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Thanks Mallet for his long letter [94/111]. Contends that the latter exaggerates the extent of their disagreement in relation to various aspects of political and economic theory, with regard to, e.g., dispensing distributive justice, private capital employed in production. Refers also to what he [Sidgwick] says in chapter seven [of his book] on 'the "increasing inequalities" ', and acknowledges that the statement should be further explained, as Mallet 'understood it to contradict the conclusions of Giffen.' Claims that there is 'no such contradiction', and outlines what he believes Giffen attempted to prove in relation to the income of manual labourers, referring to the increasing difference between the highest and the lowest class of that group. Denies that he 'has "ignored the international point of view" in what [he says] of the nationalisation of the land.' Claims that '[t]he claim of the rest of the human race on the land now held by Englishmen is not in any way implicitly denied by the agreement of Englishmen to hold their land in common', and that it would only be affected by the prevention of immigration into England. Refers to his own paper read at the Political Economy Club. [Incomplete].

Thanks Sidgwick for his letter of 12 August. States that, in his view, there are two points on which 'the [Royal] Commission [on the Financial Relations between Great Britain and Ireland]' would like to receive Sidgwick's opinion, one being '[t]he value of assessment to income tax, or of [net] receipts from income tax as a guide or part guide to the relative taxable capacity of two countries', and the other Sir Robert Giffen's suggested method of obtaining the relative taxable capacities of the two countries. Suggests that Sidgwick write a short paper 'pointing out...any objections to this method', and believes that the paper 'would be of service in assisting the Commission to form their conclusions.' Announces that he has already asked Professors Marshall, Foxwell and B[ ] for their opinions on the subject, and they are considering the matter. Also states that he has directed copies of Sir Robert's evidence and tables to be sent to Sidgwick. Gives the address to which Sidgwick should send his paper 'by the end of September'.

Refers to two documents [enclosed, 57/2 and 57/3]; a copy of the 'Reference' made to the Royal Commission on the Financial Relations between Great Britain and Ireland [Holland was Secretary], and a memorandum put in by Sir Robert Giffen, 'giving his view as to the method in which the first two questions submitted to the Commission should be solved.' Informs Sidgwick that the Commission would be glad to have the opinions of those who have studied economic questions. Observes that Sir Robert's conclusions with regard to one of the questions is based to a great extent on 'his use of the assessment to income tax'. Asks Sidgwick if he would consider contributing a paper showing in what points he agreed, and in those he disagreed with Sir Robert, 'so far as relates to the general principle which he has adopted.' Mentions that the next meeting of the Commission is in October, and that they will probably prepare their Report in the course of the winter.

Writes to inform her that a resolution, drawn up by W. Leonard Courtney, was passed by the members of the Political Economy Club the previous night. Explains that since Courtney could not be present himself Robert Giffen moved the resolution, and claims that 'in what he said expressed the sincere feeling of all the members who were there.' Includes the text of the resolution, which states that the members of the Club wish to record their sense of loss in the death of their colleague Henry Sidgwick. Speaks of his 'engaging sweetness of temper', and his 'penetrating originality', which he brought to their debates. Concludes that the Club 'will long miss the assistance of his clear and powerful intelligence. Resolution dated 7 Dec 1900.

Explains that, being shut up at home with a cold, he is unable to refer to 'Blue Books' for a few days, but maintains that there is some information in the 'last two R[ ] of the T[ ]' which would have a bearing on Sidgwick's question. Refers to the equities, and to the change made to taxation in 1894, concurrently with the new Death Duties, by which the Income Tax (Sched:A) was levied on the net value of lands and houses instead of the gross...' Presumes that Sidgwick has a copy of Hamilton's m[emo: Memorandum written in preparation of the budget of 1897/8?], 'which will supply plenty of statistics on many branches of the subject.' Refers to Giffen's contention that 'all rates are rent-charges, and all paid by the owner.' Promises to write again as soon as he gets something to tell him.