The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1894-03-17

people, and then it is newer land, with con-
ditions somewhat different from those we
find here. But it is fact that in Australia
sic the single tax is more vital issue than
with us. Sir Henry Parkes, of New South
Wales, is Il man of marked ability and pro-
nouncod free-trader. Through his influence
largely, the single tax has become vital
issue in the politics of that colony. The land
holders have become alarmed, have formed a
Landowners Defense League and have
issued protest, on which they propose to
get the next Parliament 10 act.
In Victoria and other colonies of Australia
the single tax is Il live issue, and it will re-
main n living issue till it is settled in the
right way. But it is in New Zealand that the
greatest progress has been made, along the
lines with which my name is associated. The
Balance act In New Zealand has been Z
wonderful advance. 1t has has not abolished
all other taxes retaining only that on land
values, but 1t comes near II, and In the near
future the single tax will be the only one col
lected in New Zealand. There is no tax on
although 1t has only been in existence short
time, the effect for good is already perceptble
While there is poverty and depression over
all the rest of the commercial world, and New
Zealand, by reason OF her business relations,
is not entirely free from it, yet there arc no
tramps nor paupers in that land, and soon
poverty will exist there only as name. The
conservative New ZeOlanders, knowing that
women were naturally conservative recently
gave them the right OF suffrage, under the
impression that this vote would increase their
strength But the very first election under
this act showed them they had made mis-
take in counting on the conservatism Of the
woman vote, for it arrayed itself from tho
start on the SIDE OF progress and in opposl-
tion to the monopolizOtion OF land. Specula-
tion in land has practically ceased In New
Zealand, and as a consequence poverty and
| its attendant evils will be banshed.
"Do you know that the county council OF
London England has just insisted on present
ing to Parliament petition asking that the
local revenues be raised entirely byH tax on
land values; Even in Europe, whore the
same curse Of land teRures exist, the people
are forgetting that they are living in the
midst OF armed camps, and IRE seriously dis
cussing the question OF single tax on land
values. forgot to say In speaking Of New
Zealand, that, while the other colonies OF
Australasia are decreasing in population since
the recent change in the laws 5000 families
have gono there to find homes.
"Ihe first effort OF the landed interest in
England, tho United States and Australia
has been to kill the single tax by the con-
spiracy of silence. But the Australian de-
fonce petition shows that silence has not
won, and 50 they are driven into an open
fight. The significance Of this New South
Wales document, to my mind, lies IN the fact
rs have from the iirst declared, that when
ever this movement got so far as to compel
the present owners OF land to come out
openly and deiead the system which gives
to few the exclusive ownership OF the natu.
raj element on which and from which all
must live, our work will be practically done
and we can safely leave the rest to them. Sc
preposterously unjust is the present system
that 1t cannot stand discussion.
"As to the work OF propaganda, may say
that 1t goes steadily and ceeselessly on. Al
over the country we have single tax leagues
in which women as well as men are interested
Tho cause has many able writer's and speak
crs, and people are reading on this question
as never before. Tom L. Johnson recently
distributed l, ,2O00 900 copies Of my work, PRO
lection and Free Trade, and no Ia about tc
issue 1000, 900 copies Of his recent speech ii
Congress.
The day he's gone by when the single taxel
was regarded Gs o crank. He Is treated will
respect, and men who arc always ready to or!
down q new thought or to aneer at what the!
cannot comprehend, have learned to treat tn
single tGxer with respect, even where they d.
no. accept his theories. What we want ia
full, fair end froe discussion Of this ~ Of al
other questions that concern tho people. anC
the truth will win In tho end.
Not tho least promising sign of advance
10 mo Is shown In tho fact that professors anC
Students in colleges are studying and die
cusslng this question, and amongst such mel
We have our warmest adheronts and strongos
friends.
Il appreciate the kind hearts OF the CHART
able, but they arc degrading labor. Who
, justice Is done thcro wllno longer be need o
this kind OF charity" said Mr.. George in con
cluslon, and he spoke with the oarnestness 0
} a man who has faith in what ho says.
ALFRED r. CALHOUN.