File:The story of the greatest nations, from the dawn of history to the twentieth century - a comprehensive history, founded upon the leading authorities, including a complete chronology of the world, and (14586628898).jpg

Identifier: greatestnations05elli (find matches)
Title: The story of the greatest nations, from the dawn of history to the twentieth century : a comprehensive history, founded upon the leading authorities, including a complete chronology of the world, and a pronouncing vocabulary of each nation
Year: 1900 (1900s)
Authors: Ellis, Edward Sylvester, 1840-1916 Horne, Charles F. (Charles Francis), 1870-1942
Subjects: World history
Publisher: New York : F.R. Niglutsch
Contributing Library: University of California Libraries
Digitizing Sponsor: Internet Archive

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for the increasing cost of its armies and the immeasurable extravagance of its rulers. As the people grew poorer the taxes grew heavier. The governors sought by every means to restore the country to its former prosperity—every means, that is, except the one that was needful, the restraining of their own excesses. Colonists were brought in from Germany, and lands were offered freely to whosoever would cultivate them. Every sort of cruelty was employed to compel the people to pay what was beyond their power. Men sold themselves as slaves to escape the miseries attendant on taxation. Writers of the time draw for us pictures too dreadful and too pitiful to dwell upon. After one census enumerator had made record of everything taxable, another was sent after him, and yet another; and each, to prove the worth of his services, must add to the list something overlooked by his predecessors. Even through death a man could not escape his taxes, for the collectors often refused to strike his name from the roll, insisting that he was still alive, and compelling his relations to pay forhim. The magistrates of the cities were made responsible for the collection of the revenue, and if this was too meagre they were punished. These unhappy magistrates, curiales as they were called, had been at first the men of highest standing in their cities. The office had been an honor and dignity much sought after, but by degrees men came to shun it with the utmost terror. The Roman rulers, however, found the system too useful to be abandoned. When the very illustrious order the most noble Curiales began to resign, the Lawstepped in and forbade their resignation. Never was such a topsy-turvy condition of affairs since government commenced. Curiales removed to other cities; and the Law commanded their return. They fled secretly by night, abandoning their homes and possessions;and the Law threatened with death all who might aid or harbor them. They sold themselves as slaves

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