San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1892-03-11
SINGLE SATURDAYS.
BY RRBA GREGORY PREI.AT.
A BIRDS EYE VIEW OF CAESAR

Written for the LIGHT.
ANCIENT GAUL.
In an history of modern Europe il
1t safe to begin with Julius Caesar
since the iron heel of the Roman
government was set upon every form
of Celtic developemeDt.
The conquest of Gau1, aptidates
the conquest Of Britain, and il much
more important as sn historical fac.
tor, liz was the arena of Caesars
greatest achievements, the corner
STONE of his immense reputation and
power.
The Italians saw the fertile country
enclosed by the rivers Loire, Rhone
and Rhine and resolved to find some
pretext to conquer it. Julius Caesar,
then . mere general, was intrusted
with the care Of the expedition.
Many laurels had he won before,
but with tine keen instinct of the
born commander, he saw that to
succeed in this he would need his
choicest troops and all his skill.
The .pigrams which have made
him famous cluster around this en-
terprise, and the will power which
swayed the sternest elements of his
century, found Its greatest school In
the Gallo war.
Many exaggerated stories of the
E.suarIans had reached the Roman
army and when they had ga ned the
banks of the Rhine. fear seized the
hardy warriors. 1--WE will not cross )"
they cried with one accord. "Rest
till tomorrow" Caesar cried, 'aud
then ii all others falter, the 18th Le-
gion and will cross alone" MOrnin 2
dawned and the captain of the 18th
Legion came to Cesar.
Fate DEGREES that thou shouldst
return to Italy" said the officer. 1.-THE
18th Legion will not cross. Caesar
answered nothing, but walked to the
Danks OF the river. Then ne turned
and laced the proud array.
Farewell ~ he said, "the general
goes alone to conquer Gaul, and II
needs must, he rows himself across. /"
With these words he sci his foot upon
the stern of the boat, he had caused
TO be prepared, and with the sunlight
shining on the Roman eagle. which
adorned his helmet, he pushed of
from the shore.
the ranks and every soldier followed
him.
The Rhine was soon alive with
boats. and the sudden d saffection
was over. so successful were they In
their battles against the Gauis that
Caesar sent back his celebrated mes
sage to the senate
II came, saw, conquered
Many cruelties were perpetrated In
these campaigns, but az province after
province surrendered Caesar proved
himself q humane governor In q
few years Gaul became completely
subject to the Roman powers. Her
warriors sweiled the count of italian
enlistment, their Celtic bravery and
docility rendering them excellent
common soldiers.
Druidism gave place to the worship
of Jupiter, and the Gods of classical
mythology. The arts of building aud
agriculture were learned with sur.
prising quickness and success. 81
taking all together France was pros
porous under Roman rule.
In speaking of Ancient Gsut and it's
Inhabitants let US clearly define he
fact that 1t limited itself to the south
ern portions of the country and those
Celtic tribes that dwelt towards the
borders Of Italy. Away to the mort
and west were fierce Teutonic tribes
who never, then or after. lowered
their heads to the Roman yoke. Roads
were built, cities sprang up, and real
civilization was the result OF Roman
conquest. Many rem sins of this early
period still exist.
The mistress OF the world was
however. "tottering to her fall, }" and
as one helpless emperor followed an
other upon the beastly and blood
stained throne, the provinces were
left without protection. You have
learned how Britain called upon the
Angles from the North for help anC
how the fierce Teutons exterminated
the feeble Celts.
Gaul was reserved for . better fate
although the TeutOns In the form OF
the Franks and the Allemani came
into the country and took the leading
part in the government. They were
less civilized, less practical than the
Celts. Their superior energy and
physical strength made them, howev-
or, splendid element in com bination.