The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1896-07-02
HENRY GEORGE ON DECK
Another Single Tax Movement Prevailing
in the East.

Philadelphia. July 1.-The stormy
weather last night was sadly antagon-
sstic TO the wishes of a large number OF
single tax advocates, who were drawn
10 the north plaza Of the city hall by
the announcement that John S. Crosby
Of Kansas City and other orators would
address an open air meeting. The pro-
ceedings were opened by an address by
z. d. Burleigh and another by Isaac
F1nberg. Rev. J. II. Amies made and
address, in which he spoke OF the single
tax from a moral standpoint.
John S. Crosby. the orator of the
evening. was then introduced. and gave
an interesting and entertaining address.
He explained the fundamental princi-
pies Of the single tax question, and why
he advocated it. He divided the ques-
tion, first speaking Of it's expectancy
and then OF its justice.
In the former connection ne urged the
single tax as the only method of doing
away with an army of tax gatherers
and at the same time providing ample
revenue for the conduct OF all govern
ment affairs. II would also. Mr.. Cross
by said, tend TO largely increase the
value of the property or ground itself.
irrespective of its improvement, Other
speakers followed in the same strain.
Since the recent arrest at Dover, Del,
Of George T. Stephens, a single tax ora
tor. for public speaking in the streets
of that somnOlent capital, the disciples
of Henry George are more than ever
bent on making a vigorous campaign
IN Delaware. The two great parties
are go evenly matched in that state
that very little outside influence would
turn the balance in favor OF either
one. 1t is this deciding power that the
single takers now assert they control
There are only $1,000 voters IN the
state, and $500 of them are claimed to
have enlisted in the movement. If this
Is true and their ranks remain unbrok-
en- they can insure the, election or de-
feat Of almost any candidate.
What they are working for now IS
to have single tax plank incorporated
in either the Democratic of Republican
platform, and the party which falls in
with the scheme wifi get their support.
The Democratic party is the particular
object Of their attentions. Leaders in
the single tax movement say that about
of their strength is drawn
from the Democrats. and that If the lat
ter refuse to recognize them it viii mean
certain defeat for the party.
The single takers have been working
in Delaware just year, and during
that time have expended $15. 900. The
expenses have recently increased until
they average about $500 a week Over
2, 900 meetings have been held and 5000
addresses delivered. Sixty speakers are
now constantly employed, and included
in the corps are men from Pennsyl- |
vania, Texas, California, Canada, New |
York, Maryland and other states. These |
are sent on by single tax organizations |
the country which take an |
interest in the Delaware fight
From headquarters at Wilmington a /
committee OF the National Single Tax |
associa ton, consisting of A. II. Stephen |
son, Harold Sudell and Jackson H. Raj |
ston, direct the operations throughout /
the state. There are twelve ward clubs |
n Wilmington with total membership
IF 1900.
Original methods are employed 10
make the meetings attractive, and any
apt means of Illustration finds favor. In
some places the demonstra tons are held
n big tents. StSreopticon views are
brown on canvas, and pictorial charts
re hung up above the speakers stands.
rhe latest drawing card is the graphic
)hOne. In addition to the orators the
tctlNe working force includes eight
whose business II e to ride
around the country and scatter Htera-
ure. The Sinrle Tax printing press IS
'ue5 10000 copies OF Justice" a week,
md so pleased are the managers with
he publication that they expect 10
iorble the size Of the EDITION.
Single takers throughout the United
states declare that they only want their
heories to be given fair. trial. and
or that reason all have united in push
ng along the campaign in Delaware
The state is so small that Il can be
'ssily canvassed. and there is no con-
'titutional provision against tie single
ak. The election this fail is Of more i'm
'ortance than any in years, for, in addi-
ion 10 twenty-One representatives and /
hree senator's there are thirty delegates
o the constitutional convention to be
lected. The advantage they hold Is
ully appreciated by the Henry George
men, They viii do their best by threats
II persuasion "a have legislative candi-
ates pledged for public funds TO be
aised by tax on land values, without
esard 10 improvements.