—Then by taxing exports you make foreigners help pay your expenses.[15]
—I find you at fault, this is not justice.
—Why not? In order to secure the production of any one thing, there must be instruction, security, roads, and other costly things in the country. Why shall not the foreigner who is to consume this product, bear the charges its production necessitates?
—This is contrary to received ideas.
—Not the least in the world. The last purchaser must repay all the direct and indirect expenses of production.
—No matter what you say, it is plain that such a measure would paralyze commerce; and cut off all exports.
—That is an illusion. If you were to pay this tax besides all the others, you would be right. But, if the hundred millions raised in this way, relieve you of other taxes to the same amount, you go into foreign markets with all your advantages, and even with more, if this duty has occasioned less embarrassment and expense.
—I will reflect on this. So now the salt, postage and customs are regulated. Is all ended there?
—I am just beginning.
—Pray, initiate me in your Utopian ideas.