PREFACE 



in this way can we understand how much 

 of the present system is prirnd facie suitable 

 to the changed conditions of modern times. 



The application of the historical method 

 must be supplemented by a critical analysis 

 of the ideas and methods which are at present 

 put forward as the basis of practical reforms. 

 In this connection the most difficult problem 

 is to determine the principles which should 

 govern the readjustment of local and national 

 taxation. 



To some people any reference to history 

 seems only of antiquarian interest, and 

 any consideration of principles academic or 

 doctrinaire. But in fact, on the question of 

 the reform of local taxation, the most 

 simple popular arguments involve references 

 to history and to abstract economic theories. 

 The popular idea, for example, that rates are 

 a hereditary burden on land, that they are 

 paid out of the unearned increment, and 

 that any remission must simply go into the 

 pockets of the landlords, takes for granted 

 a view of history that is unsupported by 

 facts, and a series of abstract economic 



