GENERAL PRINCIPLES 19 



equality." * So far, Sir E. Hamilton, but 

 personally, I am inclined to think there is 

 much less truth than is often supposed in 

 this diffusion theory. It may serve, however, 

 very well for an illustration. Suppose, then, 

 that this theory of diffusion is really sound, 

 and can be proved to the satisfaction of 

 all economists and statesmen, and even of 

 the mass of intelligent electors. Still it is 

 safe to say that no statesman not even the 

 leader of a revolution would venture to 

 put it into practice. Sentiment would be 

 too strong. He might apply the single 

 tax to the big landlords, but never to the 

 small and middling. Generally speaking, 

 the person who actually pays a tax does 

 not believe in the complete transference 

 of the burden, so far as his particular 

 tax is concerned. A shopkeeper might 

 believe in the diffusion of a tax on land 

 1 Mem., p. 52. 



