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

CHAPTER XL
THE PERIOD OF THE FIVE GOOD EMPERORS
The flnancos
of a Eiuflicipium.
Pliny, Letters,
X. 1 6 (or
28).
The correspondence
covers a
much wider
range of subjects
than
can be represented
here.
"Send a
surveyor."
I. Trajan's Correspondence with Pliny, Governor
OF Bithynia
To the Emperor Trajan:
I am at present engaged in examining the finances of the
Prusenses, their disbursements and credits; and the farther
I proceed in this affair, the more I am convinced of the
necessity of my inquiry. Several considerable sums of
money are owing to the city from private persons, who on
various pretences neglect to pay the debts. On the other
hand, I find the pubHc funds are in some instances unwarrantably
applied.
This, Sir, I write to you immediately on my arrival. I
entered this province on the seventeenth of September,
and found it in those sentiments of obedience and loyalty
which you justly merit from all mankind. You will consider,
Sir, whether it would not be proper to send hither
a surveyor; for I am inclined to think much might be deducted
from what is charged by those who have the conduct
of public works, if an accurate measurement were
to be taken.
Trajan to Pliny:
The people of that province will be convinced, I persuade
myself, that I am attentive to their interests; as your conduct
toward them will make it clear that I could have
chosen no person better fitted to supply my place. ... I
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