To this end, from 1878 to 1891,[6392] the State has expended for school buildings and installations 582,000,000 francs; for salaries and other expenses it furnished the latter year 131,000,000.

Somebody pays for all this, and it is the tax-payer, and by force; aided by gendarmes, the collector puts his hand forcibly into all pockets, even those containing only sous, and withdraws these millions.

Gratuitous instruction sounds well and seems to designate a veritable gift, a present from the great vague personage called the State, and whom the general public dimly sees on the distant horizon as a superior, independent being, and hence a possible benefactor.

In reality, his presents are made with our money, while his generosity consists in the fine name with which he here gilds his fiscal exactions, a new constraint added to so many others which he imposes on us and which we endure.[6393]--Besides, through instinct and tradition, the State is naturally inclined to multiply constraints, and this time there is no concealment.

From six to thirteen years of age, primary instruction becomes obligatory.[6394] The father is required to prove that his children receive it, if not at the public school at least in a private school or at home.