in every bailiwick, ſufficient for the militia of the diſtrict, and a ſum of money for three months pay. The dragoons are choſen from the ſubſtantial farmers, who are obliged to provide their own horſes and accoutrements. There is a council of war, of which the avoyer out of place is preſident, in peace; in war, a general is appointed to command all the forces of the ſtate.
There is a political ſeminary for the youth, called the exterior ſtate, which is a miniature of the whole government. The young men aſſemble and go through all the forms; they have their grand council, ſenate, avoyers, treaſurers, bannerets, ſeizeniers, &c.: the poſt of avoyer is ſought with great aſſiduity. They debate upon political ſubjects, and thus improve their talents by exerciſe, and became more capable of ſerving the public in future life.
The nobility in this country are haughty, and much averſe to mixing in company, or any familiar converſation with the common people: the commons are taught to believe the nobles ſuperiors, whoſe right it is to rule; and they believe their teachers, and are very willing to be governed.
LETTER XII.
FRIBOURG.
My dear Sir,
THE canton of Fribourg is ariſtocratical, not having more than forty families, who can have any part in the government. Theſe all live very nobly; that is to fay, without commerce, manufactures, or trades.
