Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1858-05-25

sticks, and otherwise causing the blood to
flow, our demonstrates have not unfreQuent-
| ly proved effeotual.
| As may be imagined, the more sensitive of
these naltreated creatures are thus rendered
very miserable, even entreating for poison,
IN some instances, to put 40 end to their ex-
istence, as we'll as that of their cruel mas
tiers. 1t is we'll known that, while Oriental
women are taught to believe that they have
no souls, they are impressed with the idea
that their husbands will revel in delight in
| in the bowers Of paradise, where each will
have harem of any number of black-eyed
hours, varying from seventy to seventy
thousand, to administer to bis happiness
But Notwithstanding this, these depraved
creatures are very religious, as tar as bodily
exercise goes. strictly observing their many
fests and festivals, and devotipg much of
their time to payer. Aud their prayers. al
though so complicated, lengthy and fstiguing,
are not confined to their mosques or their
homes; but, whether visiting or on any e1-
cursion of pleasure, they no sooner hear the
eonorous voice Of the muezzim, than their
girdles, sheets or mats are spread, their faces,
arms, hands and feet barred, and they com
mence the intricate process OF prayer. Not
twice or thrice day, but five times, do these
deluded creatures 60 through their genufex-
ions and prostrstions, thus setting us an ex-
ample, which, if initiated to but a limited
extent. would prove blessing not only to
ourselves, but reHexly to them.
One day We had visit from several of the
harems of the nobility, numbering twenty
ladies and half as many slaves, and, although
away from home, they sent their slaves to
the well for water, performed them additions,
and each one, Immediately on the cry of the
muezzim, devoutiy prayed. Of course, their
wells and sheets were laid aside, and ! was
not little amused at the great commotion
made by the sudden entrance into the court
of Turk, while they were eating with un-
covered faces. The slaves set up loud
scream, aud terro--struck. ran in every d.
recton for their mistress's wells. As for the
mistresses themselves. it was actually dis
tressing to hear their piercing cries-and
such was their effect on the unfortunate In.
truder, that be made q preoipitate retreat,
amid shouts of "Roohee rooheeW-awsy
away!
Gratitude is one of their redeeming quail
ties. What will the upgrateful lady of the
Occident think of her Oriental sisters abasing
themselves to kiss the feet Of dispenser Of
medicines. to show their appreciation of some
slight medical services be may have render
ed them? have seen a lady Of the upper
circle Of Jerusalem society struggling to per:
form this bumiliatng act, and this, too, in
spite Of 40 uncultivated mind and soul. The
education Of Oriental women is not only en-
tirely neglected, but strongly reprotated BY
public sentiment--almost the sole arbiter OF
manners and customs in that country if not
10 this. Indeed, must not this necessarily
result from the contempt and servitude in
which she is held? Among rich and poor,
in the family of the EAepdi and the Fellah,
she is alike ignorant. Her accomplishments
consist in being able to cook, arrange her
turban tastefully, and administer TO the eve
~ whim of her doting husband! Odious as
he must too often be, yet she has DO other
God than her husband, and to crafty him
with the strictest obedience, ia the most praise
worthy of all good works che can perform.