Note 360 — Chapter II · THE GROWTH OF THE REPUBLICAN CONSTITUTION
Reading edition
The principle of cooptation was said to have been recognised in the carmen rogationis of the tribunate, and in this case it was held that Patricians were eligible. Liv. iii. 65 (449 B.C.) “Novi tribuni plebis in cooptandis collegis patrum voluntatem foverunt. Duos etiam patricios consularesque, Sp. Tarpeium et A. Aternium, cooptavere.” But, with the disuse of this principle, the plebeian qualification was observed.