We are not Spartans....

As to substitution, it must be allowed.

In a nation where fortunes are equal each individual should serve personally; but, with a people whose existence depends on the inequality of fortunes, the rich must be allowed the right of substitution; only we must take care that the substitutes be good, and that conscripts pay some of the money serving to defray the expense of a part of the equipment of the army of reserve."] [Footnote 3272: Pelet de La Lozere, 228.] [Footnote 3273: Archives nationales, F7, 3014.

(Reports of prefects, 1806.) Average price of a substitute: Basses Alpes, from 2,000 to 2,500 francs; Bouches-du-Rhone, from 1,800 to 3,000; Dordogne, 2,400; Gard, 3,000; Gers, 4,000; Haute-Garonne, from 2,000 to 3,000; Herault, 4,000; Vaucluse, 2,500; Landes, 4,000.

Average rate of interest (Ardeche): "Money, which was from 11/4 to 11/2 %, has declined; it is now at 3 1/4 % a month or 10 % per annum."-- (Basses Alpes): "The rate of money has varied in commerce from 1 to 3/4 % per month."-- (Gard): "Interest is at 1 % a month in commerce; proprietors can readily borrow at 9 or 10 % per annum."-- (Herault): "The interest on money is 1 1/4 % per month."-- (Vaucluse): "Money is from 3/4 to 11/4 % per month."] [Footnote 3274: Thiers, VII., p.23 and 467.