Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-08-06

impression on him, and he now confirmed his
intention to whether there were any individuals
among the lot who required his professional
services. But In what light was / to regard
these people? Could admire those men who
carried their patriotism and love of liberty to
such pitch rs to sell their children ? Admi-
ration no doubt felt, but not without a senti
ment of deep sorrow. Unfortunately, how
ever, on reflection, came to learn that it was
not since the war began that these men have
engaged in this detestable traffic. and that it
was not merely for the purpose Of buying arms
with noble and heroic intention that they
were in the habit Of selling their daughters,
their sisters, their sons and their brothers, but
that il has been practiced by them from time
immemorial, for the purpose of satisfying the
commonest wants. | felt thrill OF horror
run through me when | looked at those obdu-
rate and heartless men, smoking and laughing,
and coolly talking about the fate of their own
flesh and blood. wished to leave the odious
scene, but the doctor begged of me to stay, and
not condemn these men before / heard them in
justification of their conduct. He took aside
hale old man, the quick flashes Of whose eye
denoted birth, intelligence and communica
tiveness. The latter, being Intercepted by
the DOCTOR said that it was from a sentiment Of
tenderest affection for their chldrent hat he and
his countrymen were addicted to this traffic
at is no trifiing sacrifice that we Make
said he in thus separating ourselves from our
dear children; but we are consoled by the
thought that this separation will be useful to
them. In the mountainous regions where we
live our daughters are subjected to the greatest
hardships. We have neither bread nor cloth
ing to give them. But once that they are sold,
they become ladies-they enter the harems of
the Turks, they lead quiet and easy life, they
feel no want of clothing in winter, and they
have always bread to eat. And those who
chance to get into the harems of the great peo-
pie have not only clothes and bread at their
command, but also luxury, grandeur and power
They amuse themselves in baths of amber
They have head-dresses of pearls. They have
perfumes and music, and everything that the
tenderness and love of their masters can pro-
cure for them. BY their side our sons who
have been received by the Turks may become
officers in the army, captains, oadis, pashas
and viziers. They then bless their parents
who have had the courage and good sense to
emancipate them from a life of hardships, of
struggles, and of cruel labors. And then,
when we rear them with the intention of sell
ing them, they know that no happiness awaits
them in their own country, and therefore they
leave it without regret.
"The Russians, who wish to enslave us, under
the protest that we follow an inhuman trade,
are not better than we are. The great Prince
(Shamyl,) who knows them well, who has
lived in their cities, and studied their manners
and their laws, has often told us Of the horrible
deeds committed among them. We sell our
children, because the soil of our country is un-
fruitful, because we cannot afford them any
thar e. fbo, hot Of loJ ,c
misery that cannot be removed. Yet we have
gentle manners, we love each other, and we
oblige and assist each other Among us you
will not find the knout, neither will you see the
prisoners nor executioners The wishes of our
old men are always attentively listened to and
respected. And the stranger who risks his
person in our mountains is always sure of pro-
lection and assistance"
The doctor continued his conversation with
the old Circassian for few minutes longer
He spoke to him about Shamyl, who is king,
a prophet, very god throughout all the eau
cases. Shamyl is hero even in the eyes Of
Europeans; but besides this he is prophet
among the Circassians.
"Schamyl is inspired by God" added the old
man. He often retres to the recesses of
cavern, where he remains for five or six days
at time TO hear the counsels which an angel
comes to give him. He is lion in battle
The Russians are not able to bear the glare of
his countenance, and when they hear the thun.
der Of his voice they turn their backs and flee.
We have slain many of these fellows, and this
is the reason why the Vulture Of the Shows
{ Nicholas) is now levying bloody war against
us. But wait while; the muskets that we are
going to buy will do our business better than
the lances. Before long, depend on it, no
Russian will dare show his face in our noun.
tains. The great Prince has predicted that,
and what he predicts always turns out true"
We left the quarantine, and carried away
With me lively impression Of all that had
heard and seen. Here there is young PEG.
pie full Of hope and overlooking with vitality,
for it not only has not exhausted its own vigor,
but it is constantly giving out to neighboring
nation the best portions of it. Here is peo-
pie on the borders Of Europe, and within four
teen days journey Of the highest civilization. |
Well, this people, so masculine, SO vigorous, so
so sober, so intelligent, and which,
up 10 the present time, has been hardly known |
10 the world, has been cast into utter barbarian
by the ignorance and apathy Of Europe. We |
rust that out Of the Struggle which has now
between Europe and Russia some |
good will come to those poor countries. Cir |
,assia, Georgia, and Abasia, still sell their
children. The deplorahle state Of things will, |
no doubt cease among our allies from the very |
contact Of the French and British fleets and |
armies with them. Nor shall this be the first |
lime that the diffusion Of civilization shall de- |
pend on war, just as the fertilization Of the soil
s sometimes the effect of the most terrific |,
storm. DE VAInIs
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