Delaware journal., 1827-10-23
From the Npw- Fork Morning Courier.
ALGIERS AND THE KNIGHTS OF ST. JOHN
OF JERIJSAI.EM

OF JERUSALEM.
Within the last three years several plans have
been formed in Europe, for re-estabshing the order
Of St. John. For long series Of years previously
to the capture of Malta by Bonaparte, the knights
had been gradually losing their power and territories
Once the proud owners of stately castles in Pales-
tine, and SYRIA and the isles Of the Mediterranean,
the champions of the cross and the scourges of the
Ottoman, the gallant opposers of the mighty Soy-
man, they have for many years been an evidence
amongst others, that the great wheel of change
spares nothing earth, but rolls alike valor
and honor, and pride, and strength, and power.
crushing the towers of the mighty, as we'll as the
cottages of the lowly.
In the Gazette de France" of Aug 81, we
find an article relative to Algiers. 1t recommends
the occupation of Algers by the christians, and
that it should be put under the dominion of the
knights of ST. John.--ss In the re-establishment Of
this order,'' says the writer trust for the main
tenance eff the conquest, and have read with plea
sure a letter from VIENNA stating that certain
great power is about to adopt this principle of re-
establishment, although mention is made of the
future location of the order which is nevertheless
matter of considerable question" The writer then
considers and answers the objections agans the or
der of st. John-the VOW of celibacy, and the mix
ture of religious with military character Having
answered these, He then considers the claims which
| the European powers who may unite in conquering
Algers. would advance for their share of the prize,
and argues that they trfng in comparison with
the advantages which would arise from bestowing
the state upon the knights of st. John.
The close of the article is worthy of translation.
"The political existence of Algiers is incompatible
with the quiet, the civilization, and the dignity of
Europe besides, her piratica insolence has exceed
ed all bounds-she deserves an exemplary chastise-
ment.-FTaace cannot conquer Algiers for herself
alone, without exciting jeaousies prejudcial to that
union which the strength and safety of Europe de
pend. 1t is very easy for maritime confederation
to take Agers, and it is very difficult to form COM
mon government for the place. The order of st.
John of Jerusalem is the only institution which will
suit the purpose Its msfortunes, itslong services,
its ancient glory, its unjust deposition all plead in
its behalf, and christian Europe ought eagerly te
seize this opportunity for its re-estabishment. A.
gainst the bulwark of Mussuman piracy, good sense
tells us to oppose bulwark of Christian commerce.
s'Algiers, more valuable than Rhodes or Malta,
ought to be an indemnity for the losses of an order.
dear to the Christian world 1t is not impossible
! that the first moments of its re-estabshment may
be attended with troubles, and amongst the proba
bilities we must place the appgehensons, and per
haps the resistance of the Crescent. But unless
misapprehend the power of religion and patriotism
r and that ancient chvalrous honor which is unkno
to feudality we shall find La Vaettes L'Isle Adams
and D'Aubussons* where the enemies of the Chris
:. tian name will not find Dragut or Baroarossa'
*Vaette L'Isc Adams and d. Aubusson were formerl,
Grand Masters of the Order OF ST. John of Jerusalem, and
distinguished The first Grand Master the cele
bated Raymond of 1houlousi part of tile oah taker
o by the Knight was "never reckon number OF the
enemy, and to die rather than surrender"