Massachusetts spy and Worcester advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1823-1825, 1825-05-11
.ALGERLyVE JUSTICE.

MAHoMET EFFENDI, Dey OF Algiers,
about the middle of the last century, was
reckoned the most able and likewise the
most equitable of those princes who have
for many years governed the Algerines.
lis promotion to sovereignty was invol-
untary--he no doubt dreaded the fate
Of his predecessors, of whom no less
than twenty-three persisted oy violent
deaths. He was compelled, neverthe-
less, by the Janissaries, TO accept Of a
dignity which, notwithstanding his justice
and sagacity, proved as fatal to himself
as TO former princes /; for be also, short
time after his advancement, fell by as
sassination. The following instance OF
his justice, in which however, the pro-
cedure was somewhat summary, IS ac-
counted an instance of his sagacity.
Slaves, among the Algerines, are per-
mitted, on paying their masters GER
tain sum, TO earn money for themselves,
by shop-keeping or otherwise. This
they may, and very frequently do, en-
ploy in purchasing their freedom. A
slave named Almoolah, kept an OF! shop,
and found his gains increase so very fast,
that he soon accumulated seventy Sc
gums, amounting to about thirty pounds
sterling. Another fifty sequins would
have procured his freedom. Fearing,
however, as he was thought wealthy,
that he might be robbed, and have no
redress, he gave his money in trust to a
Moor, who lived in the neighbourhoo!,
and in whose integrity he had the utmost
confidence. His profits soon afterwards
became SO considerable, that he found
himself in possession of the fifty scqnins
be so earnestly wished for. He thus
anticipated, with secret pleasure. MS de-
livery from bondage, and return 10 his
native land, Repairing therefore 10 his
Moorish friend, he said to him " How
much beholden am |, worthy Hadgi, 10
your goodness, in having taken charge
of my little earnings | now intend, as
have gained wherewithal to obtain my
liberty, to make the best bargain can
with my master, and return to my friends
aud kindred-I will therefore, relieve
you of the charge you so kindly under
took.
Hadgi beheid him with look Of as.
constituent he affected to believe hin
mad, and denied any knowledge of the
transaction he alluded to. AImoolah
nevertheless, insisted peremptorily OF
having his money restored TO him s,
that after much alteration, the Moor
apprehending that he could not other
wise secure the possession Of what he
had SO uujustly retained, ran to The pal
ace of Mahomet, whom he found ad
ministering justice, and raising hi;
voice, entreated that he would punish
a slave for aspersing his untaiuted char
acter. But Almoo!ah, conscious Of hi:
integrity, undauntingly followed him
and, obtaining leave of the Dey, he told
his story with circumstancial frmness
and then Frustrated himself on the car
pet at the foot ofthe throne Mahome
having heard him, beckoned to his min
ster of justice, and said, ego to the house
of fladgi-sear narrowly, and bring
me hither all the money yon find
The minister bowed, obeyed, and soor
after returned. The Dey having ther
ordered new earthen pot, with clear
waller poured into it, and a charcoal fire
TO be placed before him, put the po
on the fire, and when the water boiled
he threw in the money. Soon after
having taken it out, and letting it stant
till cooled, he found on the surface I
thick greasy scum. This convinced
him that the money belonged to the oil
man; he instantly restored it TO him
and at the same time gave a sign TO the
minister, who, dragging away the self,
condemned Moor, fixed bis head, with.
out loss of time, on the wall of the city
From the Hartford Mirror.