32.2
This year
the Carthaginians conveyed to Rome the first instalment of the war
indemnity. It was paid in silver and the quaestors reported that it was not up
to standard value, and on assaying it found that one-fourth was alloy. The
Carthaginians made up the deficiency by borrowing money in Rome. They
petitioned the senate to allow their hostages to be restored, and a hundred
were given back to them. Hopes were held out of the restoration of the
remainder if Carthage was true to her obligations. A further request which
they put forward was that the hostages who were still detained might be
moved from Norba where they were very uncomfortable, and placed
elsewhere. It was agreed that they should be removed to Signia and
Ferentinum. A deputation from Gades came with a request that no prefect
might be sent there, as this would be in contravention of the agreement made
with L. Marcius Septimus when they placed themselves under the protection
of Rome. Their request was granted. Delegates also came from Narnia who
stated that their colony was short of its proper number and that some of
inferior status had found their way amongst them, and were giving
themselves out to be colonists. The consul L. Cornelius was instructed to
appoint three commissioners to deal with the case. Those appointed were the
two Aelii -Publius and Sextus, both of whom had the cognomen of Paetus -and Cn. Cornelius Lentulus. The colonists at Cosa also requested an
augmentation of their number, but their request was refused.
