an Campania,
defeated the Romans several times, and entered into negotiations with
the Northern Italians, whose fidelity began to waver.

It is not strange, therefore, that opinions at Rome began to be turned
in the direction of a more liberal policy. It was decided to make
concessions. Towards the close of the year 90, the Consul Caesar carried
the JULIAN LAW, by which the Roman franchise was extended to all who
had not yet revolted. The next year this law was supplemented by the
PLAUTIAN PAPIRIAN LAW, which allowed every citizen of an Italian town
the franchise, if he handed in his name to the Praetor at Rome within
sixty days. About the same time was passed another law, the CALPURNIAN,
which permitted Roman magistrates in the field to bestow the franchise
on all who wished it. These laws resulted in disorganizing the
rebellion. The Samnites and Lucanians held out the longest, but were
finally put down by Marius.

The end of the Social War brought no peace at Rome. The newly
enfranchised Italians were not fully satisfied. The Senate was torn
asunder by violent personal rivalries. There was no class not affected
by the wide-spread tightness in the money market. The treasury was
empty, and many capitalists became insolvent. War with Mithradates, King
of Pontus, had been declared, and both Marius and Sulla were eager to
have the command.

At this time (88) the TRIBUNE PUBLIUS SULPICIUS RUFUS brought forward
the following bills:--

1. That the command of the war against Mithradates be given to Marius.

2. That the new citizens should be distributed through all the tribes.

3. That any Senator who owed more than four hundred dollars be deprived
of his seat.

4. That those exiled on suspicion of having aided in the Italian revolt
be recalled.

In spite of the bitterest opposition, these bills were passed. But the
triumph of Sulpicius was of short duration. Sulla, who with his troops
had been encamping near Nola in Campania, marched upon the city, and for
the first time a Consul entered Rome at the head of his legions.

CHAPTER XXV. MARIUS AND SULLA.-CINNA.

With the name of MARIUS is usually coupled that of LUCIUS CORNELIUS
SULLA (138-78). "He was a patrician of the purest blood, had inherited
a moderate fortune, and had spent it, like other young men of rank,
lounging in theatres and amusing himself with dinner parties. He was
a poet, an artist, and a wit. Although apparently indolent, he was
naturally