, to maintain his own family in the comforts proper to his station in society, and to make a proper and liberal return to the proprietor of the soil, is the first object, in the reduction of duties, taxes, and rates.

The supply of grain and other native produce, at prices properly and sufficiently reduced, is the last, but important and eventual object, to be expected; which object should follow surely, but gradually, as the consequence of the ability previously afforded to the farmer, of producing at a cost.

aless

The proposed immediate or early reduction of duties and taxes, and the anticipated amelioration of the condition of the poor, to which might be added the repeal of the assessed taxes bearing immediately upon husbandry, would enable the farmer, in future, to produce at a cheaper rate.

And the laws regulating the import of foreign grain would prevent a precipitate or undue decline in the market price for grain; whilst a gradual reduction of the price regulating the admission of foreign grain (which a reduced cost of production would, from time to time, admit) would protect the consumer against the payment of any undue price.

Under this course of proceeding, the reduction of the rent of land does not appear to be in any manner necessary; it is therefore presumed, that if the average rent of land, at this time, be twenty shillings per acre, the rent of land generally might remain at that rate, and in particular cases might admit of increase.

And if, after the liberation of the country from debt, it should appear that that rate of rent could not be supported, without limiting the importation of foreign grain by law; the great weight