Conscript fathers,
It appears that many Senators here today have forgotten the customs which have guided the proceedings of the Curia Hostilia since time immemorial. Lest ignorance be mistaken for ill-intent, I shall provide what I, in the quality of Censor, consider to be the proper and traditional manner for Senators to partake in the session.
The presiding magistrate/s, in this case Consuls Valerius and Claudius, set the topics of discussion, the relatio, and, should they so wish, may present a specific proposal to be taken by himself and/or other magistrates. If there is debate on the relatio, one or more alternative proposals might be put forward by members of the senate.
The presiding magistrate/s has complete freedom in deciding what to do about these proposals. He may put a proposal to a vote exactly as it has been suggested, or he can make changes to it, or he can refuse to put it to a vote at all. He may create entirely new proposals which have not been discussed during the debate. Indeed he is not obliged to put any proposals to a vote at all. Normally, however, at least one proposal is put to a vote, and it would normally be one which had been discussed during the debate. The presiding magistrate also has complete freedom to decide in which order he puts proposals to a vote, and the result of one vote might influence his decision about which, if any, proposal is put forward next.
Senators may present requests to speak out of turn either prior or after the session's relatio has been fully resolved, these may, or may not, be accepted by the presiding magistrate.
Thus, in regards to our present situation, it is in the Consul's prorogative to put to a vote any proposal in whatever state it may be and it is extremely out of order, to use the term used by some Senators, for members of the Curia to correct the presiding magistrate in regards as to how he can or cannot place proposals on the floor. If the conscript fathers have issues with the bill as presented, be it due to its content or form, they may vote against it.
That being said, it would facilitate the procedure if the Consul could include in his future requests for a vote, a quote on the motion that is being voted on.
Having finished his demonstration, the Censor raised his arm to signal his intent to vote.
In regards the following motion put forth by Consul Valerius:
I, Gaius Cassius Vecellinus, vote Nay to the proposal on account of the irregular, and in my appraisal undesirable, nature of awarding prorogatio prior to the expiration of a magistrate's normal yearly imperium.The next motion we put before this body relates to the governorship of the provinces.
I nominate the following esteemed Senators to the propraetorship, obtaining the necessary imperium to govern the below provinces. I move that the increased hostilities in Hispania do therefore require an additional year to give our governors the time necessary to restore order.
For a one year term:
Governor of Sicily - Hostus Lucretius Tricipitinus
Governor of Sardinia - Titus Furius Pavo
For a two year term:
Governor of Hispania Citerior - Gaius Claudius Nero
Governor of Hispania Ulterior - Gnaeus Domitius Corbulo
I open the floor for debate and then we'll vote.
If there are further nominations, we will determine from drawing lots for the contested provinces.
