HENRY GEORGE'S REPLY TO THE POPE

Waikato Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 3048, 28 January 1892, Page 2

HENRY GEORGE'S REPLY TO THE POPE

TO I'HI! EDITOR. Sill, —lleniy George's reply to the Pope's encyclical 011 Labour has excited a good deal of attention. There can belittle doubt that 011 some points he has the advantage of the reverend father, and he uses it vigorously. But in my opinion his piincipal premises, if admitted, lead to results which appear to vitiate some of his most alarming and startling conclusions. For instance, admitting that the unearned value of land is the creation of the community without whose presence and industry it would have no existence ; admitting also that thu value so created legitimately belongs to the community which creates it. Does it not follow that the community to which it belongs is entitled to sell, lease or otherwise dispose of it, and that its transactions, effected by its lawful representatives are good and valid? Does it not also follow, that any violent interference with these contracts by confiscation of rent or otherwise would be morally indefensible—a piece of conscienceless repudiation? Supposing this view to be correct, present holders of honestly acquired landed property need not be afraid of tho application of principles of truth and equity to the important question of private property in land. Some persons must hold the land and hold it firmly, otherwise it cannot bo productire of wealth, and the idea that those who at present hold it by virtue of honestly made contracts should bo suddenly piulcted of the greater part of their possessions is abhorrent to the most rudimentaiy conception of ethical justice or wise administration. Of course this view of the matter only applies to land already alionated. It does not forbid the making o£ more advantageous terms with future purchasers, nor does it preclude the levying of a just and reasonable tax upon land values.' These, while not specially lawful prey for confiscation, are no more exempt from bearing their share of the general burdens than are incomes or goods passing through the Custom-House.—l am, etc., T. E.