First of all, I wish to second motions 5.6 & 5.12

Regarding Carthage, 5 years ago I proposed that we strike directly at their homelands, once we were strong enough to do so. I am still of the opinion that an assault directly on their major cities such as Carthage itself would be the most decisive way to fight the war. However, Conscript Fathers I do not believe we are currently strong enough to do so currently.

Oh, we have the armies to fight on the battlefield all right. What we do not have is the navy to transport and reinforce our armies in Africa. And we certainly do not have the troops to garrison Carthaginian cities. They are populous, and will not take kindly to Roman rule. A Consular Legion would be completely occupied in garrisoning just one or two of their large cities. And whilst I am confident that we will defeat them on the battlefield, we will lose men, and remember, all our reinforcements must be recruited in Italia, make their way down to Sicily, and then risk crossing the water to Africa.

I say we must wait before striking the killer blow against Carthage, so much the better to take off their head with one swing of the sword, than to endlessly feint and parry like Gladiators in training.

Regarding Gaul, I am most certainly of the opinion that the conquest of this barbaric wasteland is completely pointless. It will tie up more Roman troops in garrisons, it will bring in little of value and will leave us exposed strategically. Those who point to the income of the conquered Gaulish territories consistantly fail to point out one crucial aspect of their occupation - funnily enough the point that undermines their whole argument. The fact that these Gaulish towns require garrisoning and most of all Romanizing!!! And this development costs money, and lots of it! To hold the towns in Gaul is folly.

For these reasons, I support the candidate Senator Augustus Verginus! But I urge you Senator, I urge you as former Consul Lucius Aemelius has, not to massacre the Gauls but to enslave them. Cisalpine Gaul has a small population, and it needs settlers and slaves if it is to grow and truly contribute to our Republic.