IV. Every tax ought to be contrived as both to take out and to keep out of the pockets of the people as little as possible, over and above what it br… - Adam Smith

POLITICAL economy, considered as a branch of the science of a statesman or legislator, proposes two distinct objects: first, to provide a plentiful revenue or subsistence for the people, or more properly to enable them to provide such a revenue or subsistence for themselves; and secondly, to supply the state or commonwealth with a revenue sufficient for the public services. It proposes to enrich both the people and the sovereign.

When the profits of trade happen to be greater than ordinary, over-trading becomes a general error both among great and small dealers.

It is unjust that the whole of society should contribute towards an expence of which the benefit is confined to a part of the society.