Page:The Ancient City- A Study on the Religion, Laws, and Institutions of Greece and Rome.djvu/435

 CHAP. IX. NEW PRINCIPLES OP GOVERNMENT. 429 We may also remark that there was a change in the manner of nominating the consuls. Indeed, in the first ages, the vote of the centuries in the election of the magistrates was, as we have seen, a mere formality. In reality, the consul of each year was created by the consul of the preceding year, who transmitted the au- spices to him after having obtained the assent of the gods. The centuries voted on the two or three candi- dates presented, by the consul in office; there was no debate. The people might detest a candidate ; but they were none the less compelled to vote for him. In the period at which we have now arrived, the election is quite different, although the forms are still the same. There is still, as formerly, a religious ceremony and a vote; but the religious ceremony is the formality, and the vote is the reality. The candidate is still presented by the consul who presides ; but the consul is obliged, if not by law, at least by custom, to accept all candi- <iates, and to declare that the auspices are equally favorable to all. Thus the centuries name those whom they honor. The election no longer belongs to the gods; it is in the hands of the people. The gods and the auspices are no longer consulted, except on the con- dition that they will be impartial towards all the candi- dates. Men make the choice.