Powers of the Senate
In like manner the people on its part is far from
being independent of the Senate, and is bound to take its
wishes into account both collectively and individually. For
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contracts, too numerous to count, are given out by the
censors in all parts of Italy for the repairs
or construction of public buildings; there
is also the collection of revenue from many
rivers, harbours, gardens, mines, and land—everything, in a
word, that comes under the control of the Roman government:
and in all these the people at large are engaged; so that there
is scarcely a man, so to speak, who is not interested either as
a contractor or as being employed in the works. note For some.
purchase the contracts from the censors for themselves; and
others go partners with them; while others again go security
for these contractors, or actually pledge their property to the
treasury for them. Now over all these transactions the Senate
has absolute control. It can grant an extension of time; and
in case of unforeseen accident can relieve the contractors from
a portion of their obligation, or release them from it altogether,
if they are absolutely unable to fulfil it. And there are many
details in which the Senate can inflict great hardships, or, on
the other hand, grant great indulgences to the contractors: for
in every case the appeal is to it. But the most important
point of all is that the judges are taken from its members in
the majority of trials, whether public or private, in which the
charges are heavy. note Consequently, all citizens are much at its
mercy; and being alarmed at the uncertainty as to when they
may need its aid, are cautious about resisting or actively
opposing its will. note And for a similar reason
men do not rashly resist the wishes of the
Consuls, because one and all may become subject to their
absolute authority on a campaign.
