Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 133, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 June 1918 — Taxation in Rome. [ARTICLE]

Taxation in Rome.

During a certain period the republic of Rome did not pay taxes. The third Macedonian war resulted in victory for the Romans and brought to an end the ancient kingdom of Macedonia in 168 B. C.. In describing the triumph accorded the victorious Roman general it is related that the celebration continued for three days. On the first day 250 wagons carried the and paintings which had been plundered from Macedonian cities. On the next day there passed many wagons, carrying Macedonian standards and armor, followed by 3,000 men loaded with the silver money and silver plate which had been secured in the booty. On the third day came a procession of men carrying gold spoil, followed by the conqueror in a splendid chariot. Bome so filled her coffers with treasure by this plunder that the republic never thereafter taxed her citizens. Thus, while the statement is historically true, the fact that, there was no taxation In the ancient Roman republic for a period of several years is not at all creditable to the Romans, for the condition was the result of plunder instead of the economical administration of public affairs.