On the record
A small shopkeeper, or a clerk who just, and only just, was rich enough to pay income tax, was perhaps the only severely taxed man in the country.
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Walter Bagehot
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gutenberg.orgWalter Bagehot: “A small shopkeeper, or a clerk who just, and only just, was rich enough to pay income tax, was perhaps the only severely…”
Editor's note · Context
Bagehot illustrates the plight of small shopkeepers and clerks, emphasizing their heavy tax burden despite limited means.
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More from Walter Bagehot
Subject to this saving remark, however, I not only admit, but maintain, that our Constitution is full of curious oddities, which are impeding and mischievous, and ought to be struck out.
Our law very often reminds one of those outskirts of cities where you cannot for a long time tell how the streets come to wind about in so capricious and serpent-like a manner.
It is natural that those who by special and admirable culture have come to look at all things upon the artistic side, should start back from these queer peculiarities.
But it is natural also that persons used to analyse political institutions should look at these anomalies with a little tenderness and a little interest.
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