8320. TAXATION, Simplest system.—
The simplest system of taxation yet adopted is that of levying on the land and the laborer.
But it would be better to levy the same sums
on the produce of that labor when collected in
the barn of the farmer; because then if
through the badness of the year he made little,
he would pay little. It would be better yet
to levy only on the surplus of this product
above his own wants. It would be better,
too, to levy it not in his hands, but in those
of the merchant purchaser; because though the
farmer would in fact pay it, as the merchant
purchaser would deduct it from the original
price of his produce, yet the farmer would
not be sensible that he paid it. This idea
would no doubt meet its difficulties and objections
when it should come to be reduced to
practice; yet I suspect it would be practical
and expedient. * * * What a comfort to
the farmer to be allowed to supply his own
wants before he should be liable to pay anything,
and then only pay on his surplus.—
To James Madison.
Ford ed., iv, 16.
(P.
Dec. 1784)
