Hadrian was the
first who turned his attention effectually in that direction; whether it
were that he first was struck with the tendency of the abuses, or that he
valued the hazard less which he incurred in correcting them, or that,
having no successor of his own blood, he had a less personal and affecting
interest at stake in setting this hazard at defiance. Hitherto, the
highest regimental rank, that of tribune, had been disposed of in two
ways, either civilly upon popular favor and election, or upon the express
recommendation of the soldiery. This custom had prevailed under the
republic, and the force of habit had availed to propagate that practice
under a new mode of government. But now were introduced new regulations:
the tribune was selected for his military qualities and experience: none
was appointed to this important office, "_nisi barba plena_" The
centurion's truncheon, [Footnote: _Vitis_: and it deserves to be
mentioned, that this staff, or cudgel, which was the official engine and
cognizance of the Centurion's dignity, was meant expressly to be used in
caning or cudgelling the inferior soldiers: "_propterea_ vitis in manum
data," says Salmasius, "_verberando scilicet militi qui deliquisset_.
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