The independent. [volume] (Lincoln, Neb.) 1902-1907, 1904-12-08
The Philosophy of Freedom
An 0pen Forun for Single Takers

OF the prett1est villages in the south.
The revenue of Fairhope is derived,
as Henry George proposed, solely from
ground rent. Out Of this the munich
pality pays all state and county taxes
| levied against the possessions of it's
citizens. The balance is applied to the
public service Of the town. The re-
suit Of this policy is one of the most
remarkable communities in America.
Though forbidden by it's charter to
issue bonds, it has installed, and paid
for, a municipal water plant supplying
every citizen all the water he wants
for nothing. 1t has a municipal tele-
phone plant with free, automatic serv-
ice to every house. It's schools are
excellent Without additional cost to
its citizens, Fairhope's children at
tend for the full year, though the bal
ance of the state has but from three to
five months. 1t has the best roads in
the county. yet no road tax to paw.
1t levies no library tax. yet it sus-
tains one of the best selected libraries
of all towns Of it's size in the United
States. When less than half it's pres
ent size, it built pier out a third of
a mile into the bay This has since
been paid for and is source of con-
siderable revenue from outsiders who
use it. One of the largest warehouses
In the county is at the end of the pier.
Fairhopers have the free use of this,
together with town bath houses along
the shore. Of course, outsiders, paying
nothing to support the town, are
charged for the use of these. A $4,000
modern steamer has been built. and,
when paid for, will also belong to the
town. This will then furnish free
transportation for Fairhopers across
the bay to Mobile.
The advantages of Fairhope, how
ever, are not confined to its public
service, excellent as it is. 1t has not
a dollar of bonded debt. in fact is
without power either to issue bonds
or to grant franchises From the ma
ture Of things it has no mortgaged
homes. It enjoys the system of direct
legislation, recently adopted in Ore
gon and also the direct primaries that
Governor LaFollette secured for Wis
consin. 1t has, in addition, the imper-
Iative mandate of Los Angeles, and
woman suffrage. But, aside from this,
Fairhope offers settlers land free Of
purchase price, and entire exemption
! from taxation on all improvements and
personal property. The land is not sold
to citizens. but leased to them by the
town. The full amount of the rent
| is returned to the community in the
| form of public service-for which no
other taxes are paid. The effect of
this policy Of free land and no taxes
on its citizenship has been remarkable.
1t has stimulated industry and all
forms OF private enterprise, usually
found in southern places of it's size.
Better houses are built, yards and
lawns are improved and kept. up. The
best stores in Baldwin county are
there. A rice mill, saw MILL small
preserving establishment, newspaper,
hotel, livery stable, syrup factory, etc.,
are doing good business, while car
penters. painters, blacksmiths, printers,
gardeners and other are we'll employed
at wages as high as usually paid in.
that section. 1t has no charity or
ganization-none is needed where ev-
cry man has access to land and can
obtain the full result of his efforts.
The contrast between Fairhope and
some of the debt-ridden, graft-infested
towns of Nebraska is certainly very
striking.