A Comparative Study of Some of the Leading Music Systems of the 15th, 16th, 17th & 18th Centuries c15.30

c15.30

The emperor, who had been the first to propose the measure, was the first to feel the effects of it. He was soon convinced that the *fiscus* could not be supported by the ordinary taxes, and that the extraordinary contributions, which he had so imprudently abolished, were necessary for the defence of the state. He was therefore obliged to re-establish them, but he did so with such modifications as rendered them less oppressive to the people. He also took care to distribute the burden more equally, and to exempt the poor from the payment of the most grievous taxes.