§ 4

Machinery of all kinds is taxed higher than the handicrafts, because it produces more swiftly, if less enduringly. Everything that tends to higher mental development is only nominally taxed. The Arts are not considered luxuries, but necessities; hence, instead of contributing to the purse of the country, they are recognised as contributing to its mental growth, its refinement, as well as strength, and are taxed as lightly as may be.

Unproductive land is taxed, but since much more of it is under cultivation than formerly, and Industrialism is no longer permitted to play the Juggernaut, since Agriculture and Arboriculture have been energetically pursued, waste land is an exception; even the least productive is used in some way or other for national benefit. A small voluntary army is kept in efficiency, but not extravagantly. It is supplied from training corps established in each county. The education of every boy includes military drill; in that way classes mix, under the same discipline. This method induces good-fellowship and promotes education; because the better educated, teach the less fortunate, by example. It is found to be a great factor in promoting peace, and conduces to good manners and courtesy. The boy scouts are in full swing.

Britain can provide almost all necessities of Life. Foreign goods, of whatever kind, are sufficiently taxed, but not so excessively as to prevent entrance. It has been found that unlimited free imports from foreign sources tended to limit local production; hence, labour suffered, and supervened. A habit in England had grown to pay for, rather than labour for, even the necessities of Life. It has been shown in the reconstruction, that if Britain and her Colonies cannot, inclusively, provide all, they can provide the greater part of the countries’ needs. The following out of this principle in practice has arrested the growth of discontent so prevalent a while ago.