CHAPTER V. 



THE REAL STRENGTH OF AN EVIL SYSTEM OF 



TAXATION. 



In early times despotism gained its power by physical 

 force. It is claimed, with good reason, that, in most in- 

 stances of to-day, governments gain ascendancy, not only 

 over their opponents but over the people at large, by 

 cunning. It is conspicuously apparent to the student 

 of these subjects that, by this means, they are continually 

 increasing their command of the purses of the people of 

 America, and making stronger their alliances with the 

 wealthy classes. Surely, with such an advantage as this, 

 they have the power of position. Will they yield it up 

 without a desperate struggle ? We think they will not. 



Professor Sumner very correctly remarks : " It is the 

 Forgotten Man who is threatened by every extension of 

 the paternal system of government." ' " Every new sub- 

 ject to be legislated upon strengthens the influence and 

 power of government, makes the politician more import- 

 ant in his own eyes, as well as in the eyes of others." 

 " All governments like to interfere ; it elevates their 

 position to make out that they can cure the evils of man- 

 kind."^ As the subjects seeking legislative benefits are 

 continually increasing, these potent props to the paternal 



' " What the Social Classes Owe to Each Other," p. 150. 



^ Walter Bagehot, in " Economic Studies." 



170 



