The examples of this mischievous economy, and of the inconveniences resulting from it, are more frequent in Russia than under any other European government. I have thoroughly studied them, and I am sure they would rob me at the altar. There is, Sire, a most important maxim, which in matters of government is too frequently neglected. It fortifies a man's probity against the influence of sinister and seductive motives. The fear of losing it will in general be more than equivalent to the ordinary temptations held out by illicit gains.
Wants keep pace with dignity.
Destitute of the lawful means of supporting his rank, his dignity presents a motive for malversation, and his power furnishes the means. History abounds with crimes, the result of this ill-judged policy. If a justification be required for the extraordinarily high salaries, which it is customary to pay to the supreme magistrates who are called Kings , it will be found in the principles above laid down. The Americans, by denominating their chief magistrate a President , have thereby made a small salary, compared with what is paid in England to the sovereign, answer every purpose of a large one. Because the dignity Of the president is compared with that of the other officers of the republic, whilst in Europe the dignity of the sovereign is measured by a sort of comparison with that of other kings.