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We can only cast a rapid glance at the most important of these facts, which, however, are amply sufficient to decide the question.
In the very first decree issued in consequence of the French Revolution, namely, that of the 3rd of September 1791 (Chapter I. sections 1 and 2), the difference between active and passive citizens is set forth. Only the active citizens are entitled to the franchise, and an active citizen, according to this decree, is only one who pays direct taxes to a certain amount, which is afterwards more precisely stated.
The amount of this taxation was fixed with considerable moderation; it was to be only the value of three days' work, or if we estimate a days' work at the value of 10 silver groschen it would amount to a thaler (three shillings). But what was far more important was this, that all who served for wages were declared to be not active citizens, by which definition the working class was expressly excluded from the right of election. But after all in such questions as these it is not the amount which is of importance but the principle.
A census was introduced, that is to say a specified amount of private property was, by means of the franchise—this first and most important of all political rights—made the condition of participation in the direction of the will of the State, and the determination of its object.
All those who paid no direct taxes at all, or a less amount than the above, or who worked for wages, were excluded from exercising power over the State, and reduced to an inferior subject class. Private property
