The senate assembled, and, by a unanimous vote the election
of Hannibal as one of the suffetes in place of Hasdrubal, and as
commander-in-chief of the army in Spain, was carried, and was ratified
by that of the popular assembly, the traders and manufacturers
of Hanno's party not venturing to oppose the will of the mass of
mechanics and seafaring population.

"It has been a victory," Hamilcar said, when, accompanied by a
number of his friends, he returned to his home that evening, "but
Hanno will not forget or forgive the events of this day. As long as
all goes well in Spain we may hope for the support of the people,
but should any disaster befall our arms it will go hard with all
who have taken a prominent part in this day's proceedings. Hanno's
friends have so much at stake that they will not give up the
struggle. They have at their back all the moneys which they wring
from the people and the tributaries of Carthage, and they will
work night and day to strengthen their party and to buy over the
lower classes. We are the stronger at present; but to carry the
popular vote on a question which would put a stop to the frightful
corruption of our administration, to suppress the tyranny of the
council, to sweep away the abuses which prevail in every class in
the state -- for that we must wait till Hannibal returns victorious.
Let him but humble the pride of Rome, and Carthage will be at his
feet."

The party were in high spirits at the result of the day's proceedings.
Not only had they succeeded in their principal object of electing
Hannibal, but they had escaped from a great personal danger; for,
assuredly, had Hanno and his party triumphed, a stern vengeance