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ancient Mexico the public tax was often paid in agricultural produce. The taxes are now levied both by the National and State Governments. There are also special taxes for railways and other purposes. Every State has its own tax levy, which varies from year to year. The Federal tax is usually one quarter of the tax paid to the State. It is oftentimes very difficult to collect the former, as the Republic can not sue the State Government for any deficiency that may exist. A Federal treasurer, called the jefe de hacienda, resides in each of the several States, to gather the taxes due the General Government. Taxation is very heavy throughout the country, and especially in the districts adjoining the route of the American railroads.