XXV 



RESIGNS CHAIRMANSHIP 319 



tion. It is to my mind a vital point. To lead the 

 ratepayers of London to believe that they can perman- 

 ently shift the burden of taxation by postponing debt is 

 fatal to all sound Finance. It will veneer the mere 

 selfishness of casting burdens off ourselves on to posterity 

 with the false pretence that we are taxing Owners. 

 When the debt is postponed, it will be found that the 

 burden ultimately falls on the same class of persons as 

 at present, and that we have simply relieved present 

 ratepayers (occupiers or owners) at the cost of future 

 ratepayers (occupiers or owners). 



I feel so strongly about this that I have written to 

 Benn to say that I shall probably resign my Vice-Chair- 

 manship by way of protest, if C. Harrison's proposal is 

 carried. Of course, I will not do this without hearing 

 from you. — Sincerely yours, T. H. Farrer. 



Mr. Harrison's progressive policy did, however, 

 for the time being, prevail after a keen conflict. 

 Sir John, writing to Lord Farrer says, " I am 

 sadly vexed at the result." Lord Farrer's follow- 

 ing letter must have given him some comfort : 



West End Hotel, Naples, 

 2nd February /92. 



My dear Lubbock — Your note of the 30th — just a 

 word. It is indeed an undignified and inglorious position 

 for the majority who have followed C. Harrison, but not 

 for you. Great as have been your services to the Council 

 throughout I don't think they have ever been so great 

 as on this occasion. 



Did I tell you how much Lord Rosebery was pleased 

 with your letter, and your action generally. He says 

 the whole business will in the end weaken C. Harrison's 

 influence. I am not sure of this. But I think it may 

 lead a new Council to see, that if they choose leaders, 

 they must find some way either of letting the leaders lead, 

 or of letting them depart, and choosing others. It is 

 idle to ask Chairmen to carry out a policy of which they 

 do not approve. 



I want to see your article on the Government of 

 London. 



I am mending, and was able to hobble into the Museum 



