Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-05-26
A Man-ofWar, or A Man Of Peace.

1t will probably be remembered that, a
few years ago, great excitement was
caused by the discovery Of vast deposits OF
euano upon the island of Ichaboe, situated
on the west coast of Africa. The remark
able fertilizing qualities of guano gave 1t
great value as an article of commerce, and
a large number of vessels were despatched
from various ports to take in cargoes at the
island. II was computed that at one time
not less than 500 vessels were lying off lch-
aboe, and, as there was no settled authority
to regulate The trade of the place, scene
of indescribable confusion and tumult soon
presented itself. The crews of several OF
.he ships having established themselves
upon the table-land at the top of the island,
(the island being little more than huge
rock, rising with almost perpendicular cliffs
from the ocean, a dispute arose between
them and their captains, which soon pro-
ceeded to open mutiny on the part OF the
men. The only access to their position be-
ing by long ladders, the men set their mas
ters at defiance, and held possession OF
their strong hold, which was inaccessible,
except by permission of the mutlneers.-
The captains despatched a vessel to the
Cape of Good Hope, for the purpose oflay-
ing complaint before the governor, and
soliciting his aid. The governor was about
to despatch man-of- war-the only reme-
dy that is generally thought of in such ca
ses-when a good devoted man, mission
ary at Cape Town, named Bertram, hear
ing of the affair, represented to the COVER
nor his earnest desire to spare the effuslon
of blood, and his conviction that, if he were
allowed to proceed to the island, ne could
bring the quarrel to an amlcable settlement
Mr.. Bertram obtained the consent OF the
authorities, and the order for the sailing OF
the man-of-war was suspended He pro-
ceeded to Ichaboe, and being rowcd ashore,
began to ascend one of the lofty ladders
Two seamen, well armed, who had guard
above, shouted to know who he was and
what he wanted. "a friend, who wants to
speak to you," was the reply. The guards,
seeing single man, unarmed, climbing fear
lessly towards them, permitted HIM to as
cend. He called the men round him, spoke
kindly but faithfully to them, heard their
complaints, and undertook to negotiate for
them He did this with so much tact
and Judgment that reconciliation was
soon effected, and harmony restored be-
tween the captains and their crews. Mr.
Bertram renamed ten days with the men
ON the summit of the island, employing the
time to the best advantage in preaching and
teaching amongst them. 1t was only on
the plea of urgent duty that the men would
permit him to leave them. They clustered
round him. as he was about to descend from
amongst them for the last time each was
eager to wiring him by the hand, and tears
rolled down many weather-beaten cheek
as he bade them last adieu God bless
you, sir !' they exclaimed; 'you have been
our true friend; would that you could stay
amongst US, for we feel that you have done
us good" 1t will be we'll for nations when
they have more faith in the power OF a
man of peace. and less in that of man-ot-
war.-Bond Of brotherhood.