THE CALL OF THE LAND 



nues in a dangerously silent, imperceptible, 

 and automatic manner. The system once 

 launched, the state waxes rich, sleeping or 

 waking, as do landlords in growing cities. 

 Increased revenue comes without debate or 

 observation. No budget is presented or dis- 

 cussed. No general appropriation bill is 

 put forward to be argued pro and con. 

 Public assessors, incessantly but noiselessly 

 at work, ascertain and register each rise in 

 land value, while collectors at once, without 

 ado, drain the additional rent into the pub- 

 lic till. Of course, the individuals who 

 have this year to pay more rent than last are 

 aware of the difference and may complain. 

 But such voices, being isolated, would be 

 without volume or unity, and hence without 

 effect. In certain localities rents would be 

 falling at the same time, no one knowing 

 how much. There could be no common 

 consciousness of drain. Even exact publi- 

 cation of the state's financial condition could 

 not beget this certainly not as it would do 

 if every dollar received had to be voted by 

 the representatives of the people in the form 



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