JUSTICE  OF  THE  SINGLE  TAX  121

eye,”  what  irritation  from  mote  or  beam  or  cinder  can
compare  with  the  social  irritation  caused  by  injustice?
Single  Tax  and  the  Massachusetts  Constitution
Query:  Is  not  the  present  system  of  taxation  clearly
in  violation  of  those  state  constitutions  which,  like  that
of  Massachusetts,  provide  that  assessments  shall  be
“proportionate  and  reasonable”  since,  under  that
system  a  whole  class  of  property  holders  is  practically
exempt  from  taxation?
Query:  Is  not  a  system  of  taxation  which  so  favours
one  class  of  citizens  above  another  in  direct  violation
of  the  constitution  of  Massachusetts,  which  provides.
Part  I.,  Article  VI.,  that  “no  man,  or  corporation,  or
association  of  men,  have  any  other  title  to  obtain
advantages,  or  particular  and  exclusive  privileges,
distinct  from  those  of  the  community,  than  what  arises
from  the  consideration  of  services  rendered  to  the
public?
Query;  Is  not  the  taxation  of  ground  rents  in  lieu
of  all  other  taxation  manifestly  in  harmony  with  the
constitution  of  Massachusetts,  which  reads  as  follows,
Part  I.,  Art.  VIE:  “Government  is  instituted  for  the
common  good;  for  the  protection,  safety,  prosperity,
and  happiness  of  the  people;  and  not  for  the  profit,
honour,  or  private  interest  of  any  one  man,  family,  or
class  of  men.  Therefore  the  people  alone  have  an
incontestable,  unalienable,  and  indefeasible  right  to
institute  government;  and  to  reform,  alter,  or  totally
change  the  same,  when  their  protection,  safety,
prosperity,  and  happiness  require  it.”