108 On the Natural Boundaries of Empires. 
There are however, some advantages to an inhabitant of 
these smaller divisions; for his interest is identified in some 
degree with that of the larger empire. They deprive him of 
some political rights, but they fight his battles on a magnifi- 
cent scale. Sometimes, the natives of the central districts 
will pay a larger proportion of taxes merely for the pleasure 
of keeping so many dependencies in subjection. — 
4, Choice of residence. 
Unfortunate is the man who resides near the boundary 
line of a large kingdom, for it is always a dangerous position ; 
or in a small natural kingdom, unless he is endowed with 
such a firm disposition of mind, that he would sooner die in 
battle than submit to oppression. His example, though fatal 
to himself, would secure better terms to his countrymen. 
Therefore, an individual, who has “the world before him 
where to choose his place of rest’ would perhaps do well 
to avoid a residence on the berders of France, or an island 
that could be visited by the fleets of the English. A thou- 
sand years hence, the defiles of the Rocky Mountains, and 
the country between Mexico and the United States, will cer- 
tainly be a dangerous home. 
Thus, in former times, no individual, who valued his life 
or property, would have chosen a residence in the debate- 
able land between England and Scotland, or in the Marches 
of Wales, where battles and skirmishes were the order of the 
day for near five hundred years. 
. On the effect of Geographical shape, arising from the 
physical structure of the Earth, on the boundaries of Em- 
pires. 
common interest with the inhabitant of Turin or Venice. 
The northern. coast of Africa, extending from the Atlantic 
ocean to the confines of Egypt; bounded on the north 
the Mediterranean, on the south by the chain of Mount 
Atlas ; is another instance of a country whose destiny is fixed 
by its shape. It could not be united under one government 
except by a superior naval power, situated im those seas. 
This was first accomplished by the Carthaginians, second by 
