The best scheme of finance is, to spend as little as possible; and the best tax is always the lightest. - Jean-Baptiste Say

With respect to the present time, there are few persons who unite the qualifications of good observers with a situation favourable for accurate observation.

regulation is useful and proper, when aimed at the prevention of fraud or contrivance, manifestly injurious to other kinds of production, or to the public safety, and not at prescribing the nature of the products and the methods of fabrication.

In times of political confusion, and under an arbitrary government, many will prefer to keep their capital inactive, concealed, and unproductive, either of profit or gratification, rather than run the risk of its display. This latter evil is never felt under a good government.