Of course it is almost impossible to trace out just what each Russian peasant gives up to the government, and what he receives in return. Without a government of some kind he could not produce or hold anything except by force against his fellows—land, goods, money, family, all would be _totally_ insecure. As it is, he does get _some_ security in these respects. In return he gives practically _all_ his freedom, time and energy. On the other hand, a Grand Duke may give up to his country hardly any freedom, time and energy, and yet be rolling in wealth. Something is wrong. It is not a fair bargain. It is not a good government. How about _our_ government? Is it a fair bargain? Modern civilization is very complex. No two men can really give just the same amount to the common country, since all men differ in ability. But the country asks only certain things from its individuals. To be fair the point is to _ask the same from all_. The country gives only certain things to its individuals: the point is to _give the same to all_. Our country doesn’t demand military service in time of peace, as do many other countries. And, in _return_, it doesn’t give us a tremendous standing army. If it _did_ demand military service, to be fair it would have to make the demand equally of _all_ able to bear arms. If it _did_ give us a big standing army, to be fair it would have to use this army to protect us _all_ equally. If our country taxes certain goods, it must tax them everywhere—not for one man and not for the next. If there is a tax of one cent on every bale of a certain commodity, each man should pay one cent for every bale he owns. If there is a tax of one cent on every dollar, each man should pay one cent for every dollar he owns. Is this the case in the United States? If the Government gives certain privileges to a few men, it should give the same to all. Is this always done in our country? Of course all may not always want a certain privilege. It is open to all, but only a few use it. Is this all that is required of the Government? Or, since the Government has nevertheless given some of the general fund to only a few, should these few make some adequate _return_ for what they have used from the common property? Is this always done in our country? Ask yourself similar questions about every case that comes up. What I have said doesn’t pretend to “explain politics,” but it ought to give everyone a test or basis to refer everything back to. Ask yourself whether any law or custom is a _fair bargain_. You can tell well enough when you deal with the grocer or the milkman whether you are getting a fair bargain. Try to in these other matters.