Our own opinion we shall state boldly: the empire itself, from
the very era of its establishment, was one long decline of the Roman
power. A vast monarchy had been created and consolidated by the all-
conquering instincts of a republic--cradled and nursed in wars, and
essentially warlike by means of all its institutions [Footnote: Amongst
these institutions, none appear to us so remarkable, or fitted to
accomplish so prodigious a circle of purposes belonging to the highest
state policy, as the Roman method of colonization. Colonies were, in
effect, the great engine of Roman conquest; and the following are among a
few of the great ends to which they were applied. First of all, how came
it that the early armies of Rome served, and served cheerfully, without
pay? Simply because all who were victorious knew that they would receive
their arrears in the fullest and amplest form upon their final discharge,
viz. in the shape of a colonial estate--large enough to rear a family in
comfort, and seated in the midst of similar allotments, distributed to
their old comrades in arms. These lands were already, perhaps, in high
cultivation, being often taken from conquered tribes; but, if not, the new
occupants could rely for aid of every sort, for social intercourse, and
for all the offices of good neighborhood upon the surrounding proprietors
--who were sure to be persons in the same circumstances as themselves, and
draughted from the same legion.
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