Curia Session II 196 B.C.

[Hostus Lucretius Tricipitinus]

Esteemed Senators,

At the very minimum we must fund the 500,000 Denarii that is required to maintain the public works in Rome. The greatest city in the known world must retain its splendor, or else we may lose the favor of the gods we so enjoy. What message would the gods, or our neighboring nations, receive if they saw that our vast works began to crumble and fade away to the sands of time? No, that is unacceptable. No true Roman could see that come to pass.

Considering that we have raised our forces in combat and may need the flexibility to raise more legions if needed - I recommend we only fund two priorities this year: the 500,000 Denarii maintenance and 100,000 Denarii for the festivals we all enjoy. The rest of our funds should be reserved in the treasury, which still needs to be rebuilt.

Let us be conservative with our funds to ensure our Consular armies have the resources they need, should they need it. So that we have the funds to colonize the lands we will add to Rome's glory. Waste not and want not.

[Marcus Silvius Pastor]

After sharing affirmative glances across the Senate floor, accompanied by minor gesticulations, M. Silvius Pastor waited for a break in the discussion, adjusted his toga, and rose to speak.

Hearing the budgetary proposals of our fellow conscript fathers, I speak in support of the retained allocation of 500,000 Denarii for the regular and annual maintenance of works in Rome. As astutely noted, those who came before us in this august body have found such sum of 500,000 Denarii to be both necessary and essential for the maintenance of Roman works. Short of extraordinary circumstances, which we currently do not find ourselves, I cannot support the deviation from such precedent - especially, as pointed out, when such deviation could be construed as an insult to our Gods or by our barbarous enemies as weakness.

I further support the proposal made by our Censor, C. Cassius Vecellinus, for the general allocation of 200,000 Denarii to be utilized at the Censor's discretion for various projects. Such funds, spent at the Consul's discretion and at the consultation of a public commission made up of our fellow conscript fathers, would the allocation of funds for necessary improvements while reserving the remainder back to the Treasury at the end of the term of Censorship. At the Censor's invitation, I would be both humbled and honored to serve Rome on this public commission - should this body have no objection - and implore the other named Senators, M. Aurelius Cotta and Post. Caesonius Tacitus, to accept the same invitation.

In sum, I advocate for the general allocation of 500,000 Denarii for regular and annual maintenance of works, as well as the allocation of 200,000 Denarii for extraordinary expenditures at the Censor's discretion, for a maximum total allotment of 700,000 Denarii for the glory and honor of Rome. I humbly ask that these conscript fathers assembled support the Censor's proposal, or, if in disagreement, graciously present an alternative.

[admin]

The Consul signals a vote on the following

"A sum of 500,000 Denarii is given to the Censor to share with the Aediles as he sees fit for the maintenance of the City.

The Censor is authorized to spend an additional 200,000 Denarii only if necessary on other projects that he discovers are necessary for the duration of the year"

[Marcus Aurelius Cotta]

Aye

[Marcus Silvius Pastor]

Aye.

[TerranSteel]

Aye.

[Hostus Lucretius Tricipitinus]

I have faith in the good Censor and the Aediles to appropriately handle the funds of the people of Rome.

Aye.

[Proculus Lucius Regulus]

Aye.

[Postumus Caesonius Tacitus]

Aye.

[Gaius Quinctilius Varus]

Aye