New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1865-05-25

Itransnorted from Greece to Italy as focus from
which It might spread itself over the whole
world. The genius of force and organization
presided over the early development OF Rome.
The task of the kings triumphed over all obsta-
cles until its purpose was fully accomplished.
But rs soon as they cease to be indispensable,
they are hurled down by the simplest accident.
Rome. with its narrow limits, had no longer
need of the concentration of authority in single
hand. 1t was ready for new order OF things.
1t contained germs which demanded rapid ex.
pansion. This could be effected only by the
independence of the most enlightened class,
Selling for its own profit all the prerogatives
of royalty. 1t was the great object to create q
select race of men, who should succeed each
other with the same principles and the same vr-
tues, and perpetuate from generation to genera
ton the system best suited to secure the great
ness of their country. The fall of the kingly
power was thus an event favorable to the
development Of. Rome. For long time, the
patrcians monopolized the CIVIL military, and
religious employments. The Senate was thus
composed of men Injured to the combats Of the
FORUM as web as to those of the battlefield,
schooled to the duties of administration, and
qualified by wide experience to preside over
the destinies of the Republic.
Tie characteristic fact of the Roman institu-
tons, accordingly, was to form men apt for all
functions. So long as the ruling class limited
their ambition to promoting the true interests OF
their country, without yielding to the entiee'
ments of riches and unboundcd power, the aris-
tocratic system maintained itself with all its
advantages, and triumphed over the instability
of institutions. But the germs of antagonism
and decay were already present, and could not
fail Of ultimate development. The two consuls
were originally generals judges, and admins
traitors. Equal in powers, they were often IN
conflict. either in the forum, or on the field of
battle. The creation of tribunes of the people,
who subsequent played such an important
part in the history Of Rome, became new elc-
ment of dscord. The plebeians, who composed
the greater part Of the army, claimed to have
their military chiefs for magistrates. Their infu-
ence gradually increased until they asserted tie
right of convoking the Senate although it was
a long time before they formed part Of that body.
The pebeiens at length laid claim to all the
offices of state, especially to the consulshp, re-
fusing TO enroll themselves until their demands
had been satisfied.
1t the beginning of the fifth century from the
founSation Of Rome, the elements Of dissolution
had assumed formidable aspect. The exercise
Of fraud had begun TO contamnate the elections.
Slavery presented serious dangers 20 society,
tending to substitute slave labor for free labor.
The slaves were always ready to engage in insur-
rections, and become the auxiliaries of ambitious
plotters. They increased rapidly in number,
taking the place of the free men who were torn
by the perpetual wars from the cultivation OF
the land. The agrarian laws and the question
of debts became an incessant cause Of agitation.
But so long as the aristocracy preserved its vir.
tines, the elements Of prosperity predominated;
but no sooner did it begin to degenerate than
the causes of disturbance gained the upper hand,
and shook the edifce which had been erected Oh
such deep and strong foundations.
Passing over the brilliant period of the foreign
conquests of the Republic, we come to the com
mencement Of the civil wars the history ofwhich
is written in letters OF fire and blood. The age OF
disinterestedness and stole virtues had passed
after prevailing for nearly four hundred years.
During that period the Gntagonism of opposing
interests and opinions had never led to sanguin-
airy conflicts; but now, dating from the first
years of the seventh century, everything was
changed At every proposal Of reform, or desire
of power, nothing was seen but sodition, pro-
scriptions, and massacres. The ACKNOWLEDGMENT
of the empire, frequent contact with strangers,
the introduction Of new principles in philosophy
and religion, the immense riches brought into
Italy by war and commerce, had all concurred
in producing radical deterioration Of the ma
tional character. The moral ties wero loosened,
and the taste for luxury and the unbrdled love
of money had taken possession OF all classes.
Society, in all respects, was placed In new
conditions. The towns had increased in the
number of inhabitants, while the agricultural
population had diminished. The great landed
properties had absorbed the smaller estates.
Large accessions had been made to the ranks OF
proletaries and freedmen. Free labor, to a great
degree, Lad been superseded by that Of slaves.
The military service was no longer considered
by the mobiles az tho first honor and the first
duty. Religion, the fundamental basis of the
Republic, had lost its prestige. The allies were
weary of contributing to the greatness Of the