Elementary Politics (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1886. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XIV. THE FUNCTIONS OF THE STATE. The agencies for good which are at work in a civilised community may be thus classified: (i) voluntary agencies set in motion by the hope of profit; (2) voluntary agencies set in motion by public spirit and the desire to do good; (3) the State, which acts by compulsion. In a free country the State does not act without the previous consent of a considerable number of its subjects; but when that consent is obtained, the purpose of the State is carried out by force of law. Money required for State purposes is obtained by means of taxation; and this power of taking money by force tends to swell the cost of all operations undertaken by the State. Being entrusted with power to make and enforce laws, the State is often tempted to push its activity too far. All public authorities have to be watched, lest they should encroach on individual and family independence. Government and legislation can do much for us, but they cannot do everything; nor can they do anything without aid from other powers. Even the business of national defence will not be well done by the State, unless there are other agencies at work, supplying the State with hardy, loyal citizens. We shall now consider separately the various functions performed by the modern State for its subjects. National Defence. The States of Christendom are accustomed to settle disputed questions by war. Before this foolish custom can be altered, a very great change must take place in our ideas and habits. In the mean time, every State must be prepared to defend its territory and the inhabitants thereof against all enemies from without. Resistance to aggression is perfectly in accordance with the highest morality. A good man forgives those who trespass against him; but he also ...