ing formed a
powerful check to the tyranny of the great, who could no longer oppress
the lower classes, or silence them with threats in the council as they
had formerly done, and it therefore gave general satisfaction, though to
the wealthy classes it was in the highest degree offensive. But as it is
found men are never satisfied, but that the possession of one advantage
only makes them desire more, the people, not content with the equality
of taxation which the new law produced, demanded that the same rule
should be applied to past years; that in investigation should be made
to determine how much, according to the Catasto, the rich had paid less
than their share, and that they should now pay up to an equality with
those who, in order to meet the demand unjustly made, had been compelled
to sell their possessions. This proposal alarmed the great more than
the Catasto had done; and in self-defense they unceasingly decried it,
declaring it in the highest degree unjust in being laid not only on
immovable but movable property, which people possess to-day and lose
to-morrow; that many persons have hidden wealth which the Catasto cannot
reach; that those who leave their own affairs to manage those of the
republic should be less burdened by her, it being enough for them to
give their labour, and that it was unjust of the city to take both
their property and their time, while of others she only took money. The
advocates of the Catasto replied, that if movable property varies, the
taxes would also vary, and frequently rating it would remedy the evil
to which it was subject; that it was unnecessary to mention those who
possessed hidden property; for it would be unreasonable to take taxes
for that which produced no interest, and that if it paid anything, it
could not fail to be discovered: that those who did not like to labor
for the republic might cease to do so; for no doubt she would find
plenty of loving citizens who would take pleasure in assisting her
with both money and counsel: that the advantages and honors of a
participation in the government are so great, that of themselves they
are a sufficient remuneration to those who thus employ themselves,
without wishing to be excused from paying their share of taxes. But,
they added, the real grievance had not been mentioned: for those who
were offended with the Catasto, regretted they could no longer involve
the city in all the difficulties of war without injury to themselves,
now