It is true that it scarcely allows the means of honorable subsistence to the individuals who conduct its affairs; but enormous sums are lavished to meet the exigencies or to facilitate the enjoyments of the people.

*j The money raised by taxation may be better employed, but it is not saved.

In general, democracy gives largely to the community, and very sparingly to those who govern it.

The reverse is the case in aristocratic countries, where the money of the State is expended to the profit of the persons who are at the head of affairs.
[Footnote j: See the American budgets for the cost of indigent citizens and gratuitous instruction.

In 1831 $250,000 were spent in the State of New York for the maintenance of the poor, and at least $1,000,000 were devoted to gratuitous instruction.