Session XXVI 31 December 2753

This is a report of a session of the Nova Roma Senate of prid. Kal. Ian. ‡, Q. Maximo M. Minucio cos. ‡ MMDCCLIII a.u.c..

Senate action for 31 December 2753 as posted in the “old Tabularium” Tiberius Galerius Paulinus, Censor 9 August 2761 A.V.C.

Senatvs Consvlta Senate Voting Results 31 December MMDCCLIII as published by tribune Lucius Sergius Australicus

Salvete Omnes!

Here is, I trust, the final, complete compilation of the votes, comments, and speeches of Senators, posted in the process of voting on the December 2000 agenda.

The order of names signifies only the order in which I received each Senator's votes, which is clearly NOT the order in which they voted.

I have spent much time trying to arrange this text in a compact format which would remain easily readable. This seems to be the best I can do with such a huge email message. If I were to continue in this duty, I think I would publish this as an Adobe Acrobat (.PDF) document and have it posted on the Web site.

Valete,

L. Sergius Aust. Obst., ex-Tribunus Plebis

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Prefacing remarks --

Patricia Cassia: Before I vote, I ask the guidance of Roma and Minerva for us all, and may Fortuna bless our outgoing Consuls, Quintus Fabius Maximus and Marcus Minucius Audens, for their dedication, energy and patience.

Marcus Cassius Julianus: (none)

Caius Aelius Ericius: (none)

Marcus Marcius Rex: (none)

Marcus Octavius Germanicus: I ask Minerva to come to the aid of the Senate and grant us the wisdom to give these proposals proper consideration.

Flavius Vedius Germanicus: And before I issue my own votes, I would like to extend my personal thanks to both of our Esteemed Consuls for their dedication and hard work in the past year. They have both done an outstanding job, and I only hope to do as well in the coming year. Thank you, Gentlemen.

Lucius Cornelius Sulla: Comment: I don't know exactly what to say, but that it was an honor to be apart of Nova Roma during the Consulship of Q. Fabius Maximus and M. Municius Audens. Nova Roma prospered under your guidance. I respect both of you immensely.

Marcus Iunius Iulianus: [proxies cast by L. Cornelius Sulla]

Marcus Minucius Audens: Before I make my vote known, at this time I should like to voice my pleasure in working with such a dedicated group of people in the past year. Acting as Junior Consul has been a growing experience, one demanding hard decisions, patience and understanding. It would have been most difficult to do were it not for those of this body with whom I have had the privilege to work closely and the hard working Senior Consul at my side. I hope that the Consuls-Elect may have as rewarding an experience as I have had in the year ahead. I now step to the Front of the Forum, and draw my toga over my head, and stand in respect of those Gods of Rome who have tolerated and given of that grace they have to give, in my work here. I stand for a moment of silence to show the respect that I feel for the vision and accomplishment perpetrated in the worship of these deities who represent the founding of this great Roman Culture and have given their assured strength to the reestablishment of Nova Roma in the modern day.

Titus Labienus Fortunatus: (none)

Marcus Mucius Scaevola Magister: (none)

Quintus Fabius Maximus: I pray to Minervia guide me in the following Decius Iunius Palladius: Thank you consuls Quintus Fabius Maximus and Marcus Minucius Audens for all you have done for Nova Roma during the past year. It's not an easy job but you have done well. Before casting my vote, I continue the ancient tradition and offer my prayers at the Altar of Victory. I hope I am not being presumptuous in offering this prayer on behalf of the senate... Salve Victoria, Magna Dea! Once again the Senate of Rome prays to you. We have not forgotten you. Give us your strength to guide Nova Roma into the future. We swear on your Altar to do as we think is best for our Republic and ask for you to help us triumph over adversity. We hope our offerings please you, whatever each of us is able to give. Ita est! Salve Iuppiter! Si sciens fallo, tum me Dispiter salva urbe arceque bonis eiciat ut ego hunc lapidem.

Lucius Equitius Cincinnatus: Iuppiter, qui genus colis alisque hominem, per quem vivimus vitalem aevom, quem penes spes vitae sunt hominum omnium, da diem hunc sospitem quaeso meis rebus agundis

Nicolaus Moravius Vado: Before taking my seat in this Curia, I pause before the Ara Victoriae in prayer: "Victoria Dea, te precor quaesoque ut victoriam des nobis super res quis nos divisunt, quod voluntam deorum optimaque rei publici eveniat." (Goddess of Victory, I pray you grant us victory over those things that divide us, and that the will of the gods and what is best for the republic shall ensue.) "Minerva Domina, Victorifera, patrona et mentrix mea, adiuva me optimum fructum nostrum et verissimum in omnium nunc referre, et apud idem valere, etiam cum benissimum facere, nihil facere siet; utinam sapientiam tuam in me iustifiat, et respublica nostra proveniat." (Lady Minerva, Bearer of Victory, my protectress and adviser, help me to see our best and truest advantage in all things, and always to act accordingly, even when the best action is inaction; so that your wisdom in me may be justified, and our republic may prosper.) "Flora Domina, adiuva me semper in operibus meis dignus esse nomenis flamenis tuis." (Lady Flora, help me always to be worthy of the name of your flamen in all I do.) "Fiat. Fiat. Fiat."

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> Item the First The Budget > The budget is submitted with one additional item > (Vedius) to the Senate for approval. > Shall it be done?

P. Cassia: Uti rogas. (Yes.)

M. Cassius Julianus: Uti Rogas. It will be helpful to get some solid financial controls in place.

C. Aelius Ericius: Uti Rogas (Yes.)

M. Marcius Rex: Uti rogas (yes)

M. Octavius Germanicus: Uti Rogas

F. Vedius Germanicus: Vti Rogas.

L. Cornelius Sulla: Vti Rogas

M. Iunius Iulianus: Vti Rogas

M. Minucius Audens: Vti Rogas; My thanks again to Senator Cassia for her valued assistance in putting this budget together. Her computer skills, number determination and ideas were extremely valuable in completing this task.

T. Labienus Fortunatus: UTI ROGAS

M. Mucius Scaevola Magister: Uti Rogas.

Q. Fabius Maximus: VTI ROGAS

D. Iunius Palladius: Uti Rogas

L. Equitius Cincinnatus: Vti Rogas

N. Moravius Vado: ABSTINEO (I abstain). While I mean no offence to Patricia Cassia, nor to cast any aspersion upon her invaluable work, nor upon the integrity of this budget, I have not seen what I would regard as sufficient debate or clarification of the budget by this assembly. I very much regret that it has been brought for the Senate's approval at this point when so little time is available to so many of us to give it the attention it needs. In all conscience, therefore, I feel I must abstain.

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> Item the Second > "Legalizing" a Cursus Honorum. > Shall we approve this?

P. Cassia: Negat. (No. Nova Roma cannot afford to limit the pool of candidates in this early stage of its development.)

M. Cassius Julianus: Negat. While I respect the sentiment behind this proposal, I cannot recommend a full historical Cursus Honorum as a benefit to Nova Roma at this time. We have discussed other measures that seem more in keeping with our actual present resources and needs - I hope to support some of those alternate measures in future votes.

C. Aelius Ericius: Negat. (No. It is counter productive for Nova Roma to limit the pool of candidates in this early stage of its development.)

M. Marcius Rex: Negat (no) It is far too soon for something as restrictive as this proposal. The Lex Iunia de aetate magistratum and the requirements for provincial governors are already more than Nova Roma needs in limiting the number prospective magistrates.

M. Octavius Germanicus: Negat. Although I'm strongly in favor of some sort of Cursus Honorum, as evidenced by my arguments on the main list, I firmly believe that provincial offices should be considered as a qualifaction for the senior magistracies. There are several provincial governors who have shown great dedication, and have worked as hard as anyone else here, who deserve to be Consul. With this proposal, these propraetors could not be praetor, consul, or censor in 2002, but would have to take a junior position for that entire year in order to qualify in 2003. There are citizens who have been elected Aedile or Quaestor and then done absolutely nothing while in office. It is not right that they should be considered worthy candidates for Consul, and the hard-working propraetors of Britannia, Germania, and Canada Occidentalis (among others) be excluded. If this proposal fails now, we can revise it to be inclusive and vote again next month.

F. Vedius Germanicus: Negat. I believe that, with the discussion currently underway on the main list, and so many different ideas being tossed around, it would be premature for us to decide on any such plan at this time.

L. Cornelius Sulla: Negat Comments: I preferred the draft presented by M. Octavius Germanicus.

M. Iunius Iulianus: Negat

M. Minucius Audens: Negat; It is my belief that the Cursus Honorium should be viewed as an honor and not a requirement. When, after the 1st of the new year, I will be the second in Nova Roma to complete the Cursus Honorium, my pride in that accomplishment will be because I chose to do so, not because I was forced to do so, and because I chose to learn more about NR, rather than to seek after a political position in and of itself.

T. Labienus Fortunatus: NEGAT If we're going to recommend, rather than require, let us simply recommend that candidates follow the ancient tradition. I am utterly opposed to any attempt to require candidates to follow a modern cursus honorum --because of the inflexibility required by leges, the attempt to legislate tradition, and the unnecessary departure from ancient practice. Therefore, I would much prefer to see language like, "The Senate strongly recommends...," rather than, "Candidates must..." We are issuing advice, not leges.

M. Mucius Scaevola Magister: Negat. This is premature, given NR's short existence and the likely shortage of qualified candidates. In the long run we will need a Cursus Honorum, but when we do so we also need the other side - a Lex Annalis requiring magistrates to take a break after their term of office to make room for new blood.

Q. Fabius Maximus: Since the proposal has the word "Tribune" instead of "Praetor" it is incorrect. NEGAT

D. Iunius Palladius: Uti Rogas I think this is a just compromise from the full cursus honorum proposed by some. It just requires that you have been elected to a Nova Roma wide office and served your full term. It also eliminates the waivers for propraetors which I think is important. To serve in a major Nova Roma-wide office, you must have experience in the other elected offices. Provincial offices can prepare you for those lesser offices but not for censor or consul. Octavius makes the point that some elected officials can be elected and never be heard from. Well, there are several propraetors who are never heard from. In fact, their track is not as good as those in elected offices.

L. Equitius Cincinnatus: I believe that since election to Praetor Urbanus gives an 'automatic' seat in the Senate that it should be included in the first part of this proposal. Also, it is well known that to be elected to Censor one need to have been Consul. Anyone who runs for office should have a basic understanding of our organization and also what our goals are, one of which is to recreate the spirit and virtues of the Roman Republic. I think that the proposal of Senator M Octavius comes the closest of any to that which we should begin with now, but since it is not included here, ABSTO At any rate, I believe that our citizens understand these things and as time passes more candidates who are qualified will present themselves and the Cursus Honorum will become part of our Mos Maiorum.

N. Moravius Vado: NEGAT (No). This proposal is poorly worded at best. The Cursus Honorum is not illegal, and therefore requires no legalisation. It is, I believe, vitally important to distinguish between what is an honourable tradition and a law. Traditions are not made through legal compulsion, and I am wholly against legal compulsion in any way which does not clearly serve the best interests of Nova Roma. This proposal is also premature, and reduces the number of available candidates from an existing number, which is arguably too small as it is. It precludes provincial governors, who by virtue of their past service may be equally well qualified. It seeks effectively to preclude candidates the people may wish to elect, in favour solely of those whom the Senate and the Magistrates wish to appoint. This would not be so much a Path of Honour as a vetting of candidates by a self-appointed oligarchy. As such it seems to me that, although probably not so intended, it is an impious abuse, through redefinition, of an ancient and honourable custom.

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> Item the Third, > Approval of the Senate of underage candidates > elected by the people in the last election. > Shall Sextus Apollonius Draco be given permission > to assume the office the people elected him to?

P. Cassia: Uti Rogas (Yes.)

M. Cassius Julianus: Uti Rogas.

C. Aelius Ericius: Uti Rogas (Yes.)

M. Marcius Rex: Uti rogas (Yes) The people have spoken and they have spoken well!

M. Octavius Germanicus: Uti Rogas. His campaign site showed some interesting plans, and I'd like to see him given the chance to implement them.

F. Vedius Germanicus: Negat. On the main email list, he has consistently shown a level of immaturity that demonstrates why we have such an age requirement. Energy and enthusiasm does not equal maturity and readiness for office.

L. Cornelius Sulla: Negat Comment: Political disagreements I can handle. I believe I show that I can. However, one, no matter how young or old, insults a senior in the magisterial hierarchy. For one to do that shows disrespect to every political office in Nova Roma. This means that not only is he insulting my dignitas but he is insulting the dignitas of the Consuls, Praetors and Senators.

M. Iunius Iulianus: Negat

M. Minucius Audens: Negat; In my view the laws are clear. While I appreciate the value of Draco's efforts on the internet, and his skill and ideas, until the law is changed I do not see myself clear to overrule a majority decision of the Senate in this item, or to imposing a mind untempered by life experience upon this Micronation.

T. Labienus Fortunatus: UTI ROGAS S Apollonius has shown enthusiasm, energy, and at least as much maturity as most of our current magistrates.

Indeed, his very few outbursts have been rather tame compared to some of 

the things said by those who ostensibly know better. He is certainly more than qualified to be an aedile.

M. Mucius Scaevola Magister: Uti Rogas.

Q. Fabius Maximus: NEGAT He has much to still learn about respecting the offices of the Magistrates. He can dislike the people who are in them, but he should respect the office itself.

D. Iunius Palladius: Palladius votes No. He is far below the age limit and never approached the senate or censors to ask for a waiver even though he was aware of the law. He did not start on a good foot so to speak.

L. Equitius Cincinnatus: Did this fellow apply to the Censores for an exemption? He should have contacted the Censores. This law, Lex Iunia de Magistratum Aetate, was not new, it was passed last year. This situtation is not a 'close call', he is YEARS from being eligible and I believe that to allow him to circumvent the spirit of the law is unadvisable, therefore ANTIQUO (No) Much is said about inclusiveness, but there is also the responsibility of following the law and surely if someone wants to be a magistrate they should not only know the law but follow it and respect it's spirit. I'm very disappointed in the lack of Gravitas.

N. Moravius Vado: UTI ROGAS (Yes). Legatus Sextus Apollonius has a maturity and dedication which several of us ought to try and emulate. Not to approve his election now would be to hold the sovereign will of the people in contempt. Moreover, I deplore the cheap and nasty attempt made recently in this assembly to declare him unfit for office on grounds of immaturity purely because he is alledged to have insulted a senior magistrate. I trust the majority of my colleagues will treat that attempt with the disdain it deserves, and vote accordingly.

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> 2. Rogator (designatus) Marcus Scribonius Curio > Britannicus 23&1/2 > Citizen since 2000/06/04 > Shall Marcus Scribonius Curio be given permission to > assume the office the people elected him to?

P. Cassia: Uti Rogas (Yes.) Both of these young gentlemen have been active in positions for which their age did not disqualify them, and I believe their energy and dedication outweighs any possible disadvantage that may attach to their youth.

M. Cassius Julianus: Uti Rogas. These two Citizens have shown above average participation and zeal, so I see no reason to not respect the will of the Comitia Centuriata in this matter.

C. Aelius Ericius: Uti Rogas (Yes.) It has been pointed out that Curio Britannicus is not underage for this position because the required age for Rogator is 21 years of age. [This item is a comment on counter productive limitations being placed on people who are willing to serve Nova Roma.]

M. Marcius Rex: Uti rogas (yes)

M. Octavius Germanicus: Uti Rogas. This is a job that's been hard to fill; surely someone who has proven he is willing to do it should be granted the opportunity.

F. Vedius Germanicus: Vti Rogas. As he is over the age of 21, he does not fall under the restriction of the Lex Iunia de Magistratum Aetate in the first place.

L. Cornelius Sulla: Vti Rogas Comments: I am truly curious about his age at this point. According to the official documents on the Album Civium he is not under aged. But he consistently has sought relief from the Lex Iunia. I will try to contact him and try to get the correct information. When I get the correct information from him I will let this honorable body know what I have found out.

M. Iunius Iulianus: Vti Rogas

M. Minucius Audens: Vti Rogas (if his age is NOT a factor);

T. Labienus Fortunatus: UTI ROGAS, whether he needs it or not.

M. Mucius Scaevola Magister: Uti Rogas.

Q. Fabius Maximus: Since age was not a factor here, I'd say ABSTAINO

D. Iunius Palladius: Uti Rogas. He correctly approached the senate several times about receiving a waiver.

L. Equitius Cincinnatus: This fellow meets the criteria of the "Lex Iunia de Magistratum Aetate", therefore he needs no 'premission'. ABSTO!

N. Moravius Vado: UTI ROGAS (Yes). For reasons as stated above, regarding the ratification of Sextus Apollonius' election. And I similarly depolore the evident attempt made in this assembly to imply that M. Scribonius lied about his age.

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> Item the Fourth Reimbursement Procedure > If approved This procedure replaces the previously > enacted policy on expenses, but retains the principles > of financial accountability contained therein. > The form associated with that policy is still valid, for > those who wish to use it, but is not required. > Shall we approve this?

P. Cassia: Uti rogas (Yes.)

M. Cassius Julianus: Uti Rogas.

C. Aelius Ericius: Uti rogas (Yes.)

M. Marcius Rex: Uti rogas (yes)

M. Octavius Germanicus: Uti Rogas

F. Vedius Germanicus: Vti Rogas.

L. Cornelius Sulla: Vti Rogas

M. Iunius Iulianus: Vti Rogas

M. Minucius Audens: Vti Rogas;

T. Labienus Fortunatus: UTI ROGAS

M. Mucius Scaevola Magister: Negat. In its present form this still contains the unwise technophile suggestion that the Censors need not maintain paper records.

Q. Fabius Maximus: VTI ROGAS

D. Iunius Palladius: Uti Rogas

L. Equitius Cincinnatus: Vti Rogas

N. Moravius Vado: NEGAT (No). As it stands, it is badly worded, and unclear. It heaps vagueness upon vagueness. We can do far better than this, and we should. Here we have a loose custom which should be precisely codified on law, as elsewhere (Item the Second) we have a proposed precise law which should be left as custom. Omnia vice versa est.

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> Item the Fifth. > That the Senate should discuss the issue of the powers > of the Tribunes, in Nova Roma. > This Item was tabled for further discussion.

M. Cassius Julianus: Abstaino, obviously.

M. Marcius Rex: Abstineo (abstain)

F. Vedius Germanicus: Abstaino.

M. Minucius Audens: Abstaino;

T. Labienus Fortunatus: ABSTINEO Flavius Vedius is correct. This item needs to be discussed in a larger forum than this one.

Q. Fabius Maximus: ABSTANIO

N. Moravius Vado: I assume this does not require a vote? Shall we discuss whether or not we should discuss something? My view is that the Tribunes are traditionally guarantors of the plebeian interest, and that therefore the Comitia Plebis, the plebeians in assembly, have the prima facie right to discuss this, not the Senate.

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> Item the Sixth > The Consuls request that the Censors & Senate adds > the name Lucius Sergius Australicus to the Senate Rolls. > Shall this be done?

P. Cassia: Uti rogas (Yes.) Australicus and I have not always seen eye to eye, but no one doubts his dedication and intelligence.

M. Cassius Julianus: Uti Rogas.

C. Aelius Ericius: Uti rogas (Yes.) Old Obstinatus has proven his worth and commitment many times over, and not only in this past year when he did more than one person's work.

M. Marcius Rex: Uti rogas. I believe Lucius Sergius did an excellent job as Tribune and deserves his permanent seat in the Senate.

M. Octavius Germanicus: Uti Rogas. He was an excellent Tribune, and has earned his place here.

F. Vedius Germanicus: Vti Rogas.

L. Cornelius Sulla: Vti Rogas

M. Iunius Iulianus: Vti Rogas

M. Minucius Audens: Vti Rogas; It is my extreme pleasure to welcome this Tribune to his well-deserved and well-earned seat in the Senate. He has fulfilled the expectations of both his office and his responsibilities by working hard for Nova Roma. He serves, in my estimation, as one who has the best interests of this micro-nation at heart, and who is willing to work hard for her, and thus is always well-recieved where I have any standing at all!!!

T. Labienus Fortunatus: UTI ROGAS

M. Mucius Scaevola Magister: Uti Rogas. A very strong case.

Q. Fabius Maximus: VTI ROGAS With pleasure I vote for this.

D. Iunius Palladius: Uti Rogas

L. Equitius Cincinnatus: VTI ROGAS! I am pleased to vote my honorable friend into the Senate.

N. Moravius Vado: NEGAT (No). Not if we want this Curia to become no more of a ludus ad bestiari than it already is. The Tribune's recent apparent conversion to a sectional interest other than that of the plebs as a whole, considered together with his immoderate, personally insulting attacks on those whose interests which he as a Tribune should at least publicly respect, does not to my mind make him a welcome prospect as a permanent feature in this assembly, which is supposed (according to the Constitution) to be a repository of wisdom.

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> Item the Seventh > M. Octavius Germanicus submits his application to > become Propraetor of Lacus Magni provincia. > Shall he be appointed?

P. Cassia: Uti rogas (Yes.) Octavius will do us credit in this position.

M. Cassius Julianus: Uti Rogas, and I look forward to new growth and interest for Nova Roma in the Lacus Magni region if he is elected! : )

C. Aelius Ericius: Uti rogas (Yes.)

M. Marcius Rex: Uti rogas (yes) I think our esteemed senatorial colleague fulfills all the requirements in the Senatus Consultum de Propraetores.

M. Octavius Germanicus: Abstineo.

F. Vedius Germanicus: Vti Rogas.

L. Cornelius Sulla: Vti Rogas

M. Iunius Iulianus: Vti Rogas

M. Minucius Audens: Vti Rogas; My deepest thanks for your exceptional work in the past year, and for your skillful words and support of the principles of this micronation. I am honored to have you as a colleague and to support you for this important Provincial Post in Nova Roma.

T. Labienus Fortunatus: UTI ROGAS

M. Mucius Scaevola Magister: Uti Rogas.

Q. Fabius Maximus: VTI ROGAS I can think of no better man for the job.

D. Iunius Palladius: Uti Rogas

L. Equitius Cincinnatus: VTI ROGAS!

N. Moravius Vado: UTI ROGAS (Yes). By all means. His diligence and industria are well known, as is his equitable judgement and general address. I am confident that M. Octavius will help raise the standards expected of a Propraetor.

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> Item the Eighth > Marcus Arminius Maior, submits his name to be > Praetor of the Provincia of Brazil. > Shall he be appointed?

P. Cassia: Uti rogas (Yes.) I look forward to hearing more from this Provincia.

M. Cassius Julianus: Uti Rogas. I have been impressed with the information from M. Arminius Maior so far, and believe he will do well.

C. Aelius Ericius: Uti rogas (Yes.)

M. Marcius Rex: Uti rogas (yes) Although I do not know whether he fulfills all the requirements in the Senatus Consultum de Propraetores.... I guess the Senior Consul must have checked beforehand as he is all for restricting citizens from becoming magistrates if they do not fulfill all necessary conditions....

M. Octavius Germanicus: Uti Rogas. It's a large province, it needs a propraetor, and Arminius has proven himself worthy.

F. Vedius Germanicus: Vti Rogas. It will be good to see that well- populated province active.

L. Cornelius Sulla: Vti Rogas

M. Iunius Iulianus: Vti Rogas

M. Minucius Audens: Vti Rogas

T. Labienus Fortunatus: UTI ROGAS

M. Mucius Scaevola Magister: Uti Rogas.

Q. Fabius Maximus: Marcus Arminius Maior is qualified to lead the province. We will expect great things from Brazil.

D. Iunius Palladius: Uti Rogas

L. Equitius Cincinnatus: VTI ROGAS!

N. Moravius Vado: UTI ROGAS (Yes). His diligence and industria are perhaps not as well known to this Senate as M. Octavius', but he is no less worthy.