{{c|( 126 > ¬of the utmost importance that the public con- dition in all its details should be universally kn< >aii and understood. — Ignorance can do no mischief if wisdom has materials to correct it, and evil-disposed persons are always most suc- cessfully resisted, when, though no facts are con- cealed or misrepresented, erroneous conclusions may be denied." ¬I expressed the utmost satisfaction at this, just and honest declaration after an exposure sufficiently dismal ; saying*, " that I was well aware of the abundant wealth which might belong to a nation beyond the value of its universal representative, or even to a thousand times its amount. — Goon, then," I added, "that I may know your whole state, before I tell you what I think of it ; and the next question which I shall therefore put to you is, what part of the substance of the people is taken by your govern- ment in the shape of direct taxes, or, of the indirect ones, arising from the increased prices of commodities which are taxed ? and as it is ¬extremely ¬
