Preface.

Many of the difficulties that were met with in carrying out the Land Tax Act arose from owners of landed property not understanding the provisions of that measure. Most people have neither the time nor the inclination to study new legislation, however much they are interested in it. A guide to the general meaning and directions as to the operations of the Property Assessment Act should prove of advantage to those who will be taxed under it. I have introduced some matters that relate to taxation and indebtedness, which cannot be said to be necessary to the explanation of the Property Assessment Act, but they are all appropriate to the questions of direct taxation and national debt, and I do not think they will be condemned as out of place. This is certain: The extracts given from official papers of the State of New York contain words of sound sense and warning that deserve a more conspicuous prominence than I can give them. They will well repay perusal, and they afford material for deep reflection.