Book XIII.
Chpa. 19, & 20.abounds with mischiefs done by the farmers of the revenues.
Nero incensed at the oppressive extortions of the publicans, formed a magnanimous but impossible project of abolishing all kinds of imposts. He did not think of an administration of the revenues, but made four edicts; that the laws enacted against publicans, which had hitherto been kept secret, should be made public; that they should not pretend to any thing which they had omitted to demand in the term of a year; that there should be a prætor established to judge their pretensions without any formality; and that the merchants should pay no duty for their vessels. These were the bright days of that emperor.
CHAP. XX.
Of the Farmers of the Revenues.
ALL is lost when the lucrative profession of farmers becomes likewise, by means of the riches with which it is attended, a post of honor. This may do well enough in despotic states, where their employment is oftentimes a part of the functions of the governors themselves. But it is by no means proper in a republic; since a custom of the like nature destroyed the republic of Rome. Nor is it better in monarchies; nothing being more opposite to the spirit of this government. All the other orders of the state are dissatisfied; honor loses its whole value; the slow and natural means of distinction are no longer regarded; and the very principle of the government is subvetted.
