Thank you for visiting SNEWPapers!
Sign up free
Editorial
March 13, 1788
The New York Journal, And Daily Patriotic Register
New York, New York County, New York
What is this article about?
This editorial uses historical examples from Greek and Roman republics to warn that bribery and corruption, as seen in the actions of Philip of Macedon, Spartan conquests, and Roman expansion into Asia, led to their downfall and pose a similar threat to current governments.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
A Picture not un-similar to the present Times.
It is most evident to all those who are in the least acquainted with the Greek and Roman histories, that bribery and corruption were the chief causes of the overthrow of those free governments.
By these means Philip of Macedon ruined most of the commonwealths of Greece, so much celebrated in ancient history.
The Spartan state, which had flourished with such glory about 800 years, was soon destroyed by the corrupt use of those immense riches their Asiatic conquests had furnished them with.
The ruin of the Roman commonwealth is (by all those who have wrote upon that subject) attributed to that corruption with which they were overrun after they became masters of Asia. Before that time, honor had been the reward of good and great actions—but then money, without merit, opened the door at which fools and slaves entered, when honest men could not be admitted; then it seemed a crime to be virtuous; and people became so degenerate, that the consulship, government of provinces, commands of armies, and every public employment, were put to sale, and all carried by caballing and bribery, without any regard had to the merits of men, and their services to their country.
O urbem venalem et emptorem inveniet! intimating, that they would sell their wives, their daughters, and even the city itself, if a man were found who had a purse sufficient to make the purchase.
It is most evident to all those who are in the least acquainted with the Greek and Roman histories, that bribery and corruption were the chief causes of the overthrow of those free governments.
By these means Philip of Macedon ruined most of the commonwealths of Greece, so much celebrated in ancient history.
The Spartan state, which had flourished with such glory about 800 years, was soon destroyed by the corrupt use of those immense riches their Asiatic conquests had furnished them with.
The ruin of the Roman commonwealth is (by all those who have wrote upon that subject) attributed to that corruption with which they were overrun after they became masters of Asia. Before that time, honor had been the reward of good and great actions—but then money, without merit, opened the door at which fools and slaves entered, when honest men could not be admitted; then it seemed a crime to be virtuous; and people became so degenerate, that the consulship, government of provinces, commands of armies, and every public employment, were put to sale, and all carried by caballing and bribery, without any regard had to the merits of men, and their services to their country.
O urbem venalem et emptorem inveniet! intimating, that they would sell their wives, their daughters, and even the city itself, if a man were found who had a purse sufficient to make the purchase.
What sub-type of article is it?
Moral Or Religious
Partisan Politics
What keywords are associated?
Bribery
Corruption
Greek History
Roman Republic
Political Decay
Ancient Governments
What entities or persons were involved?
Philip Of Macedon
Spartan State
Roman Commonwealth
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Bribery And Corruption Leading To Downfall Of Ancient Republics
Stance / Tone
Cautionary Warning Against Corruption
Key Figures
Philip Of Macedon
Spartan State
Roman Commonwealth
Key Arguments
Bribery And Corruption Caused The Overthrow Of Greek And Roman Free Governments
Philip Of Macedon Used Bribery To Ruin Greek Commonwealths
Spartan State's Riches From Asiatic Conquests Led To Corruption And Destruction
Roman Corruption After Mastering Asia Replaced Honor With Money And Bribery In Public Offices
Romans Became Degenerate, Selling Public Employments Without Regard To Merit