Curia Session 196 B.C.

[Gnaeus Domitius Corbulo Hispanicus]

I humbly accept the nomination of Governor of Hispania Ulterior. I do not take this task lightly and would put every bit of my energy into representing the Senate and people of Rome in Hispania. My vision for the future of the province is an expansion of the infrastructure present to more quickly respond to threats and uprisings as they happen. As we have only just incorporated this territory in the Republic, we must first work on securing the safety of our fellow Romans going there to make new lives. We must also ensure our investments and territory are not pounced upon by opportunistic and barbarous Celtiberians. Once we have ensured the defense of the province I will work to expand the mines there to increase the mineral wealth of the province. This will greatly increase the revenue brought back to Rome and will be enjoyed by all Romans.

I will also make use of my military experience to put down rebellions in Hispania and pacify the Celtiberian tribes who take up arms against us.

Allow me to take this opportunity to nominate the excellent Claudius Nero for propraetor of Hispania Citerior.

[Gaius Cassius Vecellinus]

The Censor, G. Cassius Vecellinus, could be found watching the proceedings intently and nodding his approval at the apparent consensus for an expedition against the Boii. Having awaited his turn, he raised himself from his seat.

Conscript fathers,

I would propose, as requested by the presiding magistrate, that we settle each of the motions put forth by Consul Valerius Marius before moving to further topics. As such, I find it highly appropriate and in keeping with mos maiorum that the Senate, having found Rome's dignity slighted by the Boii tribe, shows itself broadly in agreement as to the need to inflict retribution on the Boii tribe. Indeed it would strike me almost as unRoman to think otherwise.

In regards as to how such retribution is to be delivered, I would support the motion, or a variant of it, as put forth by Senator Aurelius Cotta for a total of four legions to be deployed against the Boii, with two being consular and two raised from amongst the Socii. The motion having been put forth by Consul Valerius Marius, it would make only sense for him to lead such an endeavor and taking with him as many qualified subordinate officers as he deems necessary.

If the other Senators are in agreement and the Consul gives its assent, I move that we settle this matter in regards Cisalpine Gaul and then move to discuss the protection of Rome's Hispanian provinces.

[Marcus Aurelius Cotta]

The Censor, G. Cassius Vecellinus, could be found watching the proceedings intently and nodding his approval at the apparent consensus for an expedition against the Boii. Having awaited his turn, he raised himself from his seat.

Conscript fathers,

I would propose, as requested by the presiding magistrate, that we settle each of the motions put forth by Consul Valerius Marius before moving to further topics. As such, I find it highly appropriate and in keeping with mos maiorum that the Senate, having found Rome's dignity slighted by the Boii tribe, shows itself broadly in agreement as to the need to inflict retribution on the Boii tribe. Indeed it would strike me almost as unRoman to think otherwise.

In regards as to how such retribution is to be delivered, I would support the motion, or a variant of it, as put forth by Senator Aurelius Cotta for a total of four legions to be deployed against the Boii, with two being consular and two raised from amongst the Socii. The motion having been put forth by Consul Valerius Marius, it would make only sense for him to lead such an endeavor and taking with him as many qualified subordinate officers as he deems necessary.

If the other Senators are in agreement and the Consul gives its assent, I move that we settle this matter in regards Cisalpine Gaul and then move to discuss the protection of Rome's Hispanian provinces.

Seconded, may we have a vote, good Consul?

[Hostus Lucretius Tricipitinus]

I believe Lucretius Tricipitinus to be a capable administrator and support his desire for governorship of Sicily.

Hostus smiled and nodded at the Senator in thanks for his support. Then he turned towards the arrogant Aurelius Cotta and began speaking:

Senator, are we not here to discuss upon matters before putting it to a vote? Before we get too carried away, perhaps we should actually discuss matters of finances. Just to remind my fellow Senators, we are expecting 5.7 million in revenues. Six legions in combat is approximately 5.4 million. Add in public works costs of .5 and that leaves us at a deficit. That doesn't even account for the costs associated with the use of allies.

I don't think you'll fine a single Senator opposed to punishing the Boii for their transgressions, but must we bleed ourselves white in order to do it? We can avenge the wrongs done to Rome, while being fiscally prudent.

[TerranSteel]

Conscript Fathers,

We must also take into account the yearly expenditure of military expeditions. The Boii tribals, while uncivilized and malicious, will take more than one year to likely pacify. To that end, we should be frugal and cautious in our raising of soldiers against these threats - especially as we face so many across the Republic’s domains.

I support the measure of sending two legions in total to Hispania with the sending of one Legion and two Socii legions to the north.

[Marcus Aurelius Cotta]

I believe Lucretius Tricipitinus to be a capable administrator and support his desire for governorship of Sicily.

Hostus smiled and nodded at the Senator in thanks for his support. Then he turned towards the arrogant Aurelius Cotta and began speaking:

Senator, are we not here to discuss upon matters before putting it to a vote? Before we get too carried away, perhaps we should actually discuss matters of finances. Just to remind my fellow Senators, we are expecting 5.7 million in revenues. Six legions in combat is approximately 5.4 million. Add in public works costs of .5 and that leaves us at a deficit. That doesn't even account for the costs associated with the use of allies.

I don't think you'll fine a single Senator opposed to punishing the Boii for their transgressions, but must we bleed ourselves white in order to do it? We can avenge the wrongs done to Rome, while being fiscally prudent.

Conscript Fathers,

To address the matter of fiscal prudence.

I believe, with the expenses of legions stationed in provinces, these additional overheads for combat could be covered by those whom we are protecting. Provinces have to pay their fair share too!

I would note as well, that the proposal is for four Roman legions, the Socii and Latin legions are their own business. The price of protection is not borne by the Senate and People of Rome alone!

[Amulius Valerius Marius]

I propose the following instead.

A consular legion shall be assigned to the propraetor of Hispania Citerior and another to that of Hispania Ulterior. These propraetors shall be tasked with pacifying their respective provinces.

The Socii and the Latins shall each be requested to provide a legion to the service of the Republic for the purpose of the campaign against the Boii. If funds are required to bolster these allied legions, the senate shall authorize them.

But Rome should not send all of its veteran legions to defeat opponents of far less worth than Carthage, and we should certainly not send freshly raised legions to fight former Carthaginian allies in Hispania.

I leave the floor to the Senators present to consider this more reasonable proposal.

The motion for deployments is adjusted by mutual agreement for consideration by the body. The four consular legions will be funded for combat operations and raising two Socii Allies to assist against the Boii. This measure will reduce the cost for the state while still remaining a potent force against our foe.

We also remain mindful that our provinces are yet to provide their funds to the treasury, which will mitigate some of these expenses.

The measure proposed will only add an additional cost of some 700,000d over the current budget. Our success, the gods willing, will also contribute to the treasury.

We will proceed to a vote on this motion if my co-consul has no objections?

[Postumus Caesonius Tacitus]

Conscript Fathers,

If I may make a recommendation, I'd like to suggest a 5th Roman legion raised to remain in reserve in case troubles arise elsewhere. With our allies raising two legions under the proposal; that'd still, ableit narrowly, give us a net positive income even when including 500,000 for Rome maintenance excluding income from the provinces. Expenses would be 5,611,400 and income 5,730,000 with an additional million from the provinces expected.

[Gaius Cassius Vecellinus]

Fellow Senators,

It grieves me greatly that some consider that the dignity of the Senate and People of Rome should be held hostage to the subjective and highly debatable notion of fiscal prudence! The Boii are at our doorstep and they have proven themselves to be traitorous in their intent and very capable in their martial ability.

Roman honor demands this threat be stamped out once and for all, cost be damned! Indeed, if one wants to speak of the loathsome topic of finances, was it not on the back of the conflict with Macedon, fought under far more strenuous fiscal conditions, that the Republic made good on its Carthaginian war debts? Rome's fiscal prudence has always been a simple recipe: to take from her enemies for the good of the Republic!

To send a lesser force is to condemn our men to more bloodshed than necessary and indeed flaunt overconfidence in the face of the goddess Victoria!

[admin]

No objections are raised by the Plebeian Consul.