The mirror., 1909-03-25

towns, subdued three hundred states,
and the approximate number of three
millions of men whom he fought, q
million were killei and an equal num-
ber were made captives. As his mill
tary genius gradually sdded to his
prestige, so in part he be;ame feared
and mistrusted by the astute politi-
clans of Rome. Each success added to
their uneasiness, and they began to
plot and scheme, to humiliate the man
who contributed more to the honor and
glory of Rome than any of his famous
predecessors.
As diplomat, Caesar was as success
full as soldier. His arch enemy at
Rome was Pompey. He was also hated
by Cato, the censor of public morals,
who saw in Caesar man who would
resort to any measure to accomplish
his designs, even to overthrow the
government aud to invite open REBEL
lion. BY various means PomIey en-
deavOred to shorn his enemy of his
power, but failei. Roma was about
equally divided in its allegiance, and
as Iesult disorder and riot was Of
common occurrence. Finally Caesar de-
cided to cross the Rubicon and chal-
lenge the timid Pompey for Il su-
premacy of R,me. When Pompey
heard the news he Immediately pre-
pared for the conflict In the first en-
gagement Pompey was successful and
routed the enemy. This engagement
might have ended the war and altered
| the canse of the empire lad POmpey
took advantage of Il e tnemy's plight
and pursued them, thus making his
victory decisive ole. However, this
battle merely hampeIe1 C@ ar's plans.
| The next engage nent witt essed the
complete overthrow Of Pompey's army
and made him fugitive from Rome.
After cOnquering the enemies who still
were in arms against him, Caesar re-
turned to Rome and as made dictator
eor life by his adherents. A few coun-
seled moderation and advised the peo-
pie to pause before exaltlng such an
ambitious man to so high position,
but the friends OF Caesar were in the
majority and their will prevailed.
\ AS dictator, C2 ar ruled with great
moderation. He distributed honors
literally, and great leniency
!. toward those whom he had defeated.
Still, he had many bitter enemies who
hated him for his popularity. His
!, friends advised him TO have body
: guard, but he said it was better to suf-
Ter death once than always to live in
J fl ar of it.. In Gaul, he had faced the
enemy in single combat in many q bat
!, tie, and it was exceedingly repugnant
to his feelings to imagine that he was
so cOwardly as to employ armed men
: to defend his person; especially in q
t pea, eful city and among ardent frie nds
!. As dictator, his ambition did not sub
/. side, for he was continually planning
wonderful projects and mapping out
: comprehensive military campaiens. II
n had been many years since the Rom ans
\ had Sbolished kingship; and when tht
frit nds of Caesar limited at making hin
: king, the people became deeply incens
Q ed and hated him accordingly.
8 In no sense can we call his career 9
: failure, altho hewas assassinated befor,
he could carry out some of his mos
brilliant ideas. Of the many distin
' guished prpconsuls who had ruled owe
i Rome since the overthrow of TarQuiI
q the Proud, there were none who equal
4 ed Caesar in generalship, statesmanshi]
or in the qualities that distinguishes
i the invincible protagonist from tn
,r humble followers. As q youth, he va
Is a dreamer-not Of petty things, but O
. provinces and continents. His dream
was to eclipse in greatness all his pred
= ecess0rs, and he wonld have achieve
that result had no lived. Caesar, piu
q his ambition, might have lived an
died as Thousands before him, but hi
u lambition made him the illustrious ff
G. nre that he is in history aud enahle
"a | him to climb to exalted heiQhte.