A TRUE PATRIOT.

Western Star, Issue 335, 7 February 1880, Page 7

A TRUE PATRIOT.

In these days of vaunted patriotism, hypocritical annexations, and pharisaical pretensions to national greatness, the mind wanders back with, pleasure to the time when patriotism was a reality and oppressed nationalities had their heroes.; There has been many a sneer levelled at such men as Scbamyl, Garibaldi, and Abd-el-Kader; but future history will give them their reward. They have been despised by a time serving and eourtworship.ping race ; in the future their names will rank among, those worthies whose deeds and fame the world will not willingly let die. In the pleasant city of Damascus Abd-el-Kader breathed his last a few days ago. The ancient city, whose appearance thrilled the hearts of Mahomet’s followers as they looked down upon its palaces and gardens, was a fit resting place for the pure hearted Moslem who had’ defied for fifteen years the best troops of Trance. The story of the Marabout Chief is a sad and stx*ange one. Abd-el-Kader was the sou ofa chieftain renowned in his Arab tribe for his piety and bis learning; and seems to have inherited Very many of the mental qualities and personal characteristics which enabled the Prophet to found a religion and create an empire. In his youth the young Emir, who was destined to.lead his savage brother n in days of danger, was distinguished among the matchless Arab horsemeaTor his skill in the saddle. In martial exercises he excelled his com-, peers. Among a sensual race he was free from passion; among fanatics he was known as a liberal minded man. He hated cruelty,, and.,, was a generous foemah. The annexation of his country by the forces of Louis Phillipe called him to to the front; and during the incessant warfare which he waged against the Gallic foe he was never known to. do a discreditable action. The conduct of the Chrivtians was in marked contrast to the behaviour of the Moslems. When the Dey of Algie r s gave the buffet in the face of the French Consul at his Court, the doom of the nominal ruler of Algiers was decreed. The Citizen-King of France sent forth his warships; they anchored before the capital, and in a few weeks the Dey and his Government disappeared. The Frencii. Government promised the Turkish population that their country would not be annexed; but when the Sultan’s subordinate and his pashas were driven away, that promise was broken, England acquiesced, iu the pe-jiny, and plunder and anarchy set in. The French Army of Occupation plundered the native merchants, insulted the women, and .defiled their mosques. The wilder and more warlike tribes of the interior arousod themselves when they were told of the perfidy of the hated Giaour, They proclaimed their independence, and Abd-el-Kader was appointed their chief. For years he held the best generals of France at hay, frequently defeated them in bloody battles, in which the spear and the scimitar proved more powerful than musket or bayonet. His wild horsemen on their fleet Arabs, hovered like wolves around the French encampment, ready at all times to take advantage of the weakness or stupidity of their enemies. Sometimes successful, at other times beaten, yet ever starting up again when least expected, he continually harrassed the French troops on the Algerian frontier. When defeated he led his pursuers into ambushes in sickly deserts ; or waylaid them on'the march through hot sands. So often was it offically announced in Paris that the dreaded Moslem had been'crushed and captured, that the subject became a matter for jestng among Parisian wits. The illustrious warrior was at last caught between two fires. The Emperor of Morocco sent an army, led by his sons, against the Emir, whilst General Lamoricere advanced from Algiers. Even in this sad straight the military genius of Ahd-el-Kader was conspicious. His last battle was the most brilliant of all his achievements. With a handful of devoted followers he attacked the Moorish camp in the night, and so terrible was bis onslaught that he routed the immense host it contained. But the Moors gathered strength and pushed him back. The A rab chief sent on his baggage and the families of his warriors, so that they might gain the shelter of French territory ; his purpose being to cut his way to freedom through the encompassing arms of the Moorish host. But he was surrounded as he made for the south, by French Cavalry, and surrendered on condition of being sent I to St. Jeaud’Acreor Alexandria. Again ! perjury was committed. The Emir was j taken to Toulon, and held captive in France for 15 years, till released by Louis Napoleon in 1852. Broussa was 1 bis first home, and in 1855 be went to Damascus. In that city he lived till In’s death, adored by bis countrymen and honored-by his foes. In the time of the

furious masacre of the Christians of Damascus by the Mohammedans Abd-el-Kader, to his everlasting credit, protected some at the peril of his own life. His wars and his bravery did not prevent the annexation of Algiers ; but his p driotic heroism and sterling qualities of mind will be honored around the camp fires as long as the sons of the desert hold remembrance of their ancient glory.