This last course would be the simpler and better one; but, to induce the nations to adopt it, requires such a co-operation of able minds and generous hearts as is at present out of the question.
Competition, sometimes called liberty of trade,--in a word, property in exchange,--will be for a long time the basis of our commercial legislation; which, from the economical point of view, embraces all civil laws and all government.

Now, what is competition?
A duel in a closed field, where arms are the test of right.
"Who is the liar,--the accused or the accuser ?" said our barbarous ancestors.

"Let them fight it out," replied the still more barbarous judge; "the stronger is right." Which of us two shall sell spices to our neighbor?
"Let each offer them for sale," cries the economist; "the sharper, or the more cunning, is the more honest man, and the better merchant." Such is the exact spirit of the Code Napoleon.
TENTH PROPOSITION.
Property is impossible, because it is the Negation of equality.
The development of this proposition will be the resume of the preceding ones.
1.

It is a principle of economical justice, that PRODUCTS ARE BOUGHT ONLY BY PRODUCTS.

Property, being capable of defence only on the ground that it produces utility, is, since it produces nothing, for ever condemned.
2.