New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1852-12-11

vicinity Of the gate OF Isy those OF Orsn and Con-
stnntine were to remain in the environs OF Mustaphs
The Governor paid visit to the guests whom he had
invited to be present the occassn He everywhere
met with that reception which the Arabs know how 10
give wherein something afectionste we might almost
ray tender 10 skfully mingled, perhaps too skiuly.
with their testimony OF respect. The reception took
place under tents of which presented a heroic
and charming spectacle. Thus under the tent OF the
Maseddia precious were suspended alongside OF
brilliant wearing apparel and damaskencd saddles. !;
YVES no longer the Bible which one opcned,-t was Q
romance OF Chiyslry The conquerors OF Granada had
taken the place Of the of Jacob The carpets which
we trod upon the dapery which raised TO admit US
within the tents, decorated with those lovely and
delicate colors of the East which pleasing to the
sight as music is to the ear.
The hour a. length arrived when we were called
awsy from the contemplation Of the wonders within
the tents to witness those without At l2 o'clock on
the 18th of September brilan, stsf on horseback,
headed by General Random, galloped along the Musts
pha road II was composed OF large number OF
French officers and Arabian chiefs Thor entry the
was greeted by the applause of the admir-
ing crowd. The plains of Mustapha presented one of
those enrapturing spectaces which calculated to
excite the livsliest emotions, and which was regarded
Never had an arena been so well adapted for public
display In front of the ribuncs on which the specta
tors were seated there was beautiful view OF the
Mediterranean; on the right were the SUBMITS OF A.
las, and on the et those unduating plains on which
the houses of Algicrs arc erected All the Arabian
warriors were drawn up in order of battle along the
track which was set apart for the athletic exercises 1t
nust be admitted that neither the Champ &c Mars, sar-
tory nor Chantily ever equs the reee-coarse OF
Mustaphs
The first days Stc was almost wholly devoted to the
races. which were conducted in the European style.
The costume OF jockeys was OF striking character
on this African arena As was usual, the hiding cap
displaced the bErHous or Arabian covering. Neverhe-
less by an admirable arrangement, the seltestecm CT
the Arabs who are evidently interiors in know
ledge of racing, properly respected on this occs-
sion. The grand prize contended for by con-
course of Europeans and natives; the other prizes
were equally attainabe by porscn belonging to both
nations The races OF the 2S.h OF September were
brought to close by equestrian exercises, wherein the
subalterns and soldiers of the LIST Regiment of African
Hunters the objects of universal admiration. The
military horsemanship on the fields of Mustapha was
equal 10 anything which had been witnessed on the
plains Of Saumur. The serpcntinc and spiral move
ents in rings and circles performed according TO
TRAN maneuvers, in which the horsemen displayed
great ability in the of the lance and sword. Our
cavalry in Africa showed this ie day that notwith
standing the arduous duties they have occasionally to
perform they can distinguish themselves BY exercises
which are remarkablefo for military skill. From hepre
cision and address they displayed during this festival
in the presence of the Arabs the latter could judge Of
the mode in which they would exemplify on the battle
field the valor OF their arms
ION the morning OF the Goth waTlike feat was per-
formed on magnificent scale AT the moment the
Governor arrived the race course powerful fen dc
joe was fred. All the Arabian warriors saluted the
representative of French authority in Algiers. The
Governor rode through the military phaanx formed by
these horsemen, who drawn up in line Of battle
Each Province known by its flags distinguished by
different colors. The flags were lowered as General
Random rode through the ranks Another act of
homage of touching and singular character accompa
MED this mark of respect on the part of the Arabs
Their musicians played French tunes for the gratica
ton of the visitors and was not at all dspeasng TO
us to hear the melodies Of our country played by the
Arabs On their reed instruments and t9mbournes
they had at least the charm which words long familiar
10 us always possess when they heard In foreign
land. We ought certainly to be thankful to them for
having ayaled themselves of this occasion crafty
our French tastes In country which so many obsta
cles have separated from us. The Arabs themselves
invoked the remembrance of our native land their
cents awakened those thoughts which always dear
to the hearts of Frenchmen.
"The review being over, the next contest was to
take place the racecourse. Europe was not to be
represented on this occasion the field was to be
resigned to Africa The tribune which the judges
were seated who give the signal for starting and de-
cidcd the race borne away by eight strong horses
there more jockeys, no more races but there
plain, which the Arabs suddenly appeared
in full costume. Then is heard the loud harsh and
monotonous sound of drums grateful music the Arabs
they mingle in the mazes Of the dance, their
evening festivals On that day il not dancers
whom the sound OF that music was to animate Three
musicians advanced toward the tribune where the
Governor was seated, three suitable companions, we
should say for the witches OF Macbeth They were az
beardless rs the Ilurons, whose counenence Is i'm.
pressed with that mysterious air which erocty i'm
plants the lips and in the eyes of sayages large
circle is formed around these three musicians com.
posed Of Arabian chiefs, who SO impressive
appearance as severol persons enter it, who arc going
to perform the Raaba'
The Rsaba' Is contest which is alone practised
in the Province Of Oran 1t is athletic exercse, ia
which considerable yigor is displayed by the combat
ants After thousand detours and stratagoins they
approach each ether with precaution sometimes they
look at another with fixed gaze possessing good
deal Of fascination; they then draw themselves up
stand on their guard tumble in a variety of ways, and
If they should happen to fall engage in formidable
assault OF kicks which must be anything but agreeabl.
to the ccmbatants Tie 'Raaba' was sustained on his
occasion with great deal OF animation, and was re-
mErksblelor several extraordinary uancuvers. When
any Of the combatents dcalt vigorous blow there
loud and long-continued applause, in the midst of
which several chiefs from their the ground
to come forward and animate them. EIsted by the
sound Of the music and the excitement of the sport
there were occasions when they would distinguish
them elves greatly, and then the musicians would ami
mate them the more By stirring appeal with their