War with Mithradates, King of Pontus, had been declared, and both Marius and Sulla were eager to have the command.
At this time (88) the TRIBUNE PUBLIUS SULPICIUS RUFUS brought forward the following bills:-- 1.

That the command of the war against Mithradates be given to Marius.
2.

That the new citizens should be distributed through all the tribes.
3.

That any Senator who owed more than four hundred dollars be deprived of his seat.
4.

That those exiled on suspicion of having aided in the Italian revolt be recalled.
In spite of the bitterest opposition, these bills were passed.