If we were to examine the matter politically, the prosperity of the two kingdoms could hardly be sought in the size of Copenhagen, and the value of its buildings. Nor do I believe that the wise king, Frederick IV., when he laid on Copenhagen a consumption tax double that of the other cities in the country, so much intended the increase of his revenues, as to prevent the too rapid growth of a single city, which would at last attract to it all the sources of a livelihood. France and England have long complained that their capitals insensibly swallowed up everything; and experience has shown that the Duc de Sully reasoned correctly, when he, in order to prevent this, decided that those French nobles who were not employed in the public service should sooner serve the state and themselves by good management of their estates, than ruin themselves and other families by indolence and extravagance. As regards the second of the Fiscal General's grounds--Count Struensee's authority--it cannot be denied that his Majesty the King was at liberty to grant his confidence to whom he pleased, and decide to what extent he should confer it on Count Struensee. The decree of July 14, 1771, states that the cabinet minister shall draw up the commands which the king gives him verbally, and either lay them before the king for signature, or issue them in the king's name with the seal of the cabinet, after which they shall be obeyed by every one. It is not, therefore, the person of the cabinet minister, but the orders given him by his Majesty himself, and which the king makes known through him, that acquire value through this order. The cabinet was nothing else but the king himself, and Count Struensee was so far from apprehending that he should be confounded with it, that, whenever any one wrote to him as cabinet minister on business matters, he answered that application must be made to the cabinet or the king. He especially remembers that this was the case with General Huth. In the cabinet nothing took place, and not the slightest order was issued from it save under royal authority. The king saw and heard everything that was sent in from the colleges or elsewhere; and himself gave the decision, sometimes in writing, sometimes verbally. Nothing could escape his Majesty's attention, because affairs were repeatedly brought before him: first, when the cabinet order was issued; secondly, when the report was sent in about it by the persons concerned; and, lastly, when the weekly extract of the cabinet orders was approved. Everything was done in the king's name. His Majesty signed the decree in question with his own hand, and from his own most gracious _motu proprio_ appointed Count Struensee cabinet minister.