45.18
First
of all it was resolved that the Macedonians and Illyrians should be free
peoples, so that it might be clear to all the world that the arms of Rome did
not carry slavery to the free, but on the contrary freedom to the enslaved;
and also that amongst those nations which enjoyed liberty, the security and
permanence of their liberty rested under the protection of Rome, whilst on
the other hand those who lived under the rule of kings might be led to
believe that their kings were all the more just and merciful through the
respect they felt for Rome, and if ever their sovereigns began war, the issue
of the war would bring victory to Rome and liberty to the people. It was also
resolved to abolish all contracts for working the mines of Macedonia, which
afforded a considerable revenue, and also all leases of the royal domains;
these could not be carried on without the tax-farmer, and wherever the
tax-farmer flourished either the law lost its authority or the subjects their
liberty. Nor were the Macedonians able to work them themselves, for where
those in charge found plunder ready to their hand there were never lacking
causes for quarrels and riots. The national council was suppressed, lest some
unprincipled flatterer of the mob should turn the safe and reasonable liberty
which had been granted into a dangerous and fatal licence. Macedonia was
to be divided into four cantons, each to have its own council, and the tribute
to Rome was to be half what they had been accustomed to pay to the king.
The same regulations were made in the case of Illyria. The other measures
were left to the generals and commissioners, as they would be dealing with
matters on the spot and would be able to make more definite arrangements.