American watchman and Delaware advertiser. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1822-1828, 1825-05-13


of his countryi Has given him less claims 10 res
pect and attention. in the British CourtF III none
of these results are to be appiehended althougn
Mr.. King may wish TO retire from The active duties
of an orator that desire affords but slight reason 10
doubt his entire competency for the diplomatic STU
alton which he has, most wisely, in our opinion,
been called 10 fill. Nat. oourhat.
We are indebted to P. S. Duponceau, Esq for
copy of the subloincd and very interesting letter
from the American Consul at Algiers; agentleman
distinguished for his talents and liberal acquire.
menis. nae' oa~.
.4lgiers 5th March, 1925.
Dear Sir,-This country having suffered an aw-
full visitation here send you for your information
an extract of the Journal OF this Consulate relative
to it.
March 2.-This morning at half past nine, very
violent shock of earthquake was felt The move
ment was from east to west, laleray quick and Jar
ring, with noise resembling that made by num-
Der of wagons driven rapidly oyer paved ways The
atmosphere was perfectly serene, the wlnd strong
from the interior, the thermometer at 49, and the
barometer falling, though but very slightly Affected
The first shock endured about 90 seconds; 1t was
succeeded by two others, al distances OF time oil 10
and 90 minutes, but less violent
March 5.--Reporis were received last nlght, by
the Government, that the town OF Beda had been
destroyed by the earthquake Of yesterday that
mosque, two coffee houses, and hive dwelling houses,
are the only buildings standing in that town; and
that almost the whole of lis population has persisted
The Aga, with detachment OF cavalry, lett the city
at three this morning. TO ascertain the truth OF this
report, and relieve the sufferers Belida ia a town
situated at the foot oil the mountains on the south
verge of the beautiful plain of Me,ah; it is re-
ported TO have contained about 10000 Inhabitants,
and II enjoyed great degree OF agricultural pros
perty, it being only 90 miles distant from this city,
which it supplied with fruit and vegetables. Du
ring the day the news Of the disaster al Belida is
confirmed by successive reports A caravan, with
tents and every thing in the power OF this city to
furnish, has been despatched by the government for
the relief OF the sufferers. Several shocks OF earth
quake were felt during the day, and al IS minutes
past IN The evening, one very severe.
yHnrch 4.-Ihe barometer was fouOd, this morn
ing, TO have risen three lines during The last night
and the shocks OF earthquake have ceased entirely.
One Of the principal sources Of the prosperity of
Belda was its numerous springs-abundance oil
water circulated freely through all It's streets, and
extensive plantations 1t is now ported that about
half an hour before this terrible catastrophe, ali the
water suddenly disappeared, and that now there IS
none to be found within the distance OF hall league
All subsequent reports lead to the belief that the
first was not exaggerated.
am, very respectfully dear sir, your most oblg
ed humble servant, VIM. SHALER.
P. S. remarked that during the period of earth
quake above mentiond the sea did appear to be
in the least affected, being quiet usual here du
ring he same weather.
Belida, l think is situated about south from All
giers
The Bashaw, as proof Of his gratitude to Allah
Tor not destroying this city also, set at liberty about
$50 Kabyles who were detained here in chains onl
account OF political disputes with their tribe.-"A
queiqe chose malheur est bon."