--"The climate, that is, the air and the soil, is the
first element for the legislator. _His_ resources prescribe to him
his duties. First, he must consult _his_ local position. A
population dwelling upon maritime shores must have laws fitted for
navigation.... If the colony is located in an inland region, a
legislator must provide for the nature of the soil, and for its
degree of fertility....
"It is more especially in the distribution of property that the
wisdom of legislation will appear. As a general rule, and in every
country, when a new colony is founded, land should be given to each
man, sufficient for the support of his family....
"In an uncultivated island, which _you_ are colonizing with
children, it will only be needful to let the germs of truth expand
in the developments of reason! But when _you_ establish old people
in a new country, the skill consists in _only allowing it_ those
injurious opinions and customs which it is impossible to cure and
correct. If _you_ wish to prevent them from being perpetuated, you
will act upon the rising generation by a general and public
education of the children. A prince, or legislator, ought never to
found a colony without previously sending wise men there to
instruct the youth.
Pages:
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222