A source-book of ancient history - The Search For Mecca

Cato as Censor 415
ought to contribute most largely to the revenues of the
state. A tax of but three copper asses for every thousand, P. 376.
on the other hand, he imposed upon all the citizens, that
those who were burdened with an excessive taxation on
luxuries, when they saw persons of frugal and simple
habits paying so small a tax on the same income, might
cease from their extravagance. This measure gained him
the hatred of those who were taxed so heavily for their
luxuries.
Far from paying attention to those who blamed his Plutarch,
policy, he proceeded to still severer measures. He cut off
the water-pipes, by which water was conveyed from the
public fountains into private houses and gardens, and destroyed
all houses which encroached upon public streets,
lowered the price of contracts for public works, and farmed
out the public revenues for the highest possible sums.
STUDIES
1. In the time of the Punic Wars what kind of government had
Rome? What feature of the government was monarchical (or despotic)?
What feature was aristocratic? What feature was democratic?
What were the powers and duties of the consul? of the
senate?
Describe the harmony of the constitution.
2. Describe the masks and the funeral oration. What was the
What was the practical value
effect of these customs on character?
of religion to the Romans? Compare the Romans with the Greeks
in honesty.
3. What was the value of this calendar to the farmer? How did
farming compare in honor with other occupations? What rules does
Cato lay down for purchasing a country estate?
Who were the laborers
on a farm? What work was reserved for rainy days? What were
the duties of a steward? What remedy was prescribed for dislocation?
What other information as to life and character may we derive from
this selection from Cato? To what time does it refer?
4. What attitude did the Roman government take toward higher