CHAPTER XV - Measures for the maintenance of the State—Completion of the theory

Summary

According to the plan I proposed to myself in a former chapter, I have now completed the remainder of my task, and have, therefore, given as full and accurate a solution of the question before us as my ability would allow. I could conclude, then, at this point, if I were not obliged to refer, before doing so, to one final consideration, which is of the greatest importance for the whole subject; I allude to the means which are necessary, not only to make the activity of the State possible, but even to secure its existence.

In order to accomplish even the most limited objects, the State must have sufficient sources of revenue. My ignorance of everything concerned with finance prevents my entering here on an elaborate disquisition. So, according to the plan I have chosen, this is not necessary. For, as I observed at the outset, we are not supposing the case of a State whose ends are determined by the extent and efficiency of the means it may happen to possess, but rather that of one in which the latter are subordinate to and determined by the former. I have only to observe, for the sake of consistency, that it is no less our duty to regard, in financial arrangements also, the true end of man as member of the body politic, and the limitations arising from this. Even a moment's reflection on the close interdependence between police and financial regulations is sufficient to convince us of this.