experience convinced him that the times were out of joint, and his
brain began to seek the remedy. The doctrine of _single tax_, already
on trial in some parts of the world, is his chief contribution to
economic theory.


From "The Life of Henry George, by His Son." Doubleday, Page &
Company, 1900.

Thus heavily weighted at the outset, the three men opened their office.
But hard times had come. A drought had shortened the grain crop,
killed great numbers of cattle and lessened the gold supply, and the
losses that the farming, ranching, and mineral regions suffered
affected all the commercial and industrial activities of the State, so
that there was a general depression. Business not coming into their
office, the three partners went out to hunt for it; and yet it was
elusive, so that they had very little to do and soon were in
extremities for living necessities, even for wood for the kitchen fire.
Henry George had fitfully kept a pocket diary during 1864, and a few
entries at this job-printing period tell of the pass of affairs.


"_December 25_.--Determined to keep a regular journal, and to cultivate
habits of determination, energy, and industry. Feel that I am in a bad
situation, and must use my utmost effort to keep afloat and go ahead.
Will try to follow the following general rules for one week:

"1st. In every case to determine rationally what is best to be done.

"2nd. To do everything determined upon immediately, or as soon as an