CHAPTER II.: Taxation Measured by Work.

In the previous chapter an approximate computation was given of the value of our annual product. Given a certain measure of such product—then it follows that by so much as some persons secure a larger share of the whole—by so much must the share of the others be reduced. The share or proportion which must be assigned to the support of government is taken from those who do the work of the country in proportion to consumption and not in ratio to the work done. The case may be stated in other terms. A certain part of every person’s work must be devoted to the support of the government, and since the revenues are derived mainly from the taxation of articles of common consumption, therefore the cost of government is put upon the people in proportion to their consumption of the subjects of taxation rather than in proportion to their personal incomes.