And yet, absurd as it seems, this sort of policy is not wholly disused even in our day.

The operas and the theaters, and other similar establishments in France, are sustained, in part, by the government; and the liberality and efficiency with which this is done, forms, in some degree, the basis of the popularity of each succeeding administration.

The plan is better systematized and regulated in our day, but it is, in its nature, substantially the same.
[Sidenote: Amusements for the people.] In fact, furnishing amusements for the people, and also providing supplies for their wants, as well as affording them protection, were considered the legitimate objects of government in those days.

It is very different at the present time, and especially in this country.

The whole community are now united in the desire to confine the functions of government within the narrowest possible limits, such as to include only the preservation of public order and public safety.