The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1893-01-06
ROME'S FIRST STRIKE.
IN 312 3. c. FLUTE PLAYERS
WANTED A BANQUET.

"OEAASu w ere Important r ACTORS
in Ancient Rome.
From the ST. Petersburg Herald
The world Of to-day instinctively regards
guilds as being only a century or two old,
and combinations OF workmsn for the pro-
lection Of their interests as a modern insti-
tuition, but both these views are incorrect.
Guilds, or corporations, called collegia In
Latin, existed in the time OF the Roman
kings.
LIvy says that Numa Pompilius, the sec
ond king of Rome, founded nine collsgia,
eight of which were for the following
trades: Flute plsyers-1ute playing was
"trade," not a -goldsmiths.
dyers, shoemaker tanners, bIacksmiths,
carpenters and potters, and the ninth in
cluded all who did not belong to the pre-
ceding.
This ninth society increased to such an
extent that IL was divided into various
branches, which afterward became indie
pendent societies. Two of the most i'm
portant Of these latter were the bakers and
fullers.
In spite OF the great changes which took
place, the position Of workmen In the social
scale remained much the same under the
empire as under kingdom or republic.
Various distinctions, such as that between
patrician and plebians, were abolished, but
In their places arose, in the later years of
the republic, various ranks and grades.
There were higher and lower nobility
the former consisting OF members Of the
Senate. and OF the well-to-do people, such
40 those whom we now call geutlefolks), and
a third grade (workmen, small traders, etc.,,
and fourth grade Slaves.
THERE WAS GREAT GULF
between the third grade and the first two.
The nobility looked with ecorn upon them.
There was no chance of q successful work
man becoming q noble, although some of
the slaves had been freed and raised to that
position; no matter how wealthy a member
Of the third grade might become, IL was a
reproach that he had earned his money by
industry instead of inheriting IL.
Under these circumstances IL Is not TO be
wondered at that the members of this grade
cherished a secret hatred of the upper
classes
II the emperor was on good terms with
the Senate he was disliked by the workmen.
Nero was better liked by the workmsn than
some of the good emperors because he was
against the Senate.
This state of things was no doubt the chief
factor in transforming the societies from
mere benefit and amusement clubs into po-
litical centers.
The societies had power to elect members
and choose their own committees. They
possessed certain legal powers unknown to
latter day unions, but they could not inter
fere with individual members in the execu-
ton Of their work.
They understood the art OF making
fringe" to keep up prices, for we find sew
sral imperial edicts forbidding under PEN
atty che fixing of minimum prices.
The members paid q yearly subscription
as.I naA fNp hr~a ~ b. .r.,lN
When the societies possessed sufficient
funds they erected buildings in which to
hold their meetings and entertainments.
These places were called ouriB and Boholae
There were also burial funds in connec-
ton with these societies which possessed
their own burial grounds, where deceased
members were solemnly inferred in the
presence OF all the other members.
The anniversary OF the foundation Of the
society was celebrated with particular
| ceremony, as were also the birthday of the
patron of the Institution and other auni-
| versnries.
Slaves were not allowed 20 become mem
bers; the worknen resented the way in
which they were treated by the nobility, but
| In their turn
THEY DID JUST THE SAME
to the slaves, although many OF the latter
| were better of than some workmen.
Very interesting traces of the intervention
OF the societies in matters affecting the in
terests OF the city and the state were found
In Pompeii, on the walls Of which 10 has
besn possible to decipher sleotioneering
notices issued by them, calling upon their
members to vote for certain candidates.
Pliny the Younger informed the Emperor
Trajan that duringa journey in a remote
part Of the province he was present at a very
destructive fire, AID he asked his imperial
master to consider the edvisability of form
ing in that part o society OF $50 firemen,
chosen from the carpenters. He Thoughts
that il the men were selected with care there
need be nothing to fear from a political
point OF view.
But Ira jan answered that 10 was better
not to do so, as experience In that very
part OF the state proved that these societies
would NEEDLE with politics sooner or later.
They had caused many disturbances in va
riCHs parts Of tho state.
The first strike occurred In Rome In the
year Sl2 b. c.. and the account OF IL is
humorous reading.
From time immemorial the flute ploYers
had enjoyed the privilege of having an an
nual banquet at the cost Of the state in the
Temple of jupiter.
In the year in question, however, the
financial condition Of Rome was, owing to
war expenses. very bad, 80 that the censors
came to the conclusion that the state
REALLY COULD NOT AFFORD IT,
and they sent polite intimation to the COM
mittee that they must forego the privilege
Imagine the CONSERVATION Of the must
ciansl They protested theoretically against
the action Of the cenBors. but the latter de-
cIined to reconsider their action.
The committee issued the order for a
atrike, and the men marched out of Rome
with their banner flying, and vowed they
would not return until they got their rights
Things we're serious for Rome. There
was war coming on, and 1t was necessary
to offer up sacrifice TO the gods, but this
was impossible wishout the futists, because
their presence was obligatory.
The Senate sent deputation to the au-
thorities of the town to which the strikers
had retired and requested the assistance of
their good offices. but the angry musicians
refused TO listen TO the mediatorsS
50 it became necessary to resort to strata
gem. there was quantity Of fairly good
wine In the cellars Of the council house, and
the strikers were enticed to drink. They
we're piled with wine until they were Every
fullp-or In modern language, drunk-when
they were packed in wagons and taken back
10 the forum.
When they recovered they we're surprised
to find the people awaiting the commence
| ment Of the ceremony. They prepared TO
march out again, but the populaco shouted
TO them half heseechingly, half threaten
/