INCIDENCE OF RATES AND TAXES 115 



series of questions propounded by the Com- 

 missioners. "We should first endeavour/' 

 he says, "to probe to the utmost the 

 difficult and abstruse question of the 

 true incidence of rates and taxes, and 

 especially of rates. It is the solution of 

 that problem (so far as any solution is 

 practicable) by which alone we can 

 properly answer the terms of reference 

 made to us." A little later on, he also 

 says, in reference to any proposals for the 

 redress of any inequalities that are dis- 

 covered : " In attempting to solve these 

 difficult problems, we must take care not 

 to redress any present inequalities by 

 creating fresh inequalities ; and if we 

 propose any alterations in our existing 

 financial system, we shall do well to bear 

 in mind that there is great force in the 

 old saying that ' an old tax is no tax/ ' 

 The truth is, that if it is difficult to 



