To High Priest Yoazar,
I'm afraid I can't reveal my identity to you, but rest assured, you know me.
What you need to do is firstly assure the people of Israel that this is not a prelude to slavery, no matter what taxes signified in previous civilizations, Rome is Rome. These other civilizations practically took over neighborhoods and blocks compared to Rome's empire spanning the world. Rome is a step up in the progress of the world, and when Rome taxes, the taxes are put to public use, not private enrichment.
Secondly, the idea that high taxes would be a prelude to the nationalization (internationalization) of all Jewish industries and property is absurd. That will never happen, and once again, just because it happened this way in other occupations does not mean that Rome is the same.
Rome is the exception to history. Other empires fold by their lack of competence, their lack of organization, their lack of dynamism and adaptability. Rome's rise continues because it has solved the question of how to maintain civilization, and can maintain it ad infinitum should it so choose.
It's true, it is rather concerning that Hillel's school has acceded to the bellicosity of Shammai's, but when the real violence begins (imminently I'm sure), Hillel will regain their tactful composure. However, the continued mistreatment of all the mokhes and gabbais in Rome's employ is a shandous outrage. They are now beaten in the street, or at least spat on, and whenever they report their ill-treatment, Rabbis and Elders dismiss their claims prima facie because the Sanhedrin ruled that the credibility of known Jewish employees in Rome's public sector is so damaged that they cannot testify in court.
This is a development so beyond unacceptable to Rome that Rome demands action for it and orders you to threaten any such vigilante with excommunication. We and Rome are well aware that the issue of excommunication falls under purview of the Sanhedrin and tribal councils, but Rome is adamant that you claim counterauthority from them and attempt to seize power from the Sanhedrin by claiming their irredeemable corruption. Such a claim is always helped by the fact that the Sanhedrin is just as corrupt as the priesthood, and the more you repeat your accusations, the less their accusations against your administration hold moral credibility to the average Judean.
This is what Rome bids you do at the moment, and if you have any further questions, they will be conveyed though the couriers of the Roman governate and any written questions or requests will be sent to me, who bears far more detailed instructions from the Emperor's family.
For the Senate and People of Rome,
Rome's Man in Jerusalem
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