172 AMERICAN FARMS. 



However ponderous and expensive the machinery of 

 the state may be, it draws its support solely from the 

 substance of the people. " Woe to the people who are 

 incapable of limiting the sphere of the action of the 

 state. Liberty, private activity, riches, well-being, inde- 

 pendence, dignity depend upon this." ' 



Have the farmers and the thoughtful people of America 

 lost that power which alone can overcome these condi- 

 tions, the continued triumphing of which must finally 

 result in the ruin of all ? 



revenues precludes the possibility of making these changes. The 

 reasoning is absurd : first, because revenue will always be required, 

 and, under our present system, whatever party is in power, every day 

 is making the conditions worse ; second, if it be admitted that a 

 change would be desirable for the collection of a small revenue, it is 

 still more desirable for the collection of a large one. Under our 

 system of taxation, the volume is increased at an arithmetical ratio, 

 while the evils may be said to increase at a geometrical ratio. 

 ' Frederic Bastiat. 



