Angie Breading, age 16, o~ Utica, N.Y., for her question:

WHO WAS HENRY GEORGE?

Henry George was the first American who became famous in all parts of the world as a leading thinker about political economy. His special field was in knowing how governments should get the money that they need and how they should use it wisely once it is obtained.

George was born in 1829 in Philadelphia, where his father was a publisher. At 15 he traveled around the world as a sailor and then learned the printing trade.

He moved to California in 1865 and became a reporter in San Francisco. Later he became an editor and for the rest of his life he edited many publications and wrote stories for many newspapers.

He wrote two books: "Our Land and Land Policy" and "Progress and Poverty." He urged that land owners pay taxes in return for the community's share in making the land valuable.

He ran twice for mayor of New York City but was not elected.