150 On Tythes.[March

JT is properly and justly remarked, that tithes having

been formerly appropriated for a particular purpose, must be admitted as a property equally Sacred with any other, especially as that appropriation 1s admitted by those laws which regulate the countivy where the tithes are produced; and although a considerable part of he property 50 appro- priated, has Since been alienated from its original purpose, yet Such alienation baving been admitted and confirmed by those laws which protect all other property, no friend to jus- tice and the stability of property can expect an exoneration from, or an abolition of tithes, without proposing or provid- ing an equivalent.

c: But notwithstanding, the writer must, he 5ays, at the Same time contfess, that tithes being a heavy tax upon tbe efforts and exertions of human industry, are in a considerable degree a prohibition of Such exertion, and in that respect, act as a dead-weightand a check upon that Spirit of improve ment, wbich it is good policy to encourage by every means tbat can be devised. If an equivalent can be found, and a commutation be effected without ipjury to any one concerned, Such regulation would, doubtless, be an improvement to our political SyStem.

It is therefore proposed, that the Subsequent plan Should be adopted as the outline of an exchange of tithes for land, as land will always bear a value proportioned to that of its produce, and even the price or value of labour is measured by the Same Standard.

It is that an act of parliament, appoint In every diocese, an equal number of the most respectable clergy and country gentlemen, comwmissioners and' trustees, with a Power ot nominating Surveyors, tO value all the tythes belonging ei- iher to the clergy or laity within the diocese; and let the act give an option to the laud-owners of purchasing their respcC- üve tithes, as the valuation fixed on them by Such Survey- ors; the money arisivg from Such redemption might be in- vested in the funds, or other Securities, until a proper oppor- tunity Should offer of laying it out in land, and where the Jand-owners Should refuse to purchase Such tithes, the com- missgioners might have the power of mortgaging them, or taking up money on their Secutity, to be invested in the Same way; with that artsing from uthes, actually Sold, or alter a oiven Ume, the trustees might be empowered to Set apart au Wotment of tbe land of those owners who refuse to purchase, and wbich if convenient]y Situated for tbe former titbe owner, might be so applied, otherwise Sold, and the money arising from Such Sale invested as before, until it could be Jaid out in the purchase of land. The execution of zome euch plan would be attended with iufinitely less trouble and