Page:Roman Constitutional History, 753-44 B.C..djvu/124

110 citizenship to all who were Roman citizens without political rights (sine suffragio), and forever to exclude the Latins and the other Italians from citizenship. At any rate, the subsequent Roman policy was in accordance with such a plan.

The Province of Sicily. — The chief political result of the war was the acquisition of by far the larger part of Sicily, which formed the first Roman province (provincia). This marks the beginning of the provincial system, which was one of the most potent influences for evil during the two last centuries of the republic. Unlike the allies, the inhabitants of Sicily, with the exception of some favored communities, were taxable, but did not usually furnish troops; and their status depended, not on a treaty, but simply on Roman laws and ordinances. The provincial administration was organized solely with a view to Roman convenience and profit. The governor enjoyed all the Roman military powers (imperium militiae); and martial law, which should have been exceptional, was ever in force. The Sicilian taxes and tithes, moreover, were farmed to capitalists, who reaped a rich harvest. In commerce, also, Roman citizens enjoyed advantages at the expense of the provincials.

Annexation of Sardinia and Corsica. — The Romans regretted that the war had not resulted in the acquisition of Sardinia and Corsica as well as of Sicily. When the opportunity presented itself in 238, they robbed the Carthaginians of Sardinia and at the same time occupied Corsica. The senatorial form of government was in some measure conducive to such treachery, on account of the want of individual responsibility. The Romans proceeded to conquer the inland districts of the islands, and organized them as a province a few years afterward.