On the record
It will not add sensibly to the Treasury, but it will impose a burden upon knowledge.
Source
gutenberg.orgEditor's note · Context
Sumner critiques a proposed tax on books, arguing it burdens knowledge without significantly benefiting the Treasury.
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Nay, more,--if it would be criminal in these several clusters of States to reëstablish the Institution of War as Arbiter of Justice, then is it criminal in the Commonwealth of Nations to continue it.
The first is a heavenly sentiment, from God: the other is a device of this world.
Still further: every ship-of-war that floats costs more than a well-endowed college.
Tendencies of nations, as revealed in history, teach that our aims are in harmony with prevailing laws, which God, in his benevolence, has ordained for mankind.
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