ADVERTISEMENT. A QUARTER of a century has elapsed since the provisions of the last Act of Parliament, imposing an Income Tax, ceased to operate. During that period the actors in the more stirring scenes of life have, to a great degree, changed; the memory of the former act has become traditionary; no records exist of the tribunals before which disputed questions came for decision. These circumstances occasion an absence of authority, which necessarily renders the task of explaining the provisions of the present Act of Parliament, which is framed on the model of the former Acts, more than usually difficult, and not unfrequently converts exposition into speculation-speculation upon the most uncertain of all subjects-the interpretation which a tribunal, called into existence by the Act, may give to its provisions. Notwithstanding these obstacles, it is hoped that some assistance towards a proper underderstanding of the present Act may be afforded |