NEW BRITISH DEATH DUTIES

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 284, 27 August 1919, Page 8

NEW BRITISH DEATH DUTIES

..- j _«__. . _ ' A DUKE'S COMPLAINT. In a .letter to the London "Times," on the proposed new death duties, the Duke of Marlborougfh says:— • "The second section consists of persons ' whose wealth is no longer fluid, but' Is fixed in great houses and their' surroundings. These fortresses of territorial influence it. is. proposed to raze in the name of social equality. But the owners of the houses play a part in the national life. Socialfy they have practised on a lavish nnd comprehensive scale the traditional English virtue of hospitality. Politically, these territorial magnates have conducted the local administration with-. out cost to the State. The new tax, which, at its, present extreme limit sequestrates nearly half of the whole, Duwt make it impossible for the heirs of these men to carry on tho tradition, and it is surely reasonable to ask what new order is to be substituted. Are these historic houses, the abiding memorials of events which live in the' hearts of Englishmen, to bo converted into museums, bare relics of a dead past? And is the social life of which they are the' centre to be maintained and directed br '.officials appointed for the purpose by a benevolent board of works?" Should any such' policy be intended, let it be announced. Aesthetically, educationally, and•" historically, there is something; to be eaid for a generous disdain whiah would surrender these homes intact, and still a part of the glory of England, us ngainst acquiescence in successive penal ■ levies at death which threaten the gradual dispersal of their treasures."