29.15
Whilst
steps were being taken to complete the drafts for the legions in the
provinces, some of the senators suggested that the time had come to deal
with a state of things, which, however they might have put up with it at a
time of critical emergency, was intolerable now that the goodness of the
gods had removed their fears. Amid the close attention of the House they
stated that "the twelve Latin colonies which refused to furnish soldiers when
Q. Fabius and Q. Fulvius were our consuls have now for almost six years
been enjoying an exemption from military service, as though an honourable
distinction had been conferred upon them. In the meanwhile our good and
faithful allies have, as a reward for their fidelity and devotion, been
completely exhausted by the levies which they have raised year after year."
These words not only recalled to the memory of the senate a fact which they
had almost forgotten, but they called forth a strong feeling of resentment.
Accordingly, they insisted on taking this as the first business before the
House, and made the following decree: "The consuls shall summon to Rome
the chief magistrates and the ten leading councillors of each of the offending
colonies, namely, Nepete, Sutrium, Ardea, Cales, Alba, Carseoli, Sora,
Suessa, Setia, Cerceii, Narnia, and Interamna. They shall order each colony
to supply a contingent of infantry twice as numerous as the largest they have
raised since the Carthaginians appeared in Italy, and 120 cavalry in addition.
In case any colony cannot make up the required number of mounted men
they shall be allowed to substitute three foot-soldiers for each horseman
deficient. Both the cavalry and infantry are to be selected from the wealthiest
citizens, and sent wherever reinforcements are required outside the limits of
Italy. If any of them refuse to comply with this demand, we order that the
magistrates and representatives of that colony be detained, and no audience
of the senate shall be granted until they have done what is required of them.
In addition to these requirements a property tax of one tenth per cent. shall
be imposed on those colonies to be paid annually, and the assessment shall
be made similarly to the one in force in Rome. The Roman censors are to
supply the censors of the colonies with the necessary schedule of
instructions, and the latter must bring their lists to Rome and verify their
accuracy on oath before going out of office."
In pursuance of this resolution of the senate the magistrates and
chief councillors of those colonies were summoned to Rome. When the
consuls ordered them to furnish the necessary supplies of men and money
they broke out into loud and angry remonstrances. It was impossible, they
said, for so many soldiers to be raised, they would have the utmost difficulty
in getting as many as they were bound to supply under the old conditions.
They entreated that they might be allowed to appear and plead their cause
before the senate, and protested that they had done nothing to justify this
ruinous treatment. Even if it meant death to them, no fault which they might
have committed, no angry threats on the part of Rome could make them
raise more men than they possessed. The consuls were inflexible and ordered
the representatives to remain in Rome whilst the magistrates returned home
to levy the men. They were told that unless the required number of men was
brought to Rome the senate would grant them no audience. As there was no
hope of approaching the senate and begging for more favourable treatment,
they proceeded with the enlistment throughout the twelve colonies, and it
presented no difficulty owing to the increase in the number of men of
military age through the long exemption.