The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-03-18
Irish Organizations Enlisted for Its Con.
alteration.

Irish Organizations Enlisted for Its Con-
alteration.
For more than year past, few earnest
and intelligent advocates of a single tax,
as taught by Henry George, have been
quietly but assiduously ut work in this
city.
Those who took hold OF it at once and
preached the doctrine from the housetops,
so to speak, probably did not number q
dozen, and Of them Mr.. Bolton Smith was
the recognized local leader.
About one year ago there was organized
Low Tax League, with Mr.. Smith as
President and Mr.. T. g. Brown, Secre-
tary. In their uphill missionary work
these gentlemen were materially assisted
by Mr.. Alex. Cohen. Great numbers of
'lracis," setting forth the theory in all its
practical and inviting beauties, AMI pub
lished under the direction of Henry
George, were distributed among the pco.
pie, but the growth OF the idea
was slow. When the great national
contest came ON, the single tax
men rallied 10 the standard Of Democracy,
their battle cry being Tariff Reform"
For the time being that was the only
extent 10 which the crusade was carried.
Grover Cleveland, the standard bearer Of
that party, with his manly policy on that
question, was good enough for them. II
lac and the Democratic party were not
quite in accord with the single-tax idea in
all its great length breadth and depth, II
was at least giant stride in the direction
they were travelling. II was realized
Il. Il fg.l...
gradually and with difficulty, hence the
leadership Of Cleveland was heartily
recognized. No dyed in.ihe-wool, moss
back, Bourbon, blindly partisan Demo-
crat could have laborcd more zealously for
the success OF that party in last N0vem- =
ber's contest. than did these champions
Of the single-tax theory in the great cause
Of Tariff Reform.
Since the National election, these politi-
cal economists have not succumbed be-
cause Of Democncy's defeat, confident
thai IL was but temporary thing, and
with four years more ia which 10 dissent
nate their doctrine, conditions could and
would DO easily reversed. Most OF this
work has been done quietly, but none the
less effectively. There are indications,
however, that the near future will see in
this part OF the world one Of the livcliest
singlo.tax campaigns lis great apostle ever
dreamed Of. Among those In the line Of
reasonably certain conversion 20 IL are
leading lrishmen. members Of tho local
lodge Irish National League Of America,
and Knights OF the Red Branch. At the
regular meeting OF the former order, yes
tcrday, there were about fifty members
present. Accepting a request TO dose Mr..
Bolton Smith was In attendance, aud adj
dressed the meeting for half nm hour or
more, explaining In clear and iofcible
terms the merits Of his iavorilc theory Of
taxation. At the close Of his remarks a
request was made by him that any ques-
ton that might suggest itself TO the minds
Of bis auditors would, II propounded,
be- checriully answered. Thcrcupon
many in the audience asked
for further light upon points
involved. all Of which the speaker re-
sp0ndcd TO with promptness, precision and
satisfaction. The chairman Of the lodge,
rising b. express his sentiments, stated
that Mr. Smiths address was unquali-
iicdly the ablcst on the subject under rc-
view he had ever heard, and pronounced I
II inconirovcrtiblc.
Mr.. II. g.. Brown. who arrived in the
midst OF the discussion, then added his
voice 10 the plea for n single tax, which
strengthened the deep impression already
made lie was followed, by request, by
Justice T.. NJ. Winters, who announced
his willing and sincere disciplcship oi tho
theory, endorsing In the strongest language
everything that Mcssrs. Smith and Brown
had said. lie further urged the league
and Knights Of the Rcd Branch to in
augumtc stubborn campaign on tho
prescribed lines suggesting that the city
be divided into districts Tor meeting pur-
poses aud the organization Of clubs In
the prosecution Of this good work McssrS
smith. Brown and other harmonious
speakers should be invited 10 mako
speeches, and he would devote his best
energies 10 the cause. Both the gentle.
men called by name assured Justice
Winters aud The Others present that they
would respond 10 every call possible, and
they could not be made too often.
Mr.. William llorgn will address tho
league next sunday afternoon on the sim
gle tax question.