Dr. White's Lecture.

Last night in the Fogg Lecture-room, Dr. Horace White of the New York Evening Post, delivered a lecture on "Cicero, Clodius and Milo," under the auspices of the Classical Club. Dr. White spoke of the three men in connection with the corruption and mob-rule that led to the downfall of the Roman Republic.

According to Sallust, this downfall was due in large measure to the destruction of Carthage, which left Rome without an enemy and therefore an easy prey to internal corruption. During the century prior to the time of Cicero and Caesar, a clique of about 300 politicians held the power and managed all elections, with the result that riots and proscriptions followed each other in rapid succession. The condition of the proletariats, or common rabble, became steadily worse; but during the long quarrel between Marius and Tulla their support was essential for the success of either party, a fact which led to many measures for their relief.

This was the state of affairs in 63 B.C., when Cicero won fame by overthrowing the conspiracy of Catiline. Not long after, a young noble named Publius Clodius began to arouse general indignation by his abuses in one of the provinces. In spite of the efforts of Cicero, who was counsel for the prosecution, Clodius was acquitted through the most flagrant bribery. The widespread corruption of the state seemed to be now revealed for the first time to Cicero.

By adoption into a plebeian family Clodius became eligible to the tribuneship, to which he was elected in 59 B.C. His first measure in the new office was directed against Cicero, whom he had always hated. A law was passed making it a serious offence to execute Roman citizens without a trial, an action which Cicero had been forced to take in the Catilinian conspiracy. After much hesitation, Cicero decided to avoid the issue by retiring from the city.

This left Pompey and Clodius supreme in Rome. Street fights quickly broke out between their partisans; and Pompey, with the support of Milo, determined to recall Cicero. The great orator returned in triumph, and nominally regained his former influence; but from that time he was really the tool of the triumvirate. More riots now ensued, till at length, in 53 B.C., Clodius was killed by Milo. The latter was exiled and survived his enemy only four years.

After the lecture the club held a reception at the Brooks House for the Faculty members.