11 SEPTEMBER 1909, Page 15

THE DRAWBACK OF A- SINGLE TAX ON INCOME.

[TO THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."]

SIE,—The fairness of -Mr. R. A. Austen Leigh's proposal (Spectator, September 4th) for a single tax, and that on income, is obvious ; but still more obvious is its futility. What party purpose would it serve ? Is it not at least poetic justice to make the House of Lords pay for old-age pensions ? The section of the electorate in their favour is certainly in favour of making others pay for them ; and concession to the alleged " will of the country" on the first point should imply con- cession on the second.—I am, Sir, &c., AENEADES.