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and superintends it. In France the State-collector receives the local imposts; in America the town-collector receives the taxes of the State. Thus the French Government lends its agents to the commune; in America, the township is the agent of the Government. This fact alone shows the extent of the differences which exist between the two nations.
PUBLIC SPIRIT OF THE TOWNSHIPS OF NEW ENGLAND.
How the township of New England wins the affections of its inhabitants.—Difficulty of creating local public spirit in Europe.—The rights and duties of the American township favourable to it.—Characteristics of home in the United States.—Manifestations of public spirit in New England.—Its happy effects.
In America, not only do municipal bodies exist, but they are kept alive and supported, by public spirit. The township of New England possesses two advantages which infallibly secure the attentive interest of mankind, namely, independence and authority. Its sphere is indeed small and limited, but within that sphere its action is unrestrained; and its independence gives to it a real importance, which its extent and population may not always ensure.
It is to be remembered that the affections of men generally lie on the side of authority. Patriotism is not durable in a conquered nation. The New Englander is attached to his township, not only
