THE PROPERTY-TAX.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 2612, 9 April 1889, Page 3

THE PROPERTY-TAX.

A BOOK has recently been published in America (says a Xnpier Exchange) entitled, ' Taxation in American States and Cities.' It is written by PrufesM>i- Eli, a gentleman of recognised standing in I.llStates as regards economic an J has attracted widespread attention. In a review of this work the London Spectator remarks "In the abstract, then, the Property-tax appears perfectly just and appears to have a special ad\antane over other taxes in making the rich man pay his exact share of the national burthens. If, however, we take the opinion of those states of the Union which have tried a geneial Propertytax—and the list includes almost all of them—we shall see that in a way the tax operates exuelly opposite to that which might be expected of it. Instead of proving fair ami piopoitionate it in practice turns out to be the moi-.t unfair anil the most, disproportionate tax ever levied. Instead of the rich being made to pay their proper share they escape with a trifling contribution, while the poor pay more than three or lour times more than equitable justice would demand. The only dillicnlty of proving this to our readers' satisfaction arises from the immense choice of matarial in Mr Eli's work.' Practically, the payment of a property-tax in tile United States appears to come to this that rich men only pay for what the collector can see. 'The fiscal system of the States,' says Mr Eii, 'has acted as a school for perjury.' Only those persons who are trustees, guardians, or who hold money in a fiduciary position pay fairly. In contrast to his marked disapprobation of the, property tax, Mr Eli gives most conclusive reasons " why an income tax is not avoided as a property tax, and brings many jruod arguments to prove that it is by far the best means of taxation." .11 is evident from the remarks of the London paper* we have quoted, that all Americans do not regard the property tax as an unmixed blessing. Wo have also before ih an extract from the report of the. West Virginia *la.x Commissioners 1884, This is most strongly _ condemnatory of the property tax which is in force in that State, ft is highly probable, says the N.Y. Tribune, tint this 'obnoxious impost.' the property tax, vill be abolished in favour of an income tax in no leas than thirteen states during the coming year.' With these facts before us, wo sholl be inclined to accept Sir Harry's future assertions that Llio tax is a popular one in America with no small degree of mistrust and scepticism.