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

other civilized lands, and these mon, having
been converted through their reason, and
often against prejudices, inherited and per-
sonal, cling to their new political faith with ell
the fervor Of q religious conviction, Nor Ia
their allegiance passive; they work for 1t,
talk for it, and are every ready to give good
reason for the truth that is in them. The
discussion Of the single tax has led to the
study Of political economy, end 1t has ios-
tered reasonable political discussion as no
other subject outside Of abolition ever did In
America. The reason the people, who have
not kept in touch with this matter, believe
that It fared up and died out, Is that they
know nothing Of what is going on beneath
tho surface; they are ignorant Of the quiet,
effective and persistent advance that is being
made from day to day.
Believing as l do, naturally court the
discussion Of this question, for 1t is only in
this way that We can get at the truth. The
day Is not far distant when this will become
vital issue in practical politics Then tho
strength, now out Of sight, but by no means
dormant, will surprise the people who have
not kept up with our advance. The newspa-
pers do not discuss this matter 50 much at
present, simply because the papers discuss
nothing that they do not believe the people
want. It Is tho reader, not the editor, who
dictates the matter in a paper, and when it is
seen that the readers want fuller and freer
discussion Of this question, the periodicals
will be ready and willing to take hold
"In the Senate and House at Washington,
there are number OF able men who believe
strongly in the single tax idea, but the oppor-
tunitIes for presenting their views have not
been the best. When Judge Mcguire, OF Cali
iornia and Mr. Tom L. Johnson, Of Ohio have
had an opportunity to declare themselves,
they have not hesitated TO show that they
occupy no equiyoeal position on this ques-
ton"
"You are not personally in favor Of an IN
come tax2' said
"No; Gm not" replied Mr.. George with
emphasis,
"Then how happens it that the single tGS
men in Congress recently voted for a measure
which their own good sense must have shown
them was obnoxiousp asked.
Judge Mcguire, Mr.. johnson and other
single tax men In Congress, saw, as we all do
that there must be tangible source o
revenue in sight at this time. The single tlS
measure which would meet all the revenue
needs in the best possible way, would not bl
considered at present, and 80 these gentle
man voted for IN income tax in preference.
to a heavier tariff. 1t was with them not Q
question Of the best measure, but simply q
choice OF evils"
"Granting that we had Il single tax on lane
values tomorrow, Mr.. George, how could tn,
central government obtain through tina
means money to conduct It's departments?"
ut could be done in one of two ways tn,
amount to be raised could be assessed on thj
States, and collected in that way, or the cen
tral government has the power to assess tn,
tax directly by leyying the amount on tn,
value Of land, irrespective Of improvements
ais It not true that the single tax theor!
has stronger hold on the people Of Austria
lasia than in Amorcap
81 am not prepared to say that" reple,
Mr. George. "The seven colonies Of Austca
tsalasia have, all told. only about 100000 0