that the taxation became insupportable.

The budget of Bologna was more than doubled between 1846 and 1858.
Something might be said, if at least the money taken from the nation were spent for the good of the nation! But one-third of the amount raised in taxation remains in the hands of the officials who collect it.

This is incredible, but true.

The cost of collecting the revenue amounts, if I mistake not, in England, to 8 per cent.; in France, to 14 per cent.; in Piedmont, to 16 per cent.; and in the States of the Church, to 31 per cent.
If you marvel at a system of extravagance which obliges the people to pay L4 for every L2.15s.10d.required for their mis-government, here is a fact which will enlighten you on the subject.
Last year the place of municipal receiver was put up to auction in the city of Bologna.

An offer was made by an honourable and responsible man to collect the dues for a commission of 1-1/2 per cent.