Page:Roman Constitutional History, 753-44 B.C..djvu/97

Rh The Valerian Law of Appeal of 300. — The liberal tendency of the new leaders resulted in the passage of a third Valerian law in regard to the right of appeal. This law probably revised and supplemented the previous enactments, established more severe punishments for violations of them, and may have compelled even the dictator henceforth to allow appeal.

A better administration of the criminal law in minor cases and of police matters was secured by the institution of a board of three commissioners (tresviri capitales or nocturni), about 289.

The Third Secession. — During the latter part of the fourth and the early years of the third century Rome founded a number of colonies. The chief object was no doubt to secure conquered territory, but at the same time thousands of poor Romans were sent to these colonies, and in this way improved the condition of those remaining at home, as well as their own. Still the burdens of the severe wars that followed involved the citizens of the lower classes once more in debt The harshness of the creditors in collecting what was their due increased the distress and the discontent. Some plebeian tribunes then proposed a law in regard to the cancellation of debts. The senate refused to agree to the law, and a struggle ensued which led to a third secession about 287.

The plebeian debtors went to the Janiculum. Quintus Hortensius, a plebeian, was thereupon chosen dictator. He succeeded in restoring peace, but only on condition that important concessions should be made to the people. Amnesty was no doubt granted to all and measures of relief for the debtors were passed.

The Hortensian Law concerning Plebiscites. — As it seemed, expedient to establish once for all the unconditional