Evening star., 1897-03-30
THE SINGLE TAX THEORY
Representative Mcguire Speaks of the Pro
gress Made in Delaware.
Newcastle Wants to Try 1t From 4
Municipal StandpOint-Whnt This
Would Demonstrate.

Representative Mcguire of California has
returned from Dover Del, whittier he had
gone on the invitation of the legislature to
address the joint assembly on the subject
of single tax. His account Of his reception
and of the events connected with 1t indi-
cate strong advance in the single tax
sentiment in Delaware. He was received
by full representation of both houses, and
at the conclusion of his address, which was
| listened to with marked attention, he was
requested to get 1t up in pamphlet form
for the benefit Of the members of the cor
stitutional convention Of Delaware, which
| is now in session.
"On the day / addressed the legislature,
said the judge, in relating his experience,
"a petition presented to that body
| from majority of the citizens of New
castle, Del, asking for the passage of a
| law which would allow the municipal au-
thorities of the city of Newcastle to levy
| their municipal taxes on the single tax
plan. Under the present constitution of
Delaware there is no barrier to special leg
| islation for municipality when a ma
| jcrity of the citizens of the city or town
| declare themselves in favor of it. Under
| the new constitution, which is now being
! considered by the constitutional conven-
| tied. The new constitution is likely to be
| put in force by the constitutional conven-
| ton without being submitted to the peo-
| pie. the fear existing, as l am informed,
| that if it were submitted to the people it
| would not be ratified. The legislature of
| the state is undoubtedly In favor of the
| Newcastle proposition and will adopt 1t if
| 1t can be arranged to avoid a conflict with
| the constitution.
Cause of the Growth Of Single Tax.
| The growth of the single tax idea in
| Newcastle continued the judge, has been
rapid and is directly due to cause which
| thoroughly exemplfies the evils of our pres
| ent system of taxation. A year ago the
! single tax organization in Newcastle was
| comparatively insignificant, but its mem
| bers were Jealous in the cause. Despite
| their enthusiasm, they made but little head
way until short time ago when several
| manufacturers endeavored to locate in New
| castle, but were prevented from SO doing
because of the putting up of the price of
| real estate in the localities which. ii be-
| came understood, were desired. This real
| estate had been allowed to remain idle by
| It's owners, and for years had been of no
| Deneht 10 the community. But as soon as
IL was learned that certain persons were
anxious to secure this property to erect
| factories, which would have been of i'm
| nense benefit to the community at once
| the owners doubled the price on their land
me result was that the industries which
| would nave furnished employment to hun
| dreds of her citizens were lost to New
| castle. The citizens We're very indignant
al the avarlcious property owners. 1t was
| then that the single takers stepped in and
, began to preach that the reason for New
| castles misfortune in losing the industries
| which had been seeking a location there
| was attributable to the false system which
allowed absolute ownership Of land. Where
| formerly they had been scorned the apos-
| ties of the new doctrine now found will
ing listeners Their local application OF
their teachings proved convincing. They
| were told to get up petition to the legis-
IN force for the municipality and were
promised plenty of signers. They adopted
| the suggestion and much to their surprise
| and delight obtained the signatures OF
| more than a majority Of the citizens of the
town. This petition is now before the
| legislature and. as I said. the request OF
| Newcastle is very likely to be granted if
1t can be done without violating the new
| constitution.
| Would Show Its Virtues.
Would the Inauguration Of the system
in Newcastle positively demonstrate the
| correctness of the theory of single tax?''
| Mr. Mcguire was asked.
IF state taxes for Newcastle could be
| levied in the same way undoubtedly ii
| would. but even with Its application to
municipal taxation only its virtues will be
| showa"
| will the Newcastle experiment he ,he
| first?'
The town of Hyattsville in Maryland at
tempted to levy single tax for municipal
| purposes on its own responsibility over 8
year ago. Litigation resulted, and the su.
preme court declared the action Of the
municipality unconstitutional. The New
castle experiment will. therefore. be the
first legal experiment of the kind made ir
a place of any size. Newcastle Is a city OF
| :, hal tfon