The Science of Legislation (Volume 2); From the Italian of Gaetano Filangieri

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1806. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... the sole encouragement of fatigue and industry. They only labour whilst the scourge is suspended over them, if it disappears for a moment the course of exertion is interrupted, and irritated nature vindicates by her sterility the injuries which the cultivator receives from the laws. Is it astonishing that agriculture should be in such a miserable state in such governments, or is it possible it should ever flourish amidst the degradation, the baseness, the ignorance of slavery, the menaces of ferocious power, under the rod of tyranny, and the rage of despair ? i- THE SAME SUBJECT CONTINUED, DEGREES/vhat is to be said of a country in which its weak and injudicious laws are punctually executed, and its wise ones, are not at least in use ? Every presage announces its approaching ruin, and the observation is unfortunately applicable to many of the European nations. In the common as well as municipal codes of Europe there are many admirable laws, which protect the instruments necessary for the cultivation of the earth, and watch with a careful eye over the tranquillity, the convenience, the security, and advantage of the husbandman. The old codes of Roman laws have transmitted to us many ordinances of the Roman emperors relative to this object, and we know that Constantine the Great directed, under the penalty of death, that the collector of the revenue should not molest the husbandman in indigence.* He did, however, more. Amongst other expences of the provinces the public carriages were supplied with oxen, and Constantine excepted those that were employed in the cultivation of the earth.f The emperors Honorius and Theodosius, not satisfied with these institutions, carried their laws still farther, and were desir...