Victorian Politics and History/census records 1851 and 1861

In 1851 the population of Great Britain was, in round numbers, 26,000,000; it is now 29,000,000. Up to the former period the ratio of crime increase beyond the ratio of population; it is now decreasing.

In 1850, in England and Wales, 20,423 persons were committed for trial, and 76,494 were summarily convicted, the population being then 15,911,725.

In 1859, only 16,904 were committed for trial, and 74,769 convicted summarily, the population being in round numbers 18,000,000.

The repeal of the newspapers stamps, and the increase facilities for the circulation of knowledge by decreasing the rate of postage, are one great cause of the decrease of crime.

Railways have been extended from above 6,000 to above 10,000 miles.

The Electric Telegraph has become universal, and is alike a speedy and useful means of promoting commerce, and arresting crime. The excise taxes on soap, glass, and paper, have been removed, and considerable increase of trade and social comfort thereby gained, no less than by the repeal of import duties, both in raw materials and manufactured articles.

In the preparation of colours for printing and dyeing, most important discoveries have been made by our chemists, to whose researches the manufacturing industry of the country is greatly indebted. The recently discovered and most beautiful and brilliant colours called the “Aniline” carries of every tint from mauve to green, are produced from coal and its products….

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