Proconsul

in Roman law, a deputy consul appointed to the command of a province. He was usually a man who had served as a consul or praetor, but, when public service required, the position could be filled by those who had not held office previously. As communication was uncertain and the power of the proconsul practically absolute, he had a large degree of responsibility, with opportunity to distinguish himself by an upright administration, as well as opportunity to enrich himself by extorting money from his wealthy but defenseless subjects. Unfortunately the office was looked upon too often as a means of becoming wealthy. A saying is attributed to one of these officeholders, which, though it may not be true literally, illustrates the condition of public service: "I shall need three years," said he, "one in which to provide for my friends, one in which to provide for myself, and one in which to amass the means necessary to corrupt my superiors." Such men expected to retire from office, erect villas, and live in wealth. See Consul