LAND & MONTHLY JOURNAL FOR LAND VALUE TAXATION AND

Fifty-second Year—No. 609 4 Great Smith Street, London, S.W.I February, 1945 3d,

THE PROBLEM OF EMPLOYMENT BEVERIDGE FAILS TO SOLVE IT - WHAT WILL ?

THESE CAPTIONS make the title of a new " Sir William merely asserts that ' so wasted by unemployment. This state- Pamphlet published, price 6d., by Messrs. long as there are any unemployed men ment betrays a basic misconception of Staples and Staples, London, which is an in a community, employing one of the the problem and of its solution. In expansion of the review we gave last unemployed for wages will increase the theory at least, a solution of the problem month to Sir William Beveridge's book, number employed by more than one and of unemployment can be found by using Full Employment in a Free Society. will add to the National output more more labour to attain any particular end The pamphlet deals more fully than than what he himself produces. He adds —by refusing the advantages of natural our article did with several of Sir that in the conditions which prevailed resources, climate and talent which are William's highly controversial proposi- in this country in 1938 'it can be made available to us by international tions. There is, for example, his conten- assumed that setting to work one of trade, or by refusing the advantages of tion that unemployment is due to in- those who were then unemployed would invention, using the spade instead of the sufficient spending upon the products of have led on an average to employment plough, muscle instead of machinery. labour, as to which it is replied: — and wages for another man.' The words But that is not the solution which is re- " Sir William does not attempt to give we have italicised should surely give any quired. What is needed is the oppor- any proof of the assertion that spending intelligent person food for thought. Is it tunity of all men to produce with all the creates employment. It may be deemed any more possible in the economic world advantages which invention, the division superfluous, therefore, to provide a dis- than in the physical world to draw a of labour, and mutual exchange can give proof. Nevertheless it is well to be clear quart out of a pint pot? them. about the nature of employment and " Indeed, the proposition can be put " The bias of Sir William's mind is re- spending. Employment, that is to say, to an easy test. Let us suppose that one vealed when he says: ' The whole trend useful employment, consists in producing unemployed man is placed upon a plot of the argument ... is toward a manage- new means of satisfying human desires. of unused land from which he can make ment of international trade, in place of The devotion of the effort of one person his food and clothing, without exchang- leaving it to unregulated competition. to making one thing or a part of a thing ing with anyone else. Clearly putting This is to say, it is towards that for which necessitates the exchange of the produce him into employment does not put any- the cartels stand. To attempt to destroy of one person's labour (or the value of one else into employment. It may be or stop cartellisation would therefore be it) for that of others. Such exchanges said that this is an impossible illustra- a contradiction of policy.' Certainly it may, under simple conditions, take place tion : no man under modern conditions would be a contradiction of the policy directly. Under more highly developed can make for himself all he needs. But for which he stands and which is in its conditions of production, barter, even if that does not disprove the illustration, it essence opposed to any kind of it were possible, would be most incon- merely brings to notice the fact that the whatsoever. The puzzle is how one who venient and wasteful. Hence these ex- productivity of labour is enormously in- has abandoned all idea of freedom of changes take place indirectly, through creased by specialisation or the 'division trade and who espouses all forms of con- the agency of money. Moreover, money of labour,' as called it. striction and monopoly has been hailed can only be obtained by giving some- Suppose, if it is more convincing, that a by Liberals as a new leader of the thing in exchange for it. Hence, work million unemployed men of all the Liberal Party. precedes spending. There is only one diverse occupations needed are set to " He has fallen to the same puerile exception to the proposition that money work on unused natural resources in a level of thought as the protectionists. can only be obtained by giving some- community in which, by specialisation Exports are a means by which a country thing in exchange. That is when new and mutual exchange, they satisfy all can export its unemployment to other money is brought into existence and put their own wants, will the fact that they countries. Imports are a means by in the hands of the government or some have done so set another million unem- which unemployment is imported from other agency without the giving of equal ployed men to work? Obviously not." other countries. These are in fact, if not value in exchange." Most serious is the way in which Sir in form, the slogans by which the Tariff This process is called inflation, and the William Beveridge has locked the door to Reformers sought to persuade us that consequences of it are examined. Free Trade by the significant passages tariffs would make- work for all. They Sir William adopts in its entirety the which this new pamphlet goes on to are the arguments of selfish nationalism, paradox of Keynes, that we can attain quote and condemn: — opposed to the whole conception of a prosperity by building pyramids, saying: " Sir William says that ' the virtue of world of free men, free to trade with " It is better to employ people on digging international trade is that it saves labour.' one another irrespective of allegiance or holes and filling them up again than not It would be better to say that inter- national boundaries. They are the argu- to employ them at all; those who are taken national trade, like all trade or exchange, ments which set nation against nation into useless employment will, by what is a means of getting greater satisfaction and open up the vista of permanent they earn and spend, give useful employ- for the same amount of labour. He antagonism and war without end." ment to others." In fact, he attributes then adds, quite inconsequently, that ' it And this is the conclusion of the to spending that supplementary potency would be senseless to save labour argument: — of providing work which Keynes has through international trade only to waste " Although the policy of Sir William alleged is the result of the so-called labour in unemployment.' It would be Beveridge is impotent to get rid of un- "multiplier effect." But as the pamphlet as sensible to say that it is impolitic to employment and although its economic explains, no proof of that supposed effect increase production by any kind of consequences may easily be disastrous, is provided. labour-saving device while labour is there are in it even more serious implica- FEBRUARY, 1945 14 LAND & LIBERTY tions for the well-being of mankind. WHY NOT TRUST THE TORIES ? Despite the lip service which he pays to the ideal of a free society, the tendency MR. ANEURIN BEVAN'S diatribe (Why would be the further impoverishment of of his work is all against that. Men are Not Trust the Tories!— Gollancz, 2s. 6d.) both the Chinese and the British. not to be allowed to seek what employ- against the Tory Party is an expansion This example shows how the economic ment they wish; they must not be per- of a very simple theme. It is that all ideas of those who profess to be inter- mitted to become ' irregular and undisci- Tory promises of social reform are de- nationalists lead them to protectionist plined '; they must not ask what price ceitful and made without any intention conclusions. In fact protection, or eco- they please for their labour or the pro- of carrying them out. The reason is nomic nationalism, as it is called, would ducts of their labour; wages and prices that any social reform means diminish- never have reached the exorbitant heights must be fixed. They are not to be ing the power and property of Tories it did prior to the war if the arguments trusted to spend their incomes as they which they will stick to by hook or by of protectionists had not been agreeable will; there can be no ' indiscriminate out- crook. to large bodies of working men. These lay'; the citizen must buy what the State are the electors whom Mr. Bevan is en- No doubt there is truth in this. Men deavouring to persuade not to trust the thinks good for him. Under such con- are not angels, in one political party or ditions democracy ceases to exist. Deci- Tories. Can he succeed, if he is not able another. But it over simplifies the to provide them with reliable argument sions upon such matters cannot be made matter. It is not only lack of will to at the ballot box; they must of necessity in the contrary direction? perform them that prevents political Or take the burning question of hous- be made by a bureaucracy, and such a promises being fulfilled; it is often that bureaucracy in its nature is self-perpetu- ing to which Mr. Bevan quite rightly in their nature they cannot be carried devotes considerable space. What con- ating and can be ousted by nothing short out, or cannot be carried out by the of revolution. tribution does he make towards its solu- means proposed. Those who do not tion? He does draw attention to the " The history of civilisation is of a realise this are not necessarily dishonest; high price of land, and gives some illus- gradual emancipation of men from many often they are merely ignorant. They trations of increases in land values which kinds of bondage, from actual slavery or may be just as sincere and just as mis- have taken place during the war. The serfdom, from tyranny and arbitrary taken as the believer in perpetual motion. only conclusion which appears to emerge power, from the fetters of out-worn The implication of this book is that from his remarks is that the device of customs, from the dogma of the priest. the 1939 standard of value for public It has been a slow progress and there the promises of Labour and Communist and Commonwealth politicians should be purchase should be continued indefinitely. have been many set-backs, but the Nothing is said of our local rating general direction is plain. Those epochs accepted because they are all honest men. Alas, the difficulty of the elector in mak- system, of the burden which it imposes in human history which we most admire upon the occupiers of houses, and how are those in which men were most free. ing up his mind for whom to vote is not to be solved so easily as this. The ques- it exempts unused and badly used land It is the activities of free men that have and so encourages speculation and high given us what we most value. tions still remain: what is the objective to be reached, and what are the means prices. It is easy to talk of a vast pro- " The evil influences which menace the proposed for reaching it. Here is the gramme of public building of houses of world are those which would destroy foundation of rational political decision. improved types with greater amenities, freedom. If we are to avoid relapsing The question whether the political candi- but all that increases the rent and conse- into another dark age, we must cherish date is an honest man or not is only quently the rates. If the rates are so what freedom now exists and nourish subsidiary. heavy that the would-be tenants cannot and expand it. A free society must be afford to rent these houses, is the hous- our first objective and out of that will The form of Mr. Bevan's book enables ing problem solved or approaching come the freedom to employ ourselves him to abstain from the more difficult solution? as we will." task of stating a positive policy. Indeed, Certainly Mr. Bevan has written a We compliment Messrs. Staples and there is hardly an economic argument to clever diatribe against his political oppo- Staples on this new publication, The be found anywhere. One exception is nents. It may very well induce many Problem of Employment—Beveridge in a passage dealing with and condemn- of those who read it to distrust the Fails to Solve It—What Willi and wish ing foreign investment. " The Chinese Tories. But something more is needed. for it a wide sale. Distribution of the worker lives on a standard much lower The electors must be given solid reasons pamphlet is from Messrs. P. S. King and than yours. Nevertheless, with the use for believing that they can trust another Staples, 14, Great Smith Street, London, of modern machinery he can be taught party to carry out needed reforms. S.W.I, where orders should be placed. to produce the same goods as you, and Otherwise they may fall into the mood they will be sold in the world market in of distrusting all political parties. That "A well employed and prosperous competition with the ones you produce. way lies anarchy and ultimately dictator- community can buy and consume, an ill Are you ready to accept the Tory logic ship and the suppression of political employed cannot buy and consume. This of the world market and compete with democracy and of . is the solution of the whole matter; and the Chinese worker? At what point do you stop? When you have reached his the whole science of political economy Mr. Frank Bailey, Secretary of the has not one truth of half as much im- level? " No doubt the Tories will thank Mr. Bevan for this passage, which is N.U.R. Approved Society, has written portance as this."—DANIEL WEBSTER. to the United Committee: " I am The modern doctrine, according to Sir precisely the argument by which they have always supported tariffs. But the extremely obliged to you for your William Beveridge and Lord Keynes, is: letter enclosing most interesting pam- Spend, no matter whether you have pro- argument is, in fact, invalid, as every student of the economics of international phlets on the land question which I was duced anything to consume or not; work, endeavouring to obtain. The profiteer- whether your work is productive or not; trade since the time of Ricardo ought to know. It has, in any case, been dis- ing in land prior to the war, and during and you will inevitably be able to our times of adversity, has been a dis- consume. proved by long experience. If it were * * * true, all idea of international comity grace to the nation, and I look forward would go by the board. Every nation to your Committee conducting a great Land values are rising steeply in which thought that there was some other national educational campaign, when I Jamaica, the largest of the British West country where wages were lower would shall be glad to render any assistance I Indies, where recent discoveries of become a closed community. Mr. can, as the land question so vitally affects bauxite were found to be of first-class Bevan would no longer eat rice because the housing conditions of the people." quality, says Reuter. Large properties the Chinese or the Indians receive lower are being sold to American and Canadian wages than the growers of English wheat 6d. LIGHT ON THE LAND QUESTION. A aluminium com panies .—E v ening or Scots oats. The ultimate results frank inquiry into the Land Value Standard, November 17. Policy. 15 FEBRUARY, 1945 LAND & LIBERTY Kinmel Bay, Denbigh.—At a meeting HOUSE FAMINE AND THE LAND BLOCKADE arranged by the Abergele Ratepayers MORE EXAMPLES OF COSTS, DIFFICULTIES AND DELAYS Association (Western Mail, January 15) Sir Henry Morris-Jones, M.P., said that Walton and Weybridge, Surrey— It have fought for, the Council are pur- they had very serious problems in Kin- was proposed to purchase land forming chasing another 7 acres of this land be- mel Bay. He had alleged in Parliament part of Longmore Farm, Hersham. The tween Rainham Road, and this time the that land bought originally for £30 an owner objected to selling a part and the price paid is over £550 per acre.— acre had been sold for £100 a quarter of Council has been asked to purchase the J. Hasberry in the Chatham Observer, an acre, and up to £500 an acre, with ad- • whole. A valuation of the land is to be November 7, 1944. ditional charges for supposed road and obtained. The owner of fields in Esher Beaconsfield, Bucks.—Some years be- sewerage works. A subsidiary company Road, Hersham, has declined to sell by fore the war negotiations began for the had been formed which was now selling agreement and the district valuer has acquisition, by the Highways Committee, water to the people there at a high cost. not been able to come to terms in respect of the island block of property in Ayles- Sir Henry suggested Abergele Council of land in Grotto Road, Weybridge. bury End, at Beaconsfield, but the nego- should press for a public inquiry. Compulsory Orders for purchase are to tiations broke down. Renewed, they Portsmouth.—Plans for Southsea's re- be made—Surrey Comet, August 12, have resulted in an agreement to pay the development as a health and pleasure re- 1944. owners £3,250. The site contains 426 sort are likely to receive a severe set- Peterborough, Northants.—The Coun- square yards, and in due course it will back. The city's plans visualise the ex- cil received an offer of about 2| acres of be cleared for the widening of both the ploitation of all natural assets of the land at Garton End, desired for per- trunk road and the county road; at a Front and include the acquisition of the manent allotments, the price the owner cost of nearly £8 a square yard —Bucks site of the Southsea Assembly Rooms, wanted being Is. 6d. a square yard, equi- Free Press, December 1, 1944. the Clarence Recreation Ground, Clar- valent to £365 an acre. The treasurer Grimsby, Lines.—Protest against the ence Pier and Southsea Castle. The said it was doubtful if the Ministry Housing Committee's proposal to pay Council find themselves up against the would sanction the borrowing of the £18,000 for 35 acres of land [£514 per snag of exaggerated land values—values necessary sum to defray the cost. It acre] was voiced at the Grimsby Fin- which they themselves have helped to was resolved that the land be not pur- ance Committee. The land is off Weels- create. In 1922 the Council bought 171 chase d —Peterborough Advertiser, by Road, near Weelsby Old Hall; the acres of Southsea Common from the August 4, 1944. figure stated is that given by the District War Department for £45,000 [£263 per Valuer. Councillor Tickler asked how acre]. Fourteen years later they bought Keighley, Yorks.— After negotiations Lumps Fort and 14 adjoining acres from for the acquisition of 86^ acres at they could possibly build houses for a reasonable rent on land that was so ex- the War Department for £25,000 [about Bracken Bank, the Council were resolv- £1,600 per acre]. And now, for the site ing to make a compulsory purchase order pensive? The Mayor joined in the pro- test. Councillor Bloom pointed out that of the Assembly Rooms, the Commis- and to apply to the Minister of Health the Housing Committee had experienced sioners of Crown Lands are asking 'for confirmation.—Yorkshire Post, great difficulty in securing land on which £120,000. Councillor Glanville, reveal- March 31, 1944. to build much needed houses; this site ing this figure, protested against Govern- Malton, Yorks.—An inquiry at Mal- was thought to be most suitable; but ment departments making anything out ton, conducted by an inspector of the Councillor Tickler added, "The rate- of Portsmouth in this way; if land values Ministry of Health, indicated the diffi- payers' pocket has no bottom."—Grims- had increased it was entirely due to the culties that faced the Rural District by Telegraph, December 16. City Council's developments of South- Council in securing sites for agricultural sea; and he spoke also of the urgent need workers' cottages. The Clerk to the Cardiff.—After a considerable discus- of land for houses, the War Department Council said that eight cottages had been sion, Cardiff City Council decided to pur- owning 1,818 acres on Portsdown Hill allocated for the Malton rural area, two chase three-quarters of an acre of land in addition to some 575 acres in the city. of which were at Bulmer and two at adjacent to a Cardiff tram depot for —West Sussex Gazette, January 18. Thornton-le-Clay. They were not pre- £2,635. Alderman Sir Herbert Hiles moved the reference back of the recom- Bingham, Nottinghamshire.—It was pared to allow any owner to hold a pis- disclosed by questions and answers in the tol at their heads in matters like that. mendation of the Transport Committee. It was the dearest piece of land he had House of Commons on March 23 last, One owner was willing to sell the whole that the Bingham Rural District Council of a field, whereas only a part of it was ever heard the Corporation talk about, the price was a real ramp. Alderman were being charged £275 for half an needed, the price to be left to the County acre on which to build four agricultural Valuer, and failing agreement the mat- Gough said it was an open invitation to every landowner in Cardiff. The motion cottages. The land belonged to the ter should be settled by arbitration.— Commissioners of Crown Lands. The Northern Echo, September 1, 1944. to refer the matter back was lost.— Western Mail, August 1, 1944. Previous price, the Minister of Agriculture said, Gillingham, Kent.—The land between protests against this purchase were re- was agreed between the Crown Surveyors Rainham Road and the Woodlands Es- ported on July 14, when the City Treasu- and the District Valuer. "The site is tate was all agricultural 25 years ago. rer explained that the land belonged to near the centre of Bingham, with a fron- When the Corporation decided to the Tredegar Estate, had previously been tage to the public street and with water develop the borough in an easterly direc- leased to a wagon-repairer, but last and other services in the vicinity." tion, they purchased the Woodlands Es- March the lease was not renewed be- tate, 23 acres, at approximately £130 per Solving the Difficulty— Whether land cause of the negotiations with the City is publicly or privately owned the rentor acre. The Corporation built the boule- Council. vard from Gillingham to Rainham (with value of it is due to the same circum- ratepayers' money) and then, when they Kirkham, Lane s.—Application for stances in either case; and the public decided in 1935 to have a portion of order for the compulsory acquisition of authority can be as eager as the private this land at Langton for a playing field over four acres for post-war housing re- owner to stand out for the best price. they paid £4,000 for 17 acres, the land quirements was the subject of a public Land speculation is all one, as against having risen by this time to nearly £240 inquiry by a Ministry of Health inspec- the individual would-be user. Here one per acre. Further developments have tor. The Clerk to the Kirkham Council sees the Commissioners confirmed in since been made and thousands of said that despite repeated representations their hold over the land, like any private pounds of ratepapers' money have been the owner had refused to sell. At the owner of " withholder." The land re- invested in opening up the area. And close of the enquiry the inspector visited mains unused and untaxed, although its now, when the lads are hoping to come the land and alternative sites.—Lanca- value has been proved and the local back and make homes in the land they shire Daily Post, January 3. authority has to search elsewhere for the 16 LAND & LIBERTY FEBRUARY, 1945 sites of these needed cottages. More- BRITISH COLUMBIA favoured over those who must pay taxes over wherever houses are built and occu- on improvements. pied it is upon them that the rates fall. NEW WESTMINSTER LEVIES LOCAL The financial condition of New West- The foregoing examples illustrate the TAXATION WHOLLY ON LAND VALUES minster compares quite favourably with folly and inequity of the present rating NEW WESTMINSTER is British Colum- any city in North America for low per system, and how all this obstruction and bia's third-ranking city. The Mayor, capita tax figures. We also have one of delay would be overcome by the simple Mr. W. M. Mott, contributed an article the highest percentages of tax collections. and just reform which would assess all to the American City, November, 1944, We feel very confident that the aboli- land at its true value, levy rates and in which he wrote: tion of taxes on the products of labour taxes upon that value, and relieve from A third of a century ago—on May 22, has been of material assistance in taxation all buildings and other improve- 1911—the following resolution was building up our city to the position she ments. passed by the City Council of New West- holds to-day—the third ranking city in minster : WHAT LAISSEZ-FAIRE REALLY British Columbia. Buildings may come " Whereas the ratepayers of the City MEANS and buildings may go, but land is with of New Westminster have signified their us forever. MR. T. ATHOLL ROBERTSON writes, in a desire to have improvements exempt letter to the Palmers Green Gazette, from taxation: January 5: Bill Greig in his " X-ray on the "And whereas this Council deems it in News," Daily Mirror, October 16, re- Your correspondent, Mr. Edgar C. the best interests of the City and a just Swanborough, appears to be quite satis- ferred to an angry letter from a gentle- system of taxation; man in Leicester who wrote pointing out fied with the prospect of National Social- " Be it resolved that a By-law be pre- ism for employers and workers. I that he had made a living for twenty pared fixing the tax rate on Real Es- years buying and selling land, and that reckon employers and workers have tate at 30 mills subject to a discount of more sense. Like some other people he he considers himself as much entitled to 5 mills if paid on or before the 1st day his profit as the man who deals in shoes mentions laissez-faire as a sort of re- of August, 1911, and that all improve- proach; it is a favourite party weapon, or sugar. Bill Greig commented: "Well, ments, save and except those improve- 1 have known men who made both shoes often used by people who do not un- ments which may be on or in the streets derstand its origin or meaning. and sugar and made a profit into the and upon leased property upon which bargain. So if my correspondent will Let me give the origin of the word. In no land tax is being paid to the City, be forward just the teeniest, weeniest bit of 1690 the Lyons Chamber of Commerce exempt from taxation for the year 1911." land he has made himself I shall give petitioned against the Minister Colbert To-day the Royal City of New West- him the best in the argument." in Paris, who had imposed many tariffs minster is still operating under the Single on trade, and when he asked them what * * 8 Tax System. Since 1911 to the present The daily newspapers of November more he could do, their spokesman re- year, 1944: plied " Laissez nous faire," i.e., " Let us 28 last reported the statement by Alder- alone "—remove taxes and restraints, un- Assessed value of land increased .. 70% man M. Greenwood (chairman of Liv- wind your red tape, dismiss your con- Assessed value of improvements erpool Corporation's Estate Committee) trollers. increased 357% that in 1777 the then Lord Sefton sold Tax rate increased 134% to the Corporation the reversion of a £30 As France got involved in war and the Population increased 80% miseries of the people increased, a new ground rent, together with the royalty school of economists and reformers ap- The above figures clearly show the of the town, for £2,500. The land was peared who gave scientific precision to steady growth of New Westminster. heath and moss.. Now that land was the formula laissez-faire, and enlarged it To-day we have 84 manufacturing the centre of the city. It covered about into laissez-faire, laissez-aller, laissez- plants established in our city, with a capi- two square miles. passer, i.e., " Give us freedom to work, tal investment of 20,000,000 dollars. They In 1913 the land and the buildings on to travel, and to sell, or buy, without produce a gross annual value of products it were valued at £12,000,000, and they having to pass through municipal tolls, amounting to 39,000,000 dollars and pro- had since appreciated considerably. or customs houses, paying duties on vide gainful employment for 8,500 what we buy and sell." people. Westminster has plans for dealing with The people of France failed to secure Eighty-six per cent, of our house- over 4,000 houses in Westminster with this freedom; the people of Great holders own their own property, which leases only eight of which expire before Britain did. The Radicals carried the we believe is the highest percentage 1951. The Grosvenor Estate own free- Reform Bill of 1832, and the Repeal of in Canada. Land speculation has en- holds of 1,870 of the houses, the Cubitt the Corn Laws 1846, and we enjoyed a tirely disappeared since the adoption Estates 645, the Ecclesiastical Commis- great measure of economic liberty from of Single Tax. To-day, the supply of sioners 609, the Sloane Stanley Estate 1846 to 1914, and we prospered. non-productive or vacant property is 316, and the Commissioners of Crown Peel and Gladstone emancipated our rapidly diminishing; also a negligible Lands 144.—Estates Gazette, May 6. nation from many troublesome restric- amount is reverting to the city for non- payment of taxes. tions, and a multitude of tariffs and im- 3d. THE LONDON COUNTY COUNCIL AND ports. IMPROVEMENTS ENCOURAGED SITE VALUE RATING. Debates on the Bill In France laissez-faire was an expres- Our citizens have no hesitation about and discussion in the Press. sion of revolt against unjust laws, and a improving their property, knowing this 6d. LAND VALUE TAXATION IN PRACTICE Review of what has been done in a cruel administration. We never had will not increase their annual taxes. This number of countries. By A. W. Madsen, quite comparable conditions. I wish our is evident to anyone paying a visit to B.sc. people were familiar with the teachings of New Westminster. In every part can be 6d. RATING AND TAXATION IN THE HOUSING Adam Smith and , who found lovely homes surrounded by SCENE. By F. C. R. Douglas, L.C.C., M.P. never used the term. Professor Marshall charming gardens where a profusion of 6d THE REAL CAUSE OF AGRICULTURAL of Cambridge, in more recent times, has flowers that can only be found in a con- DISTRESS. By Arthur R. McDougal. explained why the French used it. tented city can be seen. Is. A BIOGRAPHY OF HENRY GEORGE. By Laissez-faire means personal liberty, Professor George R. Geiger. The manufacturers and business men 2s. THE CONDITION OF LABOUR. On the untrammelled by the red tape of White- are in an enviable position, since they o" property and justice in the dis- hall, with independent courts of justice. can and do make improvements to their tribution of wealth, with explanatory It is no reproach; it is what we want plants without the fear of increased taxa- introduction and appendix, containing restored to our post-war world. The the Encyclical of Pope Leo XIII., state- tion, a deterrent to all businesses desir- ment by the Rev. Dr. McGlynn and ex- opposite to it is just the National Social- ing to expand. Further, from a compe- tract from Bishop Nulty's Essay " Bade ism of Germany and a Fascist regime. titive standpoint, our manufacturers are to the Land." By Henry George. 17 FEBRUARY, 1945 LAND & LIBERTY Needoff spoke strongly and said this was DR. ROUTH ON manifold and burdensome taxes at present laid on industry and commerce, all a most painful disclosure of both im- HENRY GEORGE and to replace them by an " imposte potence and futility. Referring to the unique " on rent, so highly graded as to price of the ground at £533 per acre, (From " Money, Morals and Manners and half of it peat land, he said it ex- as revealed in Modern Literature," by amount to confiscation. The landowners themselves will have ceeded the price of any of the unde- H. V. Routh, M.A., D.Litt., Ivor veloped sites for Manchester housing Nicholson and Watson. (1935.) no grounds for complaint, since they have done nothing to earn the revenues estates before the war. " Where," he THE AMERICAN Henry George wrote asked, "is the advantage of your 1939 " Progress and Poverty" between they have heretofore received, and will be adequately compensated by relief ' ceiling price' for land now? It is August, 1877, and March, 1879, when proved, in Manchester at least, to be the world was passing through an from other taxation and by reduction in the cost of living. But the chief benefit higher than the price paid in any pre- economic crisis which began to make war year and if it is taken as a basis itself felt in his country as early as 1872. will accrue to the millions of workers, freed from that sense of wrong and of valuation for purchase, it will ruin Consequently the contrast between the post-war housing and planning policies. rich and the poor was appalling, and the helplessness which poison the will to pro- gress. George prophesied an advance ir. Mr. Needoff urged upon the Council the author seized the opportunity to explain practical, just and effective solution of why wealth and destitution seemed al- happiness, intelligence and humanity as soon as his remedy was adopted. this housing problem—the derating of ways to accompany each other. George, houses and the rating and taxing of land like William Morris, cared nothing for (Dr. Routh is mistaken in using, in his values, preventing the withholding of the classical economists, and abhorred statement of Henry George's proposal, land in anticipation of a famine demand Malthus. He cared even less for Marx the word "graded " for the taxation of and securing for the community the and his school. He denied that capital land values, as it is intended to be a values in land created by the community. oppressed the labourer, for the simple tax on the value of all land without reason that capital did not pay wages. graduations or exemptions of any kind. PLANNED ECONOMY The workman earned his keep out of The proposal can only be called " con- the commodities he produced, and if fiscatory " by those who consider it to " LAISSEZ-FAIRE " WROTE in the Scots- more money was expended on factories be unjust. If it is admitted that land man, December 16: — and farms there would be more oppor- value is created by and should go to the Sir,—In Pre-war days the U.K. impor- tunities for the employee to multiply his community, the proposal is a just one.— ted large quantities of bananas and productivity and share the profits. He EDITOR, Land & Liberty.) oranges. These fruits flourish naturally denied that these profits were diminished only in tropical or sub-tropical climes. by increase of population, since every TEMPORARY HOUSES IN They can, however, be cultivated here in newcomer to this earth brings with him MANCHESTER hot-houses. wants which stimulate industry, and the THE HOUSING Committee of the Man- It is suggested, therefore, that some of more crowded the area, the more easily chester City Council has reported that the many at present barren thousands of commerce moves. Besides, man is a the Ministry of Health has allocated acres in (say) the Highlands be covered being whose desires are never satisfied. 3,000 temporary houses to Manchester with hot-houses and a sufficiency of ban- He will continue to discover wants as and it is a matter of urgency to find anas and oranges grown therein. Not long as labour has hands enough to sup- sites for them. The Committee is op- only would much valuable foreign cur- ply them. But labour and capital are posed to erecting temporary houses rency be saved, but the stimulus to the not the only requisites for prosperity. All either on bombed-out sites (which must glass-making, iron and steel, and coal wealth at the long last comes from the be otherwise developed) or on sites trades would obviously be enormous. land. Not only agriculture, but even scheduled for permanent housing. The The fruit so produced would, of industry depends on its location, on alternative is to appropriate parts of the course, cost more than the imported those particular areas which facilitate City parks for some of the temporary article. A subsidy, however, could supplies, co-operation and exchange. houses and to purchase sites for the doubtless be arranged, and, if necessary, In fact, with every advance, in com- others. That the City has to contem- purchase could be made compulsory by plexity, business becomes more concen- plate taking over parklands for housing statute. In case of serious unemploy- trated. So much so, that goods cannot purposes shows how desperate the posi- ment the scheme could be extended to be perfected except in centres of popu- tion is in regard to access to suitable cover other tropical produce. lation. Thus it comes about that modern sites—a great City virtually in the Whilst the foregoing is admittedly civilisation has staked its existence on strangle-hold of land monopoly. How- fantastic, in my opinion it is not more the occupancy of certain districts, has ever, it was decided to put up 1,560 tem- so, except in degree, than many of the .crowded them with human activity, and porary houses on land dedicated to the so-called economic remedies propounded endowed each fortunate area with an use and recreation of the public, the quite seriously nowadays. importance which is vital to a world- temporary period being 10 years. For wide industry, or perhaps to the com- 1,439 of the temporary houses 135 acres OCKHAM COMMON mercial prosperity of a whole nation. are to be bought at a price of £72,000, Referring to our note on this matter But capital and labour, which have which is equivalent to £533 per acre, and (page 170 of last issue) Mr. E. W. Ship- created this value, are not free to use it 78 of these acres, for the building of ton, C.C., writes to say that the common for their own mutual advancement. The 780 of the houses, is described as " peat is too far from the village to serve as a more they enrich their sites, the more land which is not suitable for permanent recreation ground. Nearly fifty years they are impoverished by the rents they housing." Besides the £72,000 to be ago an effort had been made to secure have to pay, till the private ownership spent on buying the 135 acres (which a more convenient piece of land, but the of land has become a veritable strangle- being now vacant have no "rateable owner, the Earl of Lovelace, declined to hold on the profits which the employer value "), an expenditure of £122,000 will sell. When the project was revived re- and his employees would otherwise be required for roads and sewers—alto- cently the present owner, Lady Went- share. It amounts to "a monopolisation gether £194,000 for 1,439 houses which worth, was approached on behalf of the of the opportunities which nature offers works out at approximately £135 per local authority to agree to an exchange freely to all." The proof is that both house; the average for sites alone is £43 of land. Mr. Shipton states that the land wages and interest are high in new coun- per house. Observe again that these are acquired is about double the area and tries where business moves slowly but only temporary houses and that quite more valuable than the common land land is free, and are low in old countries half of the area is unsuitable for per- surrendered, and that the District Coun- where business is so immensely produc- manent building! It is a furious price cil were, therefore, met in a generous tive, but land is rented. George pro- to pay. The matter came before the fashion. We are glad to place this on poses as a remedy to abolish all the Council on December 6. Councillor record. »

18 LAND LIBERTY FEBRUARY, 1945

LIBERAL LIBERTY LEAGUE with the equal rights and the to earn a livelihood in THE LIBERAL PARTY ASSEMBLY of trade associations in order to check personal freedom which all citi- This note is written on the eve of the the growing tendency towards mono- zens should enjoy and by which, Annual Assembly of the Liberal Party poly and to protect consumers against alone there can be scope for fully which meets at the Kingsway Hall, Lon- exploitation or inefficiency. productive employment together don, February 1 to 3. It is anticipated (6) Extension of the public sector of in- with a just distribution of the that the chief debate will be that on un- dustry where this is required for product. employment. We hope to give an ex- special reasons, such as the need to " The Assembly accordingly rejects any tensive report next month. Meanwhile control monopolies, or the overriding plans or proposals we print here the official resolution and importance of the industry in the (a) which involve increased regimenta- the amendment which this League and national life, or the necessities of tion of the individual by the State; the Huddersfield Liberal Association have national defence. (b) which invoke the arbitrary powers submitted. Readers of this Journal will (7) Increasing association of employees in observe the contrast between the points of government to restrict imports, private and public concerns alike at discretion; of view presented, differences so funda- with the management of those con- mental that the Liberal Party, as politic- (c) which make the fiscal policy of this; cerns in order to secure the maxi- country depend upon the fiscal poli- ally constituted, is at the parting of the mum output. ways. The decision of the Assembly will cies of other countries; be a fateful one. (8) Encouragement and regulation of (d) which imply the retention and con- Private Investment by a National In- trol of monopolies and cartels in- THE RESOLUTION vestment Board to rejuvenate the stead of their reduction or aboli- The text of the " Full Employment " mechanical equipment of the coun- tion; Official Resolution, moved by Sir William try and to bring about its steady ex- Beveridge and seconded by Mr. Elliot pansion. (e) which use the proceeds of taxes and Dodds was as follows: — loans or the manipulation of (9) International Trading arrangements money and credit to put goods on (Lines 1 to 79) based on the acceptance by all coun- the market at fictitious prices or " This Assembly contends that a pri- tries taking part of the three funda- provide subsidies open or disguised mary aim of the State is the mainten- mental conditions of lasting multi- to privileged interests^ ance of full employment, i.e., a condition lateral trade: a policy of full employ- in which there are at all times more jobs ment, balancing of international ac- (f) which contemplate the unbalancing; than men and women looking for jobs. counts and stability of economic of budgets and the expansion of This will be achieved by the adoption of policy. While aiming at securing the public debt on the assumption a policy of maintaining, by adequate pub- these three conditions for the sake that taking money from some and lic and private expenditure, a demand for of full employment, British policy transferring it to others will ad- the products of industry which is suffi- should be directed to securing the vantage the community. cient to absorb the whole man-power of greatest possible extension of inter- " The Assembly condemns such propo- the nation. national trade, with a lowering of sals as infringing popular ,, tariff barriers and elimination of menacing the general well-being, under- " To this end, the Government should mining the national credit and depart- maintain State expenditure at the re- other forms of restriction, both in order to raise the standard of living, ing from the true conception of a Liberal quired level by means of a long-term State. programme of planned outlay, directed in and, by promoting economic co- the first instance to: (a) the abolition of operation, to strengthen the bonds be- " And the Assembly declares that the; Want, by a national minimum wage and tween nations." Liberal Party places in the forefront of its policy relating to employment the by adequate social services and allowan- (Lines 80 to 84) ces : (b) the prevention and cure of destruction of monopoly and the libera- " The Assembly further demands the tion of productive enterprise from its. Disease, by the immediate institution of cessation of the policy of the direction a genuinely comprehensive National present burdens and handicaps by poli- of labour at the very earliest moment cies designed to attain full freedom of Health Service without charge for treat- consistent with the interests of national ment and the adoption of a nutrition production and trade, the first and most safety, and expresses its resolute opposi- important steps being: policy; (c) an attack on Squalor, through tion to industrial conscription in time of the adoption of a bold and adequate peace." (a) the levy of rates and taxes on the housing programme; and (d) an attack cation. value of land (apart from building on Ignorance, by the immediate training and improvements) whether the land is used or not; of a sufficient number of teachers, by an THE AMENDMENT adequate programme of school building, (b) correspondingly reducing, as this, and by ample provision for adult edu- The text of the Amendment, submitted policy is developed, the rates and cation. by the Liberal Liberty League and the taxes now levied on the products Huddersfield Liberal Association, moved and processes of industry; " The level of private expenditure by Mr. Ashley Mitchell and seconded by (c) forthwith establishing Free Trade- should be raised by increasing real wages Mr. T. Atholl Robertson, was as follows: by the abandonment of all protec- as production increases; by a policy of To delete all words after " This Assem- tionist tariffs and of every import generous family allowances and by re- bly " in line 1 to the end of line 79 and restriction no matter what may be- ductions in taxation. in place of what is deleted to insert: the fiscal policies of other " Since all national progress depends " recognises countries; and upon an increase of the nation's wealth, (d) the abolition of all legally main- we must improve our capital equipment, (a) that poverty and lack of employ- ment are a result of law-made or tained restrictive practices which modernise existing plant, and spend legally permitted restrictions upon prevent the functioning of a free- money upon research and training for the production and the exchange market at home." management. of wealth; " In order to achieve these results, the (b) that the primary obstruction is the Assembly demands: — F.J., London, W.l: " I agree a hundred (1) The adoption of a national Budget, withholding of land for higher rents and prices, an anti-social per cent, with your statement that the based on the datum of man-power, ' Full Employment' Resolution of the and no longer limited by the outworn speculation which is encouraged by the exemption from rating and Liberal Party Assembly ' constitutes the financial conceptions which led to the direct negation of all that Liberalism wholesale loss of real wealth, through taxation of unused land no matter how valuable it may be; stands for.' The acceptance of such a the failure to maintain a high rate programme would reduce the British of production and employment after (c) that equally serious impediments to Liberal Party—mother of Liberalism in the last war. full employment are the rates and the whole world—not only to be a sham (2) The location of industries on a taxes levied on industry and trade, body, but to the explicit role of a political national plan which will take into and the tariffs, quotas, excharfge clown or harlequin, concerned with cari- account the best interests of the controls, marketing schemes, bilat- caturing his original personality. The whole community. eral trade agreements, and other passing of that resolution and its inser- obstacles to the production of tion into the official programme would (3) Full facilities for the passage of wealth; labour from one industry and one mean the irrevocable end of Liberalism area to another, to prevent aimless (d) that the resort to revenue derived not only in the very place of its birth movement, the hawking of labour and from the taxation of industry and but, enacted by its own standard bearer, misdirection of juveniles. trade and from the workers' wage- political suicide in fact. . . . The price of (4) Collective outlay or other action to packets as a means of mitigating the adoption of that policy would not only secure good houses, good food, fuel distress or of providing State aid kill indefinitely and irretrievably British and other necessaries at reasonable to sectional interests is self- Liberalism but would involve Britain in prices for all. defeating in the one case and un- a foreign policy of constant power poli- (5) Strengthening of the law governing warranted in the other; and tics accomDanied by an incessant state the restraint of trade; effective con- (e) that governmental no less than of war. Most people do not think as far trol of such monopolies and cartels monopolistic dominion over the as that, but this would be the logical and as are found to be necessary in the commercial life of the country irrefutable consequence of Sir William public interest; effective supervision destroys initiative and conflicts Beveridge's teachings." 19 FEBRUARY, 1945 LAND & LIBERTY HOME AND OVERSEAS Mr P. V. Olver's address on Land cern at the lack of effective measures by The National Trust properties in the the Government to prevent inflation in Leith Hill area have received an im- Value Rating at the Carlisle Rotary the price of land, and at the absence of portant addition through the generosity Club on January 17 had an excellent re- effective protest by local authorities; this of Dr Ralph Vaughan Williams, O.M. port in the Carlisle Journal and was meeting declares that unless the neces- Dr Vaughan Williams has presented, briefly but usefully noticed in the Cum- sary reforms to prevent speculation in with an endowment of £4,000, Leith Hill berland News, land and to encourage the improvement Place a property of some 470 acres close * * * of land and buildings are introduced, to the summit of Leith Hill—already comprehensive plans for post-war Hous- A member of the Yorkshire League has National Trust property—and about five ing and Town Planning will be doomed received a small legacy and as his father to failure; it is further declared that the miles from Dorking—(Times, December always hoped to help the League but 19). fairest, most practicable and effective was never able, the son is doing so. He method of ensuring the success of these The donor, Dr. Williams, most distin- has gifted £25 of which £5 is a donation plans by local authorities, as proved by guished of British composers, has been to the funds and the remainder is to experience in the Dominions, Denmark, S member of the English League for spend in sending Land & Liberty to a and elsewhere, is through the system of many years. The house has associations number of leading Conservatives for a rating land values and un-rating houses with the Wedgwood family and is being few years. He wishes this because he and other improvements. let at Dr. Williams's suggestion to his has noticed the number of things which cousin Sir Ralph Wedgwood, brother of have been advocated by Liberal and the late Josiah Lord Wedgwood. Labour and have been passed into law We notice a number of published * * * by Conservative governments. He thinks " letters to the editor"—Mr. A. Brown this may be a worth while point of at- in the Warrington Examiner, December The Education Officer at the head- tack. He has himself often been sur- 30 and January 13; A. West in Oxford quarters of a corps serving in the C.M.F. prised to find that the people he expec- Times; G. A. Goodwin in Prestatyn Week- writes to Mr. Verinder: " In the course ted to respond to a worthy cause have ly, Evelyn R. Wicks in Cavalcade; Chas. of my work as Education Officer to a not done so, whereas those who have E. Berry and T, J. Willcocks in Western corps, I find that men are becoming in- responded have been people he never Morning News; E. J. Vincent in Sunday creasingly pre-occupied with the future expected would do so. Times', A. C. Harris in Eastern Evening and prospects in Housing and Town * * * News\ Sam Deakin in Wallasey News. Planning; and all discussions on these subjects and their relation to questions At a meeting held in the Common of the land, arouse the greatest interest. Hall, Hackins Hey, Liverpool, on Janu- The Edinburgh League lost one of its I feel however, that these discussions ary 4 1945, it was decided that a Mersey- prominent members, a keen and able ad- would' benefit by being based on more side Section of the British Henry George vocate of our principle and policy, in expert information than is always avail- School of Social Science be established the death of William Gray. He was one able to me, and am therefore writing to to promote the formation of Progress of the leading spirits of the Liberal ask you if you would be so kind as to and Poverty classes in the several dis- Young Scots movement and the most supply me with such information as you tricts of the area. A committee was active of all in its hey-day and became consider suitable for this purpose. I elected consisting of: Mr. E. J. McManus organiser for the late J. W. Hogge, M.P., should also be grateful to receive copies (chairman), Mr. F. R. Jones (vice- for East Edinburgh, and after the last of any of your publications which you chairman), Miss N. McGovern (secretary war he rendered considerable service in could let me have." and treasurer, pro tern), Miss Isabell connection with war pensions and allow- Requests of this kind from men in the McGovern Mrs. L. Shone, Messrs. H. ances. He was a native of Freuchie, in Armed Forces are being received from Boothby O. Daver, T. Evans, J. W. Foley, Fife. Warm tributes were paid to his other units, and more would be wel- C. C. Paton, E. Stephens, J. Tarrant, memory both in the Fife Neivs and the comed. A C Wilkinson, with power to co-opt Edinburgh Evening News. We tender * * * other members until the first annual our sincere sympathy to Mrs. Gray and general meeting. The subscription for the four sons in their bereavement. A young member of the English membership was fixed at 5s. per annum League, serving with the Air Force, wrote but members may pay additional sums recently to |his father, one of our as donations. To assist the committee Mr. E. J. Evans, East London, South veterans: " I had a terrific discussion to fulfil the objects of the School to the Africa, has written reporting the about Taxation of Land Values in the largest extent readers of Land & Liberty results of the local municipal elections office this morning, with the Squadron in the area are invited to become mem- last September. He himself stood for the Leader, a sergeant, a corporal and one bers of the Merseyside School Section Cambridge ward and was returned. of the other clerks. First, it was argued and to communicate with the honorary Those ol' his friends who know the emi- that it was not an ethical tax. I secretary. Miss N. McGovern, 74, nent service he has rendered the cause of land value rating, marked by success as squashed that. Then it was argued that Osmaston Road* , Prenton* , *Birkenhead . it was not practical. I soon squashed far back as 1918 and sustained with the that by giving instances of places where greatest vigilance, heartily congratu- the system is in force. Then it was Manchester ratepayers are threatened late him. Business preoccupations had argued that ' it would never do, because with an increase in the rates of more deferred him till now from seeking a if it came into force and became univer- than a shilling in the pound in the period place on the Council which otherwise he sal the white people would suffer be- 1945-6. The present figure is 16s. In a might have entered long ago. Mr. E. L. cause the Japs, Chinese, etc., would be letter to the editor of the Manchester Taylor, chairman of the Workers Civic better off in comparison, because they Guardian, Mr. Weller drew attention to League, also succeeded and there is now like a lower standard of living.' Just the advantages of a change in the rating a strong and watchful minority specially system by which a higher rate could be concerned to stand by Site Value Rating imagine it: a Jap preferring to walk avoided. Assuming that the land-value along a stony road without shoes rather and advance it further. At present, the of Manchester is not less per head of rates are levied on land values to the than have a stout pair of boots!" Yet, the population than £160. as in the even after this amazing reply to his extent of 10 to 1 as compared with the Dominions and elsewhere, the capital rates on buildings and improvements. advocacy of social justice, the young air- value of the land would not be less than man writes : " Still we keep on pegging £122,000,000, and an additional rate of a The other side will stick to that, Mr. away." penny in the pound on that total would Evans says, they dare not go back to yield more than £500,000, and enable the the one-time 6 to 1 for fear of a com- assessors to reduce the present poundage motion in the town. An interesting Meetings to be addressed by members to less than 15s. The letter was not " aside " in Mr. Evans's letter is that he •of the Yorkshire League include the printed. Letters from Mr. A. Brown and secured Proportional Representation for Leeds Forum, Mr. Ashley Mitchell, Febru- Mr. A. Hebden have appeared in the East London during the years 1924 to ary 6; Harogate Rotary Club, Mr. Pryce Warrington Examiner, and from Mr. 1927 and he means to try to get it back, V. Olver, February 13; and Pontefract Weller in the Clitheroe Advertiser. assured that it would give Site Value Rotary Club, February 21. The Mexboro' Rating a permanent majority. Rotary Club was addressed by Mr. Mit- chell on January 16. A local Tory dis- A public meeting in Manchester, on counted what had been said about Land January 17, was addressed by Councillor Mr. F. A. W. Lucas, K.C., Johannes- Value Rating in Australia; the " example S Needoff with Miss Betty Noble pre- burg, writes: " The books I received •of Australia had nothing to do with us," siding. Mr. Needoff spoke on "The recently are going quite well. Please to which an apt reply was given. Very Scandal of Temporary Housing," and send a further supply viz., 30 Progress interested members of the audience were traced bad housing conditions to their and Poverty, 50 Protection or Free Trade three visiting R.A.F. officers. "A.R." had root cause in the land monopoly. How and 30 My Neighbour's Landmark. The a good letter in the Yorkshire Observer, land could be cheapened and houses un- interest in the land question is growing which has helped to bring a number of rated by means of the rating of land as the problems that are facing us are gratifying requests for literature. It is values was made clear by the speaker. seen to be closely connected with land with deep regret that the League reports The following resolution, moved by Councillor Needoff, was adopted: "This monopoly "—a matter also strikingly ob- the death of Mr. G. H. Brown, of Bing- vious to him in Natal where he has ley, a loyal member over many years. public meeting expresses its deep con- 20 LAND & LIBERTY FEBRUARY, 1945

recently been engaged. As for the book order we were sorry not to be able to INDIA'S AWAKENING fixing of fair rents, and of decent hous- provide Mr. Verinders' My Neighbour's ing conditions, minimum wages, shorter Landmark, since the latest edition is A NEW development of political hours for industrial workers, the strict now out of print. A new edition will be thought in India is indicated in a cable enforcement of factory legislation, the undertaken a*s soon* as possible* . from its New Delhi correspondent ap- right of collective bargaining through Mr. Albert R. Gould, Burlinghame, pearing in the Manchester Guardian the trade unions, and unemployment and California, writes: " I am glad to have (November 15). He says that the Union- sickness insurance figure. Land & Liberty which keeps me in ist Ministry in the Punjab, facing the cer- touch with the Mother Country. Born The landlords (zamindars) might not in England near Birmingham and having tainty of the defection of perhaps thirty be alarmed at these somewhat palliative lived there 19 years I was soon interested members of the Moslem League, " is proposals, but there is a more radical in land reform and spoke for the League busy building up a new organisation, aspect of the Moslem League's new of Young Liberals in the open air quite often. I also saw much of the common called the Zamindara League, with a policy. "Generally the manifesto at- lands enclosed by the Squires who non-communal economic programme de- tacks the privileges of the comparatively grabbed anything in sight, and strange signed to protect the interests of land- few well-to-do and visualises the reform to say, while stationed in West Africa holders and peasant proprietors in the I have found that the land of the natives and codification of the land laws, the under British protection was really pro- province." On the other hand the Mos- establishment of co-operative farms, and tected from the land grabbers, hence lem League, which has recently been the shifting of the burden of taxation to poverty and depression were unknown. joined by substantial communist ele- the shoulders of the rich landlords." In London I chanced to read an article ments, " has evolved a comprehensive by Joseph Fels in an agricultural periodi- It is stated that the League is gaining cal and through meeting him heard of economic programme obviously intended more recruits and extending its influence his efforts on behalf of Henry George to appeal to the masses." Among the into rural areas, and that a similar move- and his gospel for freedom and since items in this programme are medical aid, then I have promoted his teachings on ment is taking place in Bengal where the land value taxation. Over here as in maternity facilities, education, the aboli- Moslem League " is becoming the spear- England (I write still as a British citi- tion of forced labour, and the arranging head of the attack against the privileged zen) the land dictators are riding for a of a reasonable security of tenure, the classes." fall and will eventually be compelled to accept our system as the only alterna- tive to inflationary taxation, the strang- The United Committee for the Taxation Sec.) 29 Denby Lane, Codnor; Edin- ling of labour and totalitarianism. I am of Land Values Ltd. (publishers of " Land burgh League, A. Davis (Acting Hon. sending via New York another year's & Liberty"), the International Union Sec.) 8 Kirkhill Terrace, Edinburgh, 9; subscription to Land & Liberty." and the Leagues listed below are main- Castle Douglas Henry George Fellowship', * * » tained by the voluntary support of those Mrs. Margaret McCall, 88 King Street, Mr. James Campbell, a native of who believe in and would seek to ad- Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbrightshire;' Glasgow, Scotland, passed on at the home vance the principle and policy which the of his brother, Mr. William Campbell in Highland League, I. Mackenzie (Hon. Transcona, Manitoba, on October 22 last, Committee, the Union and the Leagues Sec.) Queensgate Arcade, Inverness. at the a.ge of eighty-four years. For advocate: Land Value Taxation and Free Trade in its fulness, with removal of the many years he followed a sea-faring life REMITTANCES tax burdens and abolition of all monopo- and about twenty-five years ago settled Cheques may be made payable to in Transcona. A man of great integrity lies and special privileges that interfere W. R. Lester, 4 Great Smith Street, Lon- of spirit he was highly respected by all with the production of wealth and pre- don, S.W.I. Friends in the U.S.A. and who knew him. Land & Liberty and vent its just distribution. An earnest Canada can avail themselves of the facili- the movement both in Canada and this appeal is made for your support. Dona- country miss in him a good friend. ties kindly provided by the Robert tions supplementary to postal subscrip- Schalkenbach Foundation, 48-50 East 69th tion for " Land & Liberty" (4s. yearly, To the Liberal Liberty League Street, New York, who will receive and or ®1 for U.S.A. and Canada) will be A.D.H., St. Andrews: " I have read the forward subscriptions named for Land allocated as desired among any of the Resolution to be submitted to the L.P.A. & Liberty. In such case, cheques, etc, and that with depression amounting to associations named. almost sorrow. How strange it is that a should be made payable to the Robert people, who have once attained to a fairly ADDRESSES Schalkenbach Foundation. high degree of liberty (as this world At 4 Great Smith Street, London S.W.I. Telephone, Abbey 6665: United goes looking back over history) and who 2d. How have perceived to a very great extent that Committee for the Taxation of Land THE ENGLISH PEOPLE BECAME LANDLESS. And How to Regain the only by enlarging that liberty can pro- Values Ltd., W. R. Lester (Treasurer), Land. gress be made, should in so few years A. W. Madsen (Secretary), F. C. R. Doug- lose their way and in the words of the las (Assistant Secretary); Henry George Is. PP.OTECTION OR FREE TRADE. The Old Testament, forsake God's laws and Foundation (Publishing Department); tariff question considered with especial seek after their own devices. This pro- International Union for Land Value regard to the interests of labour. "The posed resolution could not have even Taxation and Free Trade, Ashley most popular and most scientific exposi- been put forward in my young day, s6 tion of the subject which has ever been Mitchell (Treasurer); English League, written."—Lord Snowden. Bv Henrv much truer were men's perceptions of Fredk. Verinder (Secretary); Henry political right and wrong and of the es- George. Abridged Edition. Cloth Is • sence of human nature." George School of Social Science. paper covers, 6d. J.E.A., Cambridge: " I am glad to note Yorkshire League, C. H. Jones and 2s. 6d. LAND VALUE RATING. Theory and that the L.L.L. will move amendment Percy Roberts (Hon. Secretaries), F. Practice. A handbook for all interested to the official Resolution at the L.P.O. Bentley (Organising Secretary), 129 in municipal finance and the rating Conference. It would be interesting to Skipton Road, Keighley; Manchester question. By F. C. R. Douglas, M.A know what the ' Full Employment ' reso- League, A. H. Weller (Secretary) The L.C.C., M.P. lution means by a ' national Budget' and Dingle, Chester Road, Hazel Grove, nr. 2s. 6d. LAND AND FREEDOM. A new, com- how it is to be ' based on the datum of prehensive and up-to-date treatise on man-power.' ... I am suspicious of any- Manchester; Henry George Freedom League, Wm. Reid (Secretary) 157, St. Land Value Taxation. By Frederick thing called ' national ' and dislike refer- Verinder. ences to ' the State,' a term which may George's Road, Glasgow C.3; Welsh mean several things. I am coming and League, E. A. Davies (Hon. Sec.) 27 Park 2s. 6d. PROGRESS AND POVERTY. An will support the Amendment." Place, Cardiff ('Phone 1563) and I. T. Inquiry into the Cause of Industrial C.W.L., Tooting: " I have read with Rees (Hon. Organising Sec.) 2 Southey Depressions and of Increase of Want amazement the ' Full Employment ' reso- Street, Cardiff; Midland League, John with Increase of Wealth—the Remedy lution for the Liberal Assembly. It seems Bush (Pres.); Liverpool League, Miss By Henry George. Complete edition. almost incredible that anv person or N. McGovern (Hon. Correspondence 2s. SOCIAL PROBLEMS. By Henry George group of persons could, in the name of See.) 74 Osmaston Road, Prenton, Twenty-two chapters, including: " The Liberalism, concoct such an un-Liberal Birkenhead; Crosby Henry George Wrong in Existing Social Conditions, hash; the prospect for the Liberal party Fellowship, C. C. Pa ton (Hon. Unemployed Labour and Idle Capital, must surely be bleak in the extreme if Sec.) 11 Tudor Road, Liverpool, 23; Effects of Machinery, Overproduction those who are constituted as leaders have Portsmouth League, H. R. Lee (Hon. etc. ' nothing better to offer their followers Sec.) 13 Lawrence Road, Southsea; that 3uch a travesty of Liberal fare." Is. A DANISH VIEW OF BRITISH FARMING. Derbyshire League, G. Musson (Hon. Bv .Takob E. Lange. d U 0STAL SU SC TaxatioT n lof; r^5Land?L? Va,^ , U^!> »P«O; Cr» ^<•• _ (U.S.A. and Canada $1) Published by Thj®e Unite^d Committee for the (jreat smith Street, London, Telephone: Abbey 6665. 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