The Curia, 79 BCE

[Pontifex Maximus]

From what I can gather, troops of dwarves, Greeks, actors, and other such scum are performing various comedy routines meant to denigrate this august body. It is not such a simple matter as pressing charged against a handful of individuals, but clearing the streets of undesirable, unscrupulous troops of miscreants. I consider it a matter of morality as well as maintaining law and order.

[Rhapture]

"Street cleaning? I know that is a job for the Aediles."

[Major Darling]

"Could we consider it a violation of your sacrosanctity as Tribune, and also Servius?"

[Pontifex Maximus]

And what of official denunciation?

[Major Darling]

"Well as violators, they can face any punishment willed by the Tribunes."

[Rhapture]

"Tribunal powers are not to be abused to punish people. That is not their purpose. They are meant to protect the rights of the people in government assemblies. Also these mobs are not Roman citizens, and if are discontent with the Senate, I see no reason why the sanctity of the Tribune alone would protect him. "

[grouchy13]

"let us not lose focus senators these pathetic plays may hold the plebs attention for a mere second, a good set of games will restore any damage done by these nigling miscreants and their filth, let us settle this matter in the courts. An accusation of slander made by any one of us as a private citizen can meet their threat head on, let us call for a large sum of compensation and put them out of business.

We can enforce a suspension of the play while legal proceedings are carried out, if they continue to perform we'll hold them in contempt, either way the play is stopped and our games will repair any damage done by these transgressions"

Marcus looks towards Severus and Quintus,

"softly softly catchy monket my brothers, denounciations and plebs rights all have their place but their is more than one way to achieve our aims. Let us go for the path of least resistance nay"

[Pontifex Maximus]

Then let us allow Marcus to execute his plan. I am weary of this debate - we still have other matters to discuss, anyway.

[Scipio Africanus]

Servius stands

If I might, Tribune? I have a matter currently effecting Iberia I would like to present to the Curia.

[TheTempest]

Titus enters the Curia to observe the days debates.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Please, continue

[Scipio Africanus]

The people of Iberia are discontent with the ongoing war in Africa. They do not believe they should be taxed to support the war effort, and thus refuse to pay their portion of the taxes that go to such funding.. The general opinion of the people feel the legions taken from them are their protection, not the African peoples. They also disagree with the surplus grain modii being shipped away to different Proconsulates. Proconsul Agricola has devised an alternative, for this year, to act as if the peoples pleas had been heard, and has proposed to pay the difference in the deficit from his own treasury, this will fill the tax void left by the discontent, and avoids any aggressive action being taken by our already strained forces in the region. The issue of tax loss has therefore been remedied.

Thoughts, Senators?

[Rhapture]

If Proconsul Agricola wishes to pay the difference that is fine. No one will complain about that. But what is he doing so that this problem does not crop up again next year or the year after. There must be something he can do to settle the populace down."
Valerius commented.

[tyboman]

Titus stands to speak

If we agree to succumb to their demands, then what will they see us as? We must show them that they are our legions, our taxes, and we are allowing them to even keep enough grain to feed themselves, let alone surpluses was grain. "Vae Victus" woe to the vanquished, they Must be threatened wih marshal law.

[grouchy13]

Marcus rises,

"As much as see the logic behind your sentiments good Titus a too heavy handed approach in Iberia could very well flare up a rebellion the Iberians are troublesome lot ney?"

"I propose we ascend to the Iberians demands at this time, the approriation of Grain should be our priority, a shortage in Italia and Graecia should need to be remidied this year while the war in Africa should recieve our undivided Military attention"

"The picture from Iberia is unclear, who are the architects of this malcontent?, in what area's of the provence does the unrest seem sharpest?, I propose we find out the full picture before enflaming the whole provence. Once we have a more accurate picture on the ground we can act against the ringleaders and restore order in the region, this path will give us time to martial more forces to reinforce good Quintus so we may seek the full taxation as soon possible"

"My Cousin Gnaeus has come of age, If good Quintus consents I proposes sending him and a small retinue of chosen men to reconniter the provence and report to the Quintus on his findings, Quintus can then brief the Curia so we may act from a position of strength with adequate forces and a full understanding of what is happening on the ground, let us not rush into what potentially become a politically sensitive issue, Eagles and axes can come later there will be plenty of time to teach the Iberians the lesson of defying our great power, Italia and Graecia need feeding with Iberian Grain first and foremost"

Marcus resumes his seat.

[Scipio Africanus]

If Proconsul Agricola wishes to pay the difference that is fine. No one will complain about that. But what is he doing so that this problem does not crop up again next year or the year after. There must be something he can do to settle the populace down."
Valerius commented.

Servius nods

The people want to feel important. They want to believe the Senate cares for them and is investing interest in Iberia. Therefore I propose senate approval for the project we discussed last year in the Curia before these recent events unfolded. With Proconsul Agricola covering the costs of the tax deficit himself, the provincial incomes will be covered in cost, and pave the way for improving Galicia, and is a sure way to content the people, as they will know they are not being forgotten...

Lex Gallaecia Melioramentis

The Senate approves to administer the funds necessary for the infrastuctural improvements of basic amenities, such as Roads, Aqueducts, and Granaries to the Proconsulate of Iberia, for the Republican Provinces of Galicia I, Galicia II, & Galicia III.

Any concerns of the proposal?

[tyboman]

"I agree about not being too heavy handed.."

Titus stood

"But what happens when Gaul, or Greece find out that we fear using too heavy a hand for fear of rebellion? Will they not want to keep their extra grain, and want more troops to protect them? Will they not demand lower taxes, and when denied, will they not then also flare up in rebellion? If we show the people of Iberia how little tolerance we allow for dissenters, then the rest of the republic will not even attempt to match the Iberians on the fear of their punishment."

Titus motioned to the rest of the senate

"I do not seek to go in and butcher the people, only to deny their demands, and show them how good of a life they have. They have some of the most fruitful crops this year, and make up a large portion of the republic's income. We need not kill to make a point, only show them what they have and why they can't have what they selfishly demand."

[Pontifex Maximus]

I second the motion on the floor

[grouchy13]

"If all it takes is for some roads to be built to secure Iberia's grain and stifle potential unrest I too second the motion"

[Major Darling]

"Then it shall be moved to vote, and dealt with speedily."