The deplorable conditions under which the Chinese masses are struggling for existence are part-caused by the enforcement of unsound measures of taxation which are dictated by the necessity for providing the sinews of war and funds for the maintenance of the various political parties. And, as if these conditions were not already bad enough, it is evident from the facts before us that they will become worse in consequence of the projection of new schemes which are being put into apers tion. It would appear that the urgent need of funds obscure {the problems which will inevit-Jably arise from the imposition lof additional fiscal burdens, and, ignores the disastrous conse quences which they foreshadow. The experience of all Western countries on this delicate question has proved, conclusively, {that trade and industry, the vital essentials to a nation's pros perity, may not be taxed with' impunity. Taxation bears close a relationship to these
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.