The Jeffersonian Democrat. [volume] (Chardon, Ohio) 1854-1865, 1860-04-20
The Beggar Of Algiers.


passed into provorb in all Christian lands
but in Mohammcdan countries, whero tho
common law is often that made for the occa-
sion by tho magistrate, no ordinary human
intellect can forsee what the result Of
law suit will be, as we will show in the fol-
lowing story:-
A Crock merchant, who resided at Algiers,
was accustomed to mako yearly voyages to
Tunis or Egypt to dispose of his goods
While in the business he was made tho ex-
ccutor of another merchant, who, among
several lcgacies, ordered a certain sum to
be distributed among the poor and distressed
according to the judgment of the executor.
Ono morning as tho lattcr was passing
through the stroot, he saw Moor sitting on
piece of mat, lame and almost blind
Struck with an object that seemed an epit-
ono of human miseries, tho Greek listened
to his story, and behold with satisfaction
that this deplorable- e-looking object employed
himself in making thread-laces, by which,
and the charity Of toe benevolent, he pro-
cured a scanty subsistence. So unusual o
sight, where wretchedness and industry
wore so remarkably blended in the same
object, excited the compassion Of tho mer-
chant, who, with generous tear of humani.
ty, dropped him handful of aspers As.
tonished at 80 unexpected an instance ot
kindness, the beggar followed the merchant
on bis crutches, calling upon Heavou to
shower down its choicest blessings on bis
head. He told all he INST how exceedingly
bountiful that Christian had been to him.
Struck with this instance of lberalty, the
populace Joined the cripple in his applause.
This, said they, is indeed an instance of
universal benevolence, because extended to
person whose religion is different from bis
own.
The beggar followed his patron till he dis
covered the house in which he resided, and
took his post for tho future in place where
the merchant passed daily by him. Next
day the beggar repeated his request, and
the merchant his charity. Hc was pcrsua-
ded ho could not discharge tho will of his
late friend better than by giving to this dis
tressed object, as it seemed to have ten
dency to mako the inidels in love with the
benevolent influence of tho Gospel; he
therefore continued his daily benevolence
till the time OF his departure for Egypt
The beggar still kept his post, but missing
his bcnefactor, he made inquiry after him
aud had tho modification to be informed
that he was not in the kingdom. Whenever
his clerk passed by the beggar, he always
liftod up his hands to Heaven and prayed
for his masters safe return, which did uo
happen until near six months after. The
beggar expressed bis joy at seeing him
but when the merchant, in return for biz
kind expression, was going to repeat biz
usual benevolcnce, the cripple declined &C
cepting it, saying it was better to pay him
all bis arrears at once. Confounded at &C
strange q refusal. the merchant asked what
he meant by arrears to which the Moor
replied, that, as he had boon absent neal
six months. bis daily benevolence. whict
had been omitted during his voyage amount
cd to ono hundred and eighty rials, which
was the sum he now owed him. The Grccl
smiled at the impertinent answer of the
beggar, and was for somo time in doub
whether 1t meritod contempt or chastise
ment. But, thinking the latter would b
considered cruel by tho people, he left hin
without deigning to return him an answer
r The beggar, however, laid his complain
before tho Dey, and tho merchant was son
, for TO make bis defense. Tho Moor allege
that the merchant, during whole montl
charity had not boon thrown away it ha
greatly augmented the number of his cut
3 toners, and had proved to him an ncreasin
crease had consequently induced him t
, a very painful operation, as ho had almos
/, lost his sight; that tho merchant went ava
without giving him the least warning tina
his pension was to cease, and ho had there
fore constantly kept his post, whcre he ha
daily offered up prayer for his safe roturr
e that, relying on the payment of his pension
s he had contracted some debts which he wa
unable to discharge; and that, when he ha
demanded his arrears, he had laughed
him, and even threatened to chastise his il
science. The merchant admitted that Il
account given by the Moor was literally tru
n but insisted that, aims being voluntal
n action, its continuance depended wholly {
a tho donor. After discussion of tho O
n fair in council, tho merchant WAS condemnt
4 to pay the beggar rial for evers day sint
!. his departure till the time of this decisio
|, with piastre extraordinary as recompen!
for his reproaches, But he was told he WI
\ at Liberty to declare that his intention W,
. not to give him any aims or gratuity for Il
i time to come. And this is specimen
9 Mohammedan law.