566 POLITICAL INSTITUTIONS. 



exactions simply in this, that they are enforced on occasions 

 when the subject is more than usually at the ruler s mercy; 

 either because he is exposing commodities for sale where 

 they can be easily found and a share taken ; or because he is 

 transferring them from one part of the territory to another, 

 and can be readily stopped and a portion demanded ; or 

 because he is bringing commodities into the territory, and 

 can have them laid hands on at one of the few places of 

 convenient entrance. The shares appropriated by the ruler, 

 originally in kind, are early commuted into money where 

 the commodities are such as, by reason of quantity or dis 

 tance, he cannot consume : instance the load-penny payable 

 at the pit s mouth on each waggon-load to the old-English 

 kings. And the claim comes to be similarly commuted in 

 other cases, as fast as increasing trade brings a more abundant 

 circulating medium, and a greater quantity of produced and 

 imported commodities ; the demanded portions of which it 

 becomes more difficult to transport and to utilize. 



546. No great advantage would be gained by here going 

 into details. The foregoing general facts appear to be all that 

 it is needful for us to note. 



Prom the outset the growth of revenue has, like that growth 

 of the political headship which it accompanies, been directly 

 or indirectly a result of war. The property of conquered 

 enemies, at first goods, cattle, prisoners, and at a later 

 stage, land, coming in larger share to the leading warrior, 

 increases his predominance. To secure his good will, which 

 it is now important to do, propitiatory presents and help in 

 labour are given; and these, as his power further grows, 

 become periodic and compulsory. Making him more despotic 

 at the same time that it augments his kingdom, continuance 

 of this process increases his ability to enforce contribu 

 tions, alike from his original subjects and from tributaries ; 

 while the necessity for supplies, now to defend his kingdom, 

 now to invade adjacent kingdoms, is ever made the plea for 



