Note 1206 — Chapter II · : THE THEORY OF RENT AND ITS APPLICATIONS

Mill points out that the answer to this objection is that the right of selling the land at a price which depends upon two contrary conditions (gain or loss) establishes a kind of equilibrium. The State would not lose anything by this, for a fall in value in one place, unless it be accompanied by a general want of prosperity, implies a corresponding increase somewhere else, of which the State will get the benefit. (Dissertations and Discussions, vol. iv.)