Tax Resistance in Catalonia, Pune, and Colchester

It’s time for another brief international tax resistance round-up:


You may not be surprised to learn that I have found no record of anyone taking the advice of this armchair quarterback from London seriously:

To the Editor of The Cambrian.

Gray’s Inn, .

Sir,— In the midst of the very general panic, which the disturbances of the lawless band denominated “Rebecca and her Children” have created in Carmarthenshire, it is surprising that no measures should have been resorted to, for the suppression of the tumults, more energetic than those of swearing in some score of special constables, and putting arms in the hands of some infirm pensioners, who do not know how to use them. Some vague idea has at last entered the heads of the Carmarthen Dogberrys, that a body of military is only wanted to set all things to rights. However efficient soldiers may be in open-handed fight, I think it questionable how far they may prove of service in the present case, without some resolute co-operation. This co-operation, I would suggest, might be managed thus:— Let the body of the young Squirearchy of the County, from the age of 18 to 35 — of which sort there is no lack in Carmarthenshire — let them, I say, form themselves into an association for the suppression of these riots. The class of Squires I refer to, should include all possessed of incomes of 200l. a-year, resulting from land, upwards, and who can command a stout horse and a trusty man-servant. Let them, having formed an association, proceed to the part of the county where the disturbances are of most frequent recurrence, and take up their station near some gate that has been most frequently levelled with the ground, barracking themselves in farm-houses and cottages adjacent. Let them, then, station their servants at different points, commanding a view of the surrounding county, with directions to communicate with their respective masters, on the discovery of the approach of any of the rioters. A signal should then be made, such as firing of guns, or the like, to collect all the members of the association to a place of rendezvous previously fixed. Let them then proceed together to the obnoxious gate, there to await their opponents. I would have them be without arms, other than stout cudgels. When Rebecca has approached, let them first hold a parley, and remonstrate with her upon her unjustifiable mode of procedure. Let them then dispose themselves about the gate, but beware of striking the first blow. I miscalculate the Welsh nature greatly, if they will not be loth to attack a body of young gentlemen, to whom they have been accustomed to look up with respect and esteem. They will have no set of special constables or vacillating pensioners to deal with, but a body of vigorous, firm young men, the flower of the county; and if they go to work in a conciliatory way, unsupported by police, relying entirely on their own influence and respectability, the chances are ten to one that Rebecca will be ashamed of herself, and her followers will at any rate be more submissive and respectful. If this association should wish for a name to call itself, let it be “The Judith Society,” and never fear Rebecca will, ere long, “hide her diminished head.” I regret that I am unable to leave the Metropolis, for the Principality, before , when I hope the riots will be past and gone, or I would be the first to propose this plan, in propriâ personâ. My plan may be deemed Quixotic and foolish, and myself a fool. Agreed — let it be so — but it is not impracticable; and having done my duty in putting it forward, I leave other more experienced and wiser heads to propose a better.

I am, Mr. Editor, yours obediently,
A Welshman in London.