August Imperator,
Myself and my confederates understand the necessity of civil integration. Indeed, we all seek the unification of the Urollan provinces and their inhabitants into the Republic, without undue bloodshed. As such, it would be tempting to ply the slaves of these barbarians with full citizenship, and so render our conquest with the sheen of liberation and lay the foundations for harmony and good relations. Surely this shall promote peace in our new provinces?
But the Urollans, having been admitted to our commonwealth, shall evacuate their squalid lands for our prosperous cities. The market will be flooded with cheap labour; wages shall be depressed and idleness shall increase. Our own citizenry shall find themselves suffering without work or livelihood. Poverty will reign on the streets. The people shall demand redress. Tensions will rise between urbanites and immigrants; rioting and rebellion may follow soon after. Far from promoting stability and friendship, such an unconditional offer shall conspire to create unrest and distrust. An inauspicious start to our endeavours to unite the continent.
For these reasons, I suggest that we stagger the introduction of former slaves into our society. A river left rampant shall drown the crops and leave us hungry; a controlled stream shall sow the seeds of prosperity.
My proposal is thus: that any existing slaves appropriated from the Urollan provinces after their conquest be impressed into the legions of the Republic. Our losses shall thereby be replenished and our legions restored to full strength. Moreover, liberated slaves shall be instructed in our language and culture, to ease their assimilation into our society. They shall learn that citizenship is earned through loyalty to the Republic, and not merely entitled. After ten years of service, they shall be granted full rights of citizenship and, if they so desire it, be released from army service. Thus, they will be ready to contribute to our society as fully naturalised citizens of the Republic, not mistrusting and malcontent aliens still scarred by military humiliation.
I pray my fellow representatives recognise this ideal solution, which shall protect the rights and privileges of our citizens, ensure the good order of our society, safeguard our economy from depression, and provide the Republic with ample men to provide for a standing army on her southern frontier.
- Caesennia Caprica