Moreover, being the master of his own funds, he gives to whomsoever he pleases, and all his selections are favors.

Abbe de Vermond writes to Empress Maria Theresa[1442] "Your Majesty knows better than myself, that, according to immemorial custom, three-fourths of the places honors and pensions are awarded not on account of services but out of favor and through influence.

This favor was originally prompted by birth, alliance and fortune; the fact is that it nearly always is based on patronage and intrigue.

This procedure is so well established, that is respected as a sort of justice even by those who suffer the most from it.

A man of worth not able to dazzle by his court alliances, nor through a brilliant expenditure, would not dare to demand a regiment, however ancient and illustrious his services, or his birth.