general wish for a total repeal of the assessed taxes, because they bring the contributors into direct collision with the officers of government appointed to collect them; whereas import duties, it is said, merely affect the price of the commodity, and leave the consumer ignorant what part he pays to the government. This however is true but in part, for the importer of goods of every kind, who cannot have them till he has paid the duties, comes into full as direct contact with the officers of government as the payer of assessed taxes. We believe it probable, however, that the Chancellor may have hesitated in the choice of the means of affording relief to the subject, The whole question, in fact, resolves itself into the following propo. sitions:-1st. The wants of the country have hitherto required a certain revenue to cover them. 2d. To raise this revenue certain imposts are levied. 3d. Either the wants of the country being diminished, a smaller revenue will suffice; or, 4th. Circumstances have arisen to render the imposts more productive. Hence it is evident, 5th. That an opportunity is af forded of lessening the weight of taxation; and the question then remains, How can this be most conveniently done?

The Chancellor of the Exchequer has apparently thought that though abolishing the assessed taxes would undoubtedly leave money in the pockets of the contributors, yet the granting facilities to commerce by the repeal of heavy duties would be found still more advantageous to them; that it would enable them to purchase certain articles of necessity, utility, comfort, or even luxury, at much lower prices; that it would give increased spirit to our manufacturers, by enabling them more successfully to compete with their foreign rivals; that it would ultimately increase the revenue, instead of reducing it, and would thus afford the government the means either of proceeding farther in the same system, or of abolish ing any taxes that might be held particularly obnoxious. It is with great pleasure we find that this expectation is in a fair way of being realised, as our readers will perceive from the following statement. The revenue of the customs, from the 5th of January to the 15th of May, 1824, has produced about 3,200,0001. being 154,000l. more than the corresponding period of last year. Of this increase, no less than 80,000%. has arisen in the last six weeks, which is the more remarkable, because within that period several duties have ceased, particularly the extra duty on coals brought coastwise to London, which has been repealed since April 5, and produced 120,000l. per annum, and the duty on silk which produced 500,000%. (the news papers say 700,0002) per annum, having ccased on the 25th of March. It remains

to be seen what effect will be produced on the revenue by the repeal of the duties on foreign wool, producing near 400,0002. which cease in October next. Thus far, however, we find that the revenue is increasing, notwithstanding the repeal of duties to so great an extent. It is also to be expected that foreign powers will readily meet our government in affording reciprocal facilities to the navigation of the subjects of each party. Thus official notice having been given by His Majesty's order to the Swedish government, that Swedish merchantmen coming from Sweden, laden with Swedish goods, the importation of which is permitted, shall from the 1st of June this year be placed on the same footing with respect to import and export duties as English vessels, the King of Sweden has ordered the same advantages to be given to English vessels in Swedish ports. Those goods however are excepted which are imported in ships belonging to the British colonies, or in English ships coming direct from those colonies. A convention of a similar nature has been concluded with the city of Hamburg; Russia still persists in its old system of high duties and rigorous prohibition; and an Imperial Ukase, published at the beginning of the year, even commands a considerable increase in the duties of customs on foreign goods, particularly colonial produce of every description, and cotton manufactures. A very important treaty not yet laid before parliament, has been concluded with the King of the Netherlands, relative to the possessions and commerce of the two states on the Continent of India, and the Indian Archipelago; the advantages or disadvantages of which will, doubtless, be fully discussed when it comes before the public in an official form, by those who are every way qualified to judge of them. Nothing is yet determined relative to the South American States; we have merely learned that our consuls have been very well received at Mexico, &c. Some alarm has been excited by exaggerated statements of a French naval force at Rio de Janeiro, which were, however, soon quieted by the declarations of Mr. Canning. The war with Algiers (if war it may be called) has led to no result that has come to our knowledge. Some fears were caused a few days ago by accounts from Alexandria, of the arrival of some Algerine men of war in that part, which it was apprehended might capture some of the English merchantmen lying in that port, if they should venture to leave before the arrival of a sufficient English force.

Sugar. During the month of December and the beginning of January, the market reports constantly note the prices as tending to rise, though we do not find, in point of fact, that any advance took place; but

on the contrary, there was in general a decline of about 1s. per cwt. after the middle of December. At the beginning of January, considerable business was done in Muscovades, about 800 hogsheads being sold daily, which, considering the season, and the small stock in hand, was a large quantity, but the market soon became dull, and the weekly deliveries so insignificant, that the stocks in the warehouses rapidly accumulated. Unfavourable news from Jamaica caused a momentary impulse to be given to the market, and the holders demanded 1s. per cwt. advance. This, though not immediately acceded to, was however generally maintained, even after the first interest excited by the news from Jamaica had subsided; the refiners too were firm, and expected higher prices, but the buyers being unwilling to accede, little business was done. It is observable that through the whole of February, and the first three weeks of March, the printed prices remained unchanged, without any indication of a rise or fall, so that it is evident the fluctuations were inconsiderable, and not worth particularising in this summary. At the end of March, a decline of 1s. to 28. per cwt. took place; which was partly to be ascribed to the disappointment of the West India merchants, who had expected that some measures favourable to their interests would be adopted by government. In this languid state the market remained till the third week in April, when the demand considerably revived, and extensive purchases were made considering the reduced stock; the buyers accordingly became more firm, and a general opinion was entertained that Muscovades had reached the lowest point of depression; a general improvement of Is. to 18. 6d. took place. At the end of April the purchases in refined goods were considerable, and the holders firm; no brown lumps could be obtained in quantity under 768.; in goods suitable for the wholesale grocers the purchases reported were considerable; some few molasses were purchased at 25s. 6d., but towards the close of the month 26s. was the only price reported.

The inquiries after foreign sugars did not lead to any extensive sales; some purchases of white Rios were reported, middling to fine 318. to 34s.-The public sale of 2479 bags East India sugars went off 1s. to 2s. lower.

Bengal, grey, 23s. to 26s. 6d. ; white, ordinary to fine, 28s. to 34s.

Siam, grey, 23s. to 24s. 6d. ; ordinary to good white, 25s. to 29s. 6d.

At another East India sale on the 30th, the sugars sold rather higher than at the previous private sales. The prices of sugars have on the whole scarcely undergone any change for this last month; there being but a very limited quantity of Muscovades

offering for sale, the business done has been inconsiderable.

Coffee. The general decline in coffee during the last six months has been very considerable, as will appear from the com parative statement which we shall insert below. From the beginning of December the prices began to fall, except of Berbice, which inclined to be high. At the end of that month, and the commencement of January, the market was so extremely depressed that there were no public sales for two weeks before January 6, and no private sales reported. On that day there were indeed two sales, at which all descriptions were lower, except coloury Jamaica, which being scarce, sold very high in proportion, viz. at 109s. 6d. to 110s.; even Berbice declined, and in another week fell again from 6s. to 8s. per cwt., and Jamaica from 4s. to 5s. The market remained nearly in a state of stagnation till the middle of February, the sales both public and private being inconsiderable; and though there was some inquiry for the purpose of executing continental orders, the limits fixed were so very low, that the orders could not be executed. A temporary improvement took place at the close of February, but it was of short duration. It seems hardly worth the while in this place to trace the trifling fluctuations during the months of March and April, the general tendency being to a decline. On referring to our monthly report for May, it will be seen that an improvement has taken place. We subjoin from the printed price current, the compa rative view of the prices.

Coffee per Cwt. in Bond.
Dec. 2.

April 27.

Cotton. The market, which was languid during great part of December, revived in the last week of that month, and above 7000 bales were sold, chiefly to speculators, and mostly India Cotton, which advanced fully d. The following were the prices: 550 Pernams, 104d. to 114d. fair to good; 110 Bahia, 10 d. good fair; 20 Boweds, 8 d. good fair; 3200 Surats, 5d. to 64d.; ordinary to middling fair, 6d. to 74d. fair to good; 1000 Madras, 54d. to 64d. ordinary to fair, 6d. to 64d. good fair; 2100 Bengals, 54d. to 6d. very ordinary to middling fair, 61d. to 64d. fair to good; 50 Egyptian, 104d. fair, all in bond; and, duty paid, 40 West India, 9d. A considerable sale (11,606 bales) being declared at the India House for Feb. 6, no great fluctuations took place previously, but there was some improvement in the week preceding. The attendance of buy ers at this sale was by no means numerous, and it went off without briskness.

Bengal 8040 bales Company's, taxed at 54d.; 7983, middling to fair, 5d. to 54d.; 57, good fair, 5d. to 6d.; 441 bales, privilege, not taxed, 441, fair, 5ğd. to 54d.

Madras-83 bales, Company's taxed at 54d.; 68, middling to fair, 6d. to 6ğd.; 15, prime, 8d.; 631 bales, privilege, not taxed; 214, middling, 5d.; 413, fair, 6d. to 6 d.; 4, damaged, withdrawn.

Surat-2307 bales, privilege, not taxed, 277; ordinary and middling, 54d. to 5 d.; 770; fair, 5. to 6d. ; 830, good fair, 6d. to Gd.; 430, damaged, 1d. to 5fd.

Bourbon-104 bales, privilege, not taxed, 78, fine, 10d. to 104d.; fleecy and bright, 94d. to 9 d.; middling, 81 d. to 94d.; 26, damaged, 7d. to 10d.

The market improved after the sale, and an advance of d. was obtained. The demand has been for these three months past very satisfactory, and the prices steady, rather tending to advance; especially Boweds, which are become scarce, and are wanted for exportation. The quantity sold at Liverpool in six months, ending 15th of May, was 288,694 bags. The arrivals in the same period were 237,605 bags.

Saltpetre and Spices.-There was a public sale on the 16th of January, the result of which is stated in our February number. The India sale of the 9th of February was as follows:

Pepper-704 bags, Company's black, sold at 5d. to 54d.; 3417 bags, private trade, do. sold at 4fd. to 6fd.; 205 bags, Company's white, sold at 15 d.

Saltpetre-1000 tons, Company's, sold at 21s. 6d. to 22s.; 477 bags, private trade, sold at 21s. 6d. to 23s.

Cinnamon-421 bales, 1st quality, sold at 6s. 7d. to 6s. 9d.; 220 bales, 2d quality, sold at 58. 7d. to 5s. 9d.; 44 bales, 3d quality, sold at 4s. 7d.

Mace-4 casks, 1st quality, sold at 5s. 1 d. Nutmegs-167 casks, ungarbled, sold at 38. 1d.; Bencoolen, sold at 38. 2d. to 3s. 3d. Cloves, Bourbon-sold at, 28. 2d. to 2s. 7d; Bencoolen, sold at, 38. 9d.

Cassia Lignea sold at, 77. 10s. to 77. 178. And the sale on the 10th of May was as follows.

Saltpetre 5 tons, Company's, sold at 21s. 6d. ; 613 tons, private trade, sold at 20s. to 21s. 6d.

Pepper-181 bags, Company's black, sold at 43d. to 5d.; 4234 bags, private trade, sold at 4fd. to 64d.; 231 bags, Company's white, sold at 137d. to 15 d.

Cinnamon-550 bales, 1st quality, sold at 6s. 8d. to 7s. 9d.; 315 bales, 2d quality, sold at 58. 7d. to 5s. 10d.; 120 bales, 3d class, sold at 4s. 7d. to 4s. 8d.; Malabar, 4s. 4d. to 4s. 5d.; coarse, private trade, 2s. 2d. to 2s. 6d.

Cloves, Bourbon-1077 bags, sold at 1s. 10d. to 2s. 1d.; Bencoolen, private trade, 2s. 11d. to 38. 2d.

Mace-36 casks, 1st quality, sold at 4s. 7d.; private trade, sold at 2s. 8d. to 3s. 2d. Nutmegs-500 ungarbled, sold at 2s. 7d. to 2s. 9d.; private trade, 2s. 4d. to 2s. 6d. Cassia Lignea-sold at 61. 68. to 71. 8s. Ginger-sold at 18s. to 19s. 6d. Sago sold at 18s. to 19s. 6d.

Indigo has greatly improved since our last general report. Each sale at the India House has been at higher prices than the preceding, and the Indigo has also borne a premium afterwards.

The sale of 5709 chests in the last week in April, was as follows:-101 chests from 12s. to 138. per lb.; 805, 118. to 12s.; 1514, 10s. to 11s.; 872, 9s. to 108.; 155, 8s. to 98.; 298, 7s. to 8s.; 248, 68. to 7s. ; 897, 5s. to 6s.; 541, 4s. to 5s.; 65, under 4s.; 22 bags, warehouse sweepings, 2s. 4d. to 2s. 10d.

Hemp, Flax, and Tallow.-Tallow was much depressed in December, and even fell to 338. 3d. and 33s. 6d. it afterwards recovered a little, as yellow candle tallow was at the end of the month at 34s. 9d. In January we find no remarkable fluctuation, and 35s. at the very beginning of February seems to have been the highest price; the market continued much depressed, and in the middle of March the holders were ready to sell at 34s. News from St. Petersburg stating an advance there caused a rise here with a brisk and extensive demand at 34s. 6d. to 34s. 3d. but this demand soon subsided, yet without much change in the prices for a week or two. They afterwards declined, the market being very languid. Towards the latter end of April Tallow began to advance a little, but there was no briskness in the market, and the prices remained pretty uniformly, as they are stated in our monthly report in the present Number. The fluctuations in

Hemp and Flax have been too insignificant to require any particular notice.

Tea.-At the India House sale in De cember the Boheas sold nearly 1d. lower than in September; common Congou d. higher; the better qualities 1d. per lb. cheaper. Boheas bore a premium of d. after the sale. At the beginning of Ja nuary there was news from China, which announced an expected interruption of the Tea trade, and had the effect of advancing Twankay lad. per lb. other descriptions did not rise in the same degree, but the market was much firmer, and it was difficult to buy at the previous prices. At the March sale, which began on the 2d, and ended on the 12th, the prices were better than at the preceding sale, and seems ed to advance as the sale proceeded. Boheas fully 1d. per lb. higher. The price28. 5 d. to 2s. 6d. Congous d. higher, from 2s. 74d. to 3s. 7d. Towards the close of the sale much agitation was caused by reports of a misunderstanding with the Chinese, and Teas of which the stock here was small advanced materially; Twankay 2d. per lb.; common Hysons were also much in demand; low Congous rose d. after the sale. Before the end of March advices were received from China of the 9th of December, which stated that, though the differences were not adjusted, the trade was uninterrupted. This and the new arrivals caused the market to become heavy, and there was a gradual decline of 1d. 1d. and 2d. discount on the prices at the sale; at this moment (May 25) Twankay is at 3d. discount.

Rum, Brandy, and Hollands.-There has been considerable interest in the spirit market during part of the last six months. In December there was much inquiry for strong Rums, which did not indeed much affect the prices of lower qualities, nor was the business done very extensive, but the market grew firmer, and was evidently improving and at the beginning of January was very brisk; there was considerable speculation, and strong Jamaica rose within ten days 3d. per gallon: Leeward Islands likewise improved. The causes of this improvement were, an expectation that the duty on Rum and other spirits would be very materially reduced; the low prices here; the reduction of the stock in the Colonies, by the increased demand for North and South America; and the advancing prices of grain. In the second week of January, 5000 puncheons were sold, and though less business was done the week following, the advance was maintained, and towards the close of the month the demand became brisk and extensive, the sales amounting in the last week to above 4000 puncheons, Leewards 2d. per gallon higher; Jamaica, especially strong, 2d. to 4d. higher; the market was further

enlivened by the declaration of a government contract of 100,000 gallons, 80,000 of which were to be very strong for Captain Parry's expedition. The Corn market at the end of the following week being very heavy, and the government contract being taken on very low terms, caused the trade to become more slack, but without reduction in the prices. Meantime, Brandy had advanced, and was on the 10th of February 3s. per gallon, free on board, to arrive. At the end of the month, the market became languid, partly from extensive failures, which were expected to throw large quantities upon the market, and partly from the measures of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, not fully answering the expectations which the West India merchants had entertained. A government contract of 100,000 gallons, advertised for March16, did not give any impulse to the trade, and being taken so low as 1s. 48d. tended still further to depress it, and in fact, a complete stagnation followed. Brandy also became much depressed. In this languid state the market continued for some weeks, when on the fourth week of April great alarm was caused by the declaration of four large failures, which almost put a stop to all business. The very unexpected declaration of a government contract for 100,000 gallons had a favourable effect, though it was certain that it would be taken very low, and in fact, it was effected at 75,000 gallons at 1s. 3d.; and 25,000 gallons at 18. 3d. on an average, The market did not much vary afterwards, but became rather firmer, and fewer parcels were pressed for sale. The government having resolved not to allow duties on the deficiencies as they are called on the old stock, except from the 1st of March, created a considerable sensation, and made the old Rums unsaleable at prices Id. to 2d. under those newly landed. These latter, on account of their exclusive privileges, are now (25th) much in request, those of fine marks and of proper strength, worth 2d. to 3d. a gallon more than the old. Brandies which had fallen to 28. 8d. have improved 2d. to 3d. on account of unfavourable reports from France of the weather, and the appearance of the vines, 2s. 10d. is said to have been refused; Pale Geneva, Is. 7d. to 1s. 8d.

Oils. In January there was a great demand for fish oils, and for sperm oil, almost unprecedented; the prices, however, did not rise much, because the supplies were large in proportion. Rape cake advanced from 85s. to 110s. per ton. In February, the demand for home consumption was very great. South Sea realised 231. to 231. 10s. in public sale, and the holders soon asked 241, and 251. Sperm was also in great demand, and only the extensive arrivals prevented a great advance,

Seed oils were heavy. In the following months of March and April much business was done, with some fluctuations in prices; seed oils improved. In the second week of May, South Sea sold 21. 10s. to 234 Greenland for this season is nominally at 20% to 214 There have been large purchases of rape oil at 32% to 33%.

THE FUNDS.

View of the Fluctuations of the principal Stocks, viz. Bank, 3 per Cent. Consols, and 4 per Cent. of 1822.

BANK STOCK.-At the end of November, 224.-December 2d, 225, 41, rising gradually to the 9th, 226; 12th, 227; 16th, 2281, 9, near which it remained for the rest of the month, having only once fallen (on the 19th,) to 228; 31st, 2304.January 2d, 232; 9th, 233; 10th, 235, falling to 2344; 17th, 239, 236, advancing with occasional fluctuations till the 30th, when it closed at 240.-February 3d, 2384; 5th, 2364; 10th, 239, declining to 236 on the 14th; 18th, 238, 9; with some fluctuations (none below 237) to the 29th, 239, 238.-March 2d, 239, 240, at which it closed, and reopened in April 6, at 244, 4, ex div.; the fluctuations were inconsiderable, the price never exceeding 245, 245; closing on the 30th, at 243.-May. There has been a great decline from the 4th, 244; to 10th, 241; 14th, 240; 20th, 236; 25th, 2324 §.

THREE PER CENT. CONSOLS.-At the end of November, 844.—December 3, shut.-January 7, re-opened at 86, ex div. They have since gradually and steadily advanced to the 22d, 90.-February 10th, 92, 91; 14th, 92; declined to 26th, 91; but rose again to the 28th, 924.

-March 1st, 934; 5th, 944; 10th, 92; 16th, 93; 27th, 95; fluctuating between above and below 95.-April 8, 964; near to which price they remained till May the 19th, 953; which is the price on the 25th.

FOUR PER CENTS. OF 1822.—December 3d, 104 ; shut from that time, till they re-opened.--January 7th, at 1054 ex div., they gradually advanced to 106February 15th, 107, 68.-March. They occasionally rose above 108, but fluctuated between that and 107; and fell on the 10th to 106, which is the lowest they have been at; the 27th, 1074-April 2 rose to 108; fluctuated at a 4 above and below 108; reaches the 26th, 109; did not fall below 108 and a fraction till May the 11th, 1077; between which and 108 and a frac tion they have since remained.

The measure of the Chancellor of the Exchequer to reduce the Old 4 per Cents. and transfer them to the 34, naturally had some effect on the price of that stock. The holders, who had the option of assenting, or being paid off, have almost all assented; the stock to be reduced was 75 millions.

Foreign Funds.-The abundance of capital has led to the negociation of various other foreign loans, such as a Mexican, Greek, &c. The Chili and Colombian have maintained a respectable price. The Chili 6 per Cent. Bonds which in December were 67, 68, have been as high as 83, and are now 80. The Colombian 6 per Cent. ditto in December at 59, were in January at 65.-February 17, 73; they declined to 644 23d March; rose to 91 on the 30th ; and after various fluctuations, are now at 86. The obstinate refusal of the King of Spain to recognise the loans of the Cortes has wholly depreciated Spanish bonds. The 5 per Cents. of 1821 are at about 21. New Spanish 1823 at 15.

The following works are in the press :Elements of Vocal Science, being a Philosophical Inquiry into some of the Principles of Singing; with a Prefatory Essay on the Objects of Musical Acquirements. By R. M. Bacon, Esq.

Alterations made in the London Pharmacopoeia, 1823, fully stated, with Introductory Remarks and Schemes illustrative of all the Formulæ influenced by Chemical Action.

Memoirs of the Literary and Philosophical Society of Manchester. Vol. 4. Key to the Science of Botany. By Mrs. Selwyn.

A New System of Cookery and Confectionary. By Mr. Conrad Cooke. Typographia, or the Printer's Instructor. By J. Johnson.

Saint Patrick's Mission, or Ecclesiastical Retrospect of Hibernia.

An Account of the Yorkshire Musical Festival, held in September last, by a Member of the Committee of Management.

a

Helon's Pilgrimage to Jerusalem; Picture of Judaism in the Century which preceded the Advent of the Messiah. Translated from the German of F. Strauss, with Notes and Illustrations, by the Translator.

The Works of Vicesimus Knox, DD. in Seven Volumes Octavo, with an engraved Portrait, by Ward.

Five Years' Residence in the Canadas: including a Tour through the United States of America, in 1823. By E. A. Talbot, Esq. of the Talbot Settlement, Upper Canada. In 2 Vols. 8vo.

An Excursion through the United States and Canada, during the Years 1822 and 1823. By an English Gentleman. The Human Heart,