an excuse for limiting the supply of food to the whole community? (Hear, hear.) Then, again, the malt tax, which is a tax on the beer of the community, and which, if it injures the agriculturists at all, is, of course, by first injuring the consumer, by limiting his power of consumption. (Hear, hear.) And after this injury being inflicted upon him, he is to be told that on this account he is to be visited by another tax on his bread (hear, hear); and because by his poverty he cannot consume beer enough to suit the landlord, therefore he is to be taxed for his bread for the benefit of this seller of corn. ('Hear, hear', and laughter.) That, certainly, is very just and rational, and these are the grounds for continuing the Corn Law. (Hear, hear.)"
A faint attempt was made by Mr. Cochrane to link the poor-rates to the list of burdens named by Lord John Russell, but which was instantly answered by a few words from Mr. Villiers:—
"Mr. Cochrane: The poor-rate?
"Mr. Villiers: The poor-rate? Why, really, he thought that this notion had been abandoned, by its not having been mentioned with the others that night, and because it was too silly to talk of. (Hear, hear.) What! make food scarce, make employment difficult, reduce the working man to pauperism, and then complain of the cost of relieving him—(hear, hear)—and call this self-inflicted burden a peculiar charge for which you are to have indemnity. Very just, very consistent indeed. (Cheers.) No, sir, those things can hardly be said earnestly; they will certainly not be treated so out of doors. (Hear, hear.) He was glad, however, that they were mentioned at the close of the session, when so many persons were giving thought to the subject, for they would doubtless be well sifted and considered during the recess, and they should be fully prepared for discussion next session, (Hear, hear.) He was obliged to the noble lord for having raised the question upon this occasion."
