Page:Roman Constitutional History, 753-44 B.C..djvu/233

Rh Antonius was, however, a worthless admiral, was not properly furnished with money and ships, and accomplished nothing of importance, although he remained in command until 71. The pirates, on the other hand, ventured to land even at Brundisium, Misenum, and Ostia. They made the Appian Way unsafe, and captured the sister of the Roman admiral, and two praetors. They occupied at one time or another four hundred coast towns, and interfered so much with the importation of grain that Rome was threatened with a famine.

The Gabinian Law on the Command against the Pirates. — The remissness and incompetence of the government in this sphere were so patent that Gabinius understood that the oligarchy could make no effective resistance, and proposed that for a period of three years a man of consular rank should be given proconsular authority throughout the Mediterranean, and concurrent or superior powers (imperium aequum or maius) along its Roman coasts, including Italy, for forty-six miles inland (50 millia passuum). He was also to have power to appoint fifteen lieutenants, to equip two hundred ships, to levy soldiers and rowers within the limits set, and to draw on the public treasury to the extent of about $8,000,000. The bill was supported by the ex-quaestor Julius Caesar and by the democrats generally, but was bitterly opposed by the oligarchy, especially by Catulus and the eminent lawyer L. Hortensius. It was claimed that the new office was not a naval command, but practically an irresponsible monarchy. When on the day of voting a tribune used his veto, Gabinius proceeded to have him deposed from office, as Tiberius Gracchus removed Octavius (p. 162); then the veto was withdrawn and the bill passed.

Pompeius in Command against the Pirates. — Pompeius was thereupon chosen commander by the popular assembly,