HKB
4 passages · search this phrase →
Often appears with: conquest, plunder, and captives · taxation, tribute, and revenue · strategy and the aims of war · slavery and bondage · rights and liberties · rent and wages · public finance and debt · privernates · poverty and wealth · narnia and cossa · louis xii critique · liberty vs slavery
Usually: argument (3) · detachment (3) · record or table (1) · rivalry (1) · censure (1) · curiosity (1) · praise (1)
“In other countries, rent and profit eat up wages, and the two superior orders of people oppress the inferior one; but in new colonies, the interest of the two superior orders obliges them to treat the inferior one with more generosity and humanity.” Adam Smith, An Inquiry Into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth · insight
“That they had heard the voice of a man and a son of liberty; that it was not natural or credible that any people, or any man, would continue longer than necessity should compel him, in a condition that grieved and displeased him.” John Adams, Novanglus, and Massachusettensis · observation
“they had been put on board the ships, by the tribunes, contrary to their remonstrances; but, in what manner soever they had become engaged in that service” Livy, The History of Rome, Books 27 to 36 · observation
Carthaginians make the first tribute payment to Rome, hostages are partly restored, Norba hostages are allowed to move, and Roman magistrates manage colonist disputes for Narnia and Cossa.
before the senate, and, in pursuance of their answer, the people were ordered by proclamation to perform a supplication for one day, and worship was solemnized at all the shrines. 2. This year, the Carthaginians brought to Rome the first payment of the silver imposed on them as a tribute; and the quaestors having reported, that it was not of the proper standard, and that, on the assay, it wanted a fourth part, they …
He praises Roman methods in annexed countries—colonies, friendly relations with minor powers, and preventing strong outsiders—contrasting prudent foresight with France’s failure under Louis XII in Italy.
country. And he who does not properly manage this business will soon lose what he has acquired, and whilst he does hold it he will have endless difficulties and troubles. The Romans, in the countries which they annexed, observed closely these measures; they sent colonies and maintained friendly relations with[2] the minor powers, without increasing their strength; they kept down the greater, and did not allow any st…
Smith explains how high labour wages and cheap land in new colonies improve conditions for workers, contrasts this with European rent-and-profit oppression, and cites Greek and Roman colonies’ different outcomes.
When arrived at maturity, the high price of labour, and the low price of land, enable them to establish themselves in the same manner as their fathers did before them. In other countries, rent and profit eat up wages, and the two superior orders of people oppress the inferior one; but in new colonies, the interest of the two superior orders obliges them to treat the inferior one with more generosity and humanity, at…
Using Roman examples like Privernates and discussions about liberty, Adams argues that Rome conciliated colonies by granting rights, did not levy taxes on colonies via senate resolutions, and left governance to local bodies.
The practice of nations has been different. The Greeks planted colonies, and neither demanded nor pretended any authority over them, but they became distinct independent commonwealths. The Romans continued their colonies under the jurisdiction of the mother commonwealth; but, nevertheless, she allowed them the privileges of cities. Indeed that sagacious city seems to have been aware of difficulties, similar to those…