Admittedly, the peril is extreme.  Crustumerium has fallen, and also Ostia.  However, Janiculum, the key to the whole outer system of the City’s defences, still stands, and there is accordingly no immediate cause for dismay.  But we are strongly of the opinion—­so rapid has been LARS PORSENA’S advance hitherto—­that the bridge over the Tiber should be at once destroyed as a precautionary measure while there is yet time.  We have every confidence in the continued capacity for resistance of the strong garrison at Janiculum, but it is necessary to be prepared for every eventuality; and if the fortress should fall without the bridge being demolished the latter would inevitably be seized by the enemy, and the Tiber, our last line of defence, would be lost to us.

For the rest, the spirit of the people is excellent.  It has become almost a truism to say that nowadays none is for a party, but all are for the State.  Rich and poor have learned to help and respect each other.  Indeed, in these brave days Romans, in Rome’s quarrel, have poured out blood and treasure unsparingly for the common cause.  We are like a nation of brothers.

* * * * *

Placard of “Hesperus” (Special Phosphorus Edition):—­

FALL

OF

JANICULUM.

* * * * *

From “Hesperus” (Noon Edition).

SWIFT ADVANCE OF THE ENEMY.

WAR COUNCIL MEETS.

HORATIUS TO HOLD BRIDGE-HEAD.

CAN THE BRIDGE BE DESTROYED IN TIME?

* * * * *

The Secretary to the Senate announces: 

“The War Council met at the River Gate immediately on receipt of the news of the fall of Janiculum.  It was decided to accept the offer of Port-Captain HORATIUS (S.P.Q.R.’s Own), SPURIUS LARTIUS (Ramnian Regt.), and HERMINIUS ("Titian Toughs"), who gallantly volunteered to hold the bridge-head in order to give time for the bridge itself to be destroyed.  All hope of saving the town should not therefore be abandoned.”

* * * * *

From our Special Correspondent.

I have just returned from the River Gate, where I was, I believe, the first to applaud one of the Patres Conscripti (commanding the Axe-and-Crowbar Volunteers), who set a fine example by actually starting on the demolition of the bridge himself.  Already you could see the Tuscan hordes in the swarthy dust that shrouded the Western horizon.  I was myself in a position to pick out ASTUR, who was girt with the brand which (I am informed by a high authority) none but he can wield.  There is no need to describe to you the firmament-rending yell that rose when the presence of the false and shameful SEXTUS was officially notified.  One saw women who hissed and even expectorated in his direction, and more than one child, I noticed, shook its small fist at him with splendid spirit....