St. Paul daily globe., 1896-03-15

Tic health. Here, then, is an interest
ing subject which organized labor
might take up. By doing so those out
side as we'll as inside the ranks will
be led to observe the good which
springs from combined and systematic
effort, and the cause of labor will be
the gamer
1 was somewhat surprised day or two
ago to learn that a full-hedged single tax
campaign was being waged at the present
time in the state of Delaware. Meeting
Charles Kohlman, 1 asked him to give me
an 1dea~of the present status of the agita-
ton. Mr.. Kohlman has long been an ar
dent advocate of the single tax and many
of his contributions to the press on the sub
ject haves been. widely aquoted =
Il ans surprised myself e said Mr.. Kohl
man. ''at the wonderful progress being
made. EXponents of the system crop up
where you least expect them, while more
substantial evidences of it's popularity are
not wanting. Of course, you are aware that
form of the single tax has been in opera
ton in New Zealand for some years past
and the surprising prosperity of that coun-
try even during the worldwide business
stagnation for several years past, has at
Iracted the attention and elected inquiry
from economic students the world over. It
is not to be wondered, then, that New South
Wales should follow suit, and the antipodes
bid fair to set the example in this as they
have in many other reforms"
'Hod. OF course, consider it principally
with regard to its effects upon the condition
of labor. Mr.. Kohlman?''
THAT is certainly the main consideration
though I hold it would benefit all classes.
1t would open up natural opportunities to
labor, and thus restore the primal conditions
surrounding the production of wealth. AS
1t now is, the producer has to pay tribute
TO the landlord Cor erm' 'ssion to labor, or
is prevented BY he real estate spe3Ilatvr
from laboring at all"
''Are there many believers in the sIngi
"a in the Twin Cities?"
The numrcr is surprisingly large, and re-
cruiTs are coming IN continually. of course.
you are aware that many of our leading cti-
Zens are single tax advocates. Judge Willis,
p. J. Smalley, eX-Gov. Pillsbury, ex-Mayor
are with u.s.
HAS the single tax taken any hold in Eng
land? I remember Mr.. George made two
lecture tours through that country. Is his
work bearing any fruit?"
THE outlook in Great Britain is most prom
ising. 1t has taken shape in an announced
policy by both political parties to provide
land for the landless-'four acres and COW,
it is termed This of course. is not the
single tax, but ii is one of the results of its
agitation. and emphasizes the truths taught
by single tax advocates that the land ques-
tion is the dominant one. Another sign of
progress of which I learned only day or
so ago, is the fact that the Westminster Re-
view has pronounced in our favor. This can
not but have far-reaching effect, and We
hope great things from the near future"
'Do you consider st. Paul a promising
field in which to advocate the adoption of the
single tax?'
''I do indeed. Why aside from the uplifting
influence upon labor, know of other city
in which such inequalities of taxation exist;
of course, those able to pay escaping with
merely nominal taxation while those least
able have to carry their full share, and some
times much more. I tell you, when the his
tory of the assessment and taxation in st.
Paul comes to be written. it will equal Stead's
somewhat sensational record of Chicago. II
for other reason than to bring about the
burdens,
should be adopted
81 am, as you know" continued Mr.
HOFFMAN. 'an enthusiast on the subject. but
have never had much hope that 1 should
live 20 see the adoption of my hobby in any
part of this country. But now I must say
to you that I confidently anticipate witness
ing its adoption by at least some of the states
of the Union before go is called for me-
* F. F.