BACK TO THE LAND 207 



has been suggested that it would be better that the states 

 should rent out the land at four per cent of the sale price. 

 This would leave more money in the hands of settlers and 

 enable many to get farms who cannot pay the price and have 

 enough left to raise a crop. In reality it would be better for 

 the state to help farmers get a start rather than to tax them 

 one dollar per acre to begin with. However, under our 

 system of government, we permit only those who have 

 money to have land. 



There can be no doubt that the state of Texas and her 

 people would be better off if the land were leased than to 

 have it sold. Probably a tax on the value of the land 

 instead of a rent would be the best for all the people, especially 

 as it would check speculation. 



