But the most curious thing in the mass of matter
about taxation is the following correspondence. Who the gentleman may he with a name that looks like a Scotch version of-Do-good--approprately didac- tic—we know not ; but his overweening simplicity reecived as cour,- teous a reply as it well could : probably the calculating Premier meant his answer to be general, not individual.
" TO SIR ROBERT PEEL, BARONET.
" Aberdeen, 17th March 1842.
"Sea—It is with a deep feeling of regret that I now addressyou. The
Wednesday.
With Sir, arises from my perusal of the Times newspaper of ednesday. With the proposed Income-tax I am perfectly satisfied. I am also satisfied with the proposed alteration in the manner of introducing foreign corn; but, Sir, the contemplated measure of her Majesty's Ministers, as regards the ad- mission of foreign live-stock and cured meat into the London and other markets has indeed staggered me. For twenty years, Sir, I have considered it a duty and a privilege to support Conservative measures and principles, and did hope that I would be enabled to preserve and advocate those principles to the last moment of my existence—to the maintenance of which 1 would have gladly sacrificed every other consideration. Sir, the immeasurable distance be- tween your rank and mine prevents my expressing opinions so freely as I would otherwise do; for the present I only address you as a British subject. It is, Sir, perhaps, unnecessary to call to your recollection the struggles which this country has made towards its present independence. It is, Sir, by the greatest industry, economy, and self-denial, even of the most common necessaries of life, that Scotland has achieved her independence ; and, taking all this into consi- deration, is it fair, Sir Robert, that the onus or burden of all grievances should fall upon such a country, ?—Certainly not. And, devoted as I have hitherto been in the cause of Conservatism, depend upon it, Sir Robert Peel, you have one man in Scotland who will, to the utmost of his ability, oppose any Government who can, in such a reckless spirit, legislate for the community, and show such &total disregard to established rights. if honoured with a reply, I shall address you again. I am, Sir, most respectfully, your obedient servant, " SIMPSON Doman."
TILE ANSWER.
" Whitehall, 21st March 1829.
" SLR—I have received your letter of the 17th instant. There are other parties besides the owners of and dealers in live stock in Scotland, who are practising the greatest industry, economy, and self-denial, even of the most common ne- cessaries of life' ; and the measures which I have proposed, while they con- tinue protection to the interests to which you refer, have a reference to those other interests and to the general welfare of the whole community.
" I am, Sir, your obedient servant,
" Mr. Simpson Duguid." " ROBERT PEEL." Thus, it appears, Sir Robert would not be regarded as the Minister of classes, but of the country.
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