92

THE  A  B  C  OF  TAXATION

5.  It  means  that  out  of  its  ground  rent  of  fifty
millions  or  more  Boston  would  collect  its  whole  tax  of
twenty  millions  instead  of  only  ten  millions  as  now.
6.  It  means  that  Boston  could  raise  the  amount
of  its  existing  taxes  by  taking  a  trifle  more  than
two-fifths  of  its  ground  rent  (the  annual  value  of  land
for  use)  in  taxes  instead  of  less  than  one-fifth  as  at
present,  thus  making  it  possible  to  remit  all  other
taxes  if  desired.
7.  It  means  the  taxation  of  unearned  incomes,
instead  of  hard-earned  incomes.
8.  It  means  a  tax  that  is  non-repressive,  because,
being  wholly  a  tax  upon  special  privilege,  it  can  never
be  a  burden  upon  industry  or  commerce,  nor  can
it  ever  operate  to  reduce  the  wages  of  labour  or
increase  prices  to  the  consumer.