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PUBLIC LIBRARY

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ELEMENTS

OF

POLITICAL SCIENCE.

BOOK II. CONTINUED.

CHAPTER III.

Of the National Defence.

As defence against external enemies is one of the original causes of social combination, so, in more advanced conditions of mankind, it continues to occupy a great part of the attention of every government. The passions of nations, like those of individuals, are constantly betraying them into acts of injustice: the desire of power, of distinction, or of wealth, is a perpetual incitement to concealed injuries, or open aggressions: and to guard against the one and repel the other, a public force must be maintained in a condition fitted to overawe the enemies of the country. A watchful eye is kept on the actions of every state

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conceived, from interest or ambition, to be hostilely disposed; alliances are formed with other governments threatened by the same dangers, or actuated by similar views and apprehensions: but all these precautions would be ineffectual, unless a military force were provided, sufficient to assert the national rights, to succour the national allies, and to vindicate the national honour.

In forming such a military establishment, the state has a right to call for the services of all her citizens. The public protection, too important to be committed to casual patriotism, can be safely confided only to the joint efforts of all, according to a system previously arranged and universally understood. Nor is there any hardship in compelling each individual to perform his military duty. The security which arises from the social combination being common to all, participation in such measures as are indispensable to the enjoyment of this security, must also extend to every citizen. He who should refuse the performance of this essential duty, could have no title to the advantages derived from the exertions of others; having contributed nothing to the common defence, he could have no claim to public protection. Every exemption, except in cases where military service is incompatible with other public duties, being an attempt to procure the advantages of society without contributing to its support, is repugnant to the principles of civil equality; and, consequently, the service of each

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