Note 169-4 — Chapter III

Missionaries! Besides the extremely small wages paid to common soldiers (in the German infantry only 36.5 thalers cash per annum, to which in Leipzig, for instance, rations, etc., add about 34 thalers more) is an outlay made by the government principally to effect a levy of the tax of the compulsory labor that lies in conscription. (Knies.) In the volunteer system, the difference between officers and men is wont to be much smaller. Thus, Gustav Wasa paid his German mercenaries as follows: 6 marks a month to captains, five to lieutenants and 4 to common soldiers. (Geijer, Schwed. Gesch., II, 125 seq.) Similarly in the case of the Greek hired troops. (Böckh, Staatshaushalt der Athener, I, 165 ff.) As to how little at the outbreak of a war, soldier earnest money is increased, and positions as officers most sought after, see Hermann, II, Aufl., 479.