20.11. 11. The same Subject continued.
A free port may be established in
the dominions of states whose commerce is economical. That economy in
the government which always attends the frugality of individuals is, if
I may so express myself, the soul of its economical commerce. The loss
it sustains with respect to customs it can repair by drawing from the
wealth and industry of the republic. But in a monarchy a step of this
kind must be opposite to reason; for it could have no other effect than
to ease luxury of the weight of taxes. This would be depriving itself of
the only advantage that luxury can procure, and of the only curb which,
in a constitution like this, it is capable of receiving.
