LOCAL GOVERNMExNT AND TAXATIOi\ 139 



var}' inversely with the total population, density of population, and 

 amount of taxable wealth. Schools, roads, and other public services 

 of a quality, kind, and amount available to residents of larger towns 

 cannot possibly be bought by the residents of small towns except at 

 an exorbitant price. It is the purpose of state aid to correct this sit- 

 uation by aiding the poorer towns — a matter of equalization — but it is 

 a well-known fact that state aid is not available in amounts that will 

 accomplish this purpose completely. There is some question, how- 

 ever, as to whether or not it should. 



