Originally Posted by
chaplain118
I have read the Pro-praetor of Nearer Gaul's report about the presence of a possible Gallic army at our footsteps. We have all heard it being narrated before us by the messenger. Did he specifically not say to NOT antagonize the Gauls? Also, why must we bring yet ANOTHER three legions north? According to Consul Annalis' reports, there are already four legions stationed at Genua, Mediolanum, Bonnonia, and Arretium, not to mention the legion directly behind them in Ancona. Moving another three legions would increase the total power concentrated there to be a total of seven legions. Seven!
Now, senators. I don't know about you, but seven legions. That is the amount we used to conquer the Punics in the latter days of the Second Punic War. Why post seven legions at the border if we have plans of only a DEFENSIVE action. It seems to me that the Consul's plan seems more intent on MAKING WAR against the Gauls rather than preserving a peace. So I cannot support point II.
Neither can I support point II. The area of Narboensis is under the jurisdiction of the Pro-Praetor in the province of Nearer Gaul. If the consul wishes to have command of the legions there, then he may request imperium from the Senate IN THE EVENT OF A WAR and war only. But why keep a legion in a province under consular command unless you do not trust the man running the province? And if that is the case, why even bother putting that man there?
As for the last point, while I may agree with its principle, I cannot agree with its merit. We need fleets to transport troops to and from Italy to the provinces, but there is already a fleet available in both western and eastern Italy that can easily be relocated for such purposes.
And what of the legions that Annalis said would have gone to Africa? I see no mentions of it in your bill. You are letting your personal vendetta against the Patricians hinder the good of the Republic, Celer, and that we cannot allow. Strike the latter three points from your bill and replace them with this clause:
II. Another two legions are to be sent to the west, with one to Africa, and one to Hispania.
III. The fleets on both coasts of Italy are to be used for the Proconsuls to help them better facilitate the transport of troops.
If this bill continues in its current form, then I have no choice but to ask the honorable tribune to veto it. As it is clearly both war-mongering as well as grossly overstepping the boundaries of assigned powers.