This morning a swift sailing ship has arrived with the news that the army of Spain have with one voice acclaimed the young Hannibal as their general, and that they demand the ratification of their choice by the senate and people.

Need I tell you how important it is that this ratification should be gained?
Hanno and his satellites are furious, they are scattering money broadcast, and moving heaven and earth to prevent the choice falling upon Hannibal, and to secure the appointment for Hanno himself or one of his clique.

They say that to appoint a youth like this to such a position would be a thing unheard of, that it would bring countless dangers upon the head of the republic.

We know, of course, that what they fear is not the youth and inexperience, but the talent and genius of Hannibal.
"Young though he is, his wonderful abilities are recognized by us all.
His father, Hamilcar, had the very highest hopes of him, Hasdrubal has written again and again saying that in his young kinsman he recognized his superior, and that in loftiness of aim, in unselfish patriotism, in clearness of judgment, in the marvellous ascendency he has gained over the troops, in his talent in administration, and in the greatness of his military conceptions, he saw in him a genius of the highest order.

If it be in man to overthrow the rising greatness of Rome, to reform our disordered administration, to raise Carthage again to the climax of her glory and power, that man is Hannibal.
"Thus, then, on him our hopes rest.