The Wyandot pioneer. (Upper Sandusky, Ohio) 1853-1868, 1864-08-05
= A SKETCH ST, TURKISH JUSTICE.

A SKETCH 81. TURKISH JUSTICE.
The Cadi goes out in the morning
without making known his intended route;
takes his walk with suitable attendants,
and stops at the first bazaar. He seats
himself at random in one Of the shops,
and examines the weights, measures and
merchandise. He lends an ear to all
complaints, interrogates any merchant
accused of inrraction of law. and then,
without court or jury, and especially
without delay, pronour ces judgment. ap-
plies the penalty, and goes on in quest
of other delnquents. In these leases,
however, the punishment is of differ
ent character. Notwithstanding the
IDENTIFY of the crime, he cannot treat the
offending merchant as common thief !;
that would haze a prejudicial effect on
commerce. The penalty is graduated
thus: the mildest, confscation the
moderate, closing the shop; the severe
est, exposure. This last is inflicted in q
singular manner. The culprit is placed
with his back against his shop. and is.
compelled to raise himself on his toes un-
til the weight of his whole body rests on
them his ear is then nailed to the door
or shutter of his shop. This punish
ment lasts two, four, or six hours. 1t is
true, the criminal may abridge its dura
ton, whenever he chooses to let himself
down but the Turkish merchant is jeal
Gus of his reputation, and nothing but
the last necessity would induce him to
resemble a tliof by the mulilatioa Of his
ears.
I stopped in front of one Of these
wretches, who had just been nailed up
l was disposed to compassionate his case
but Mohalnmed told me he was an hab
itue, and tha! il would observe his ear
closely, should find it was like cul
lender. This changed the current oI
my sy13pathies, and, as ho. was to remain
some time longer, ceased to regret his
sufferings, and rejoiced in the opportu
nifty Of making a sketch, ! drew forth
crayons and paper. and begged the rest
to continue their route with M. Mayer,
leaving Mohammcd to assist me in any
embarrassm ant. But Mayer would moi
xuit me so we three remained, and the
others proceeded on their way.
My picture was composed the Grim
nal, nailed by his ear, was standing stiff
and motionless on the extreme points ol
his great toes ; and seated near him, on
.he sill of the door, was the guard, clarg
ID with seeing the punishment duly exc i
,uted, smoking apipe. The quantity Of t
.obaco in the pipe seemed to be gradu- d
tied to the time the punishment was to G
continue. Around these two personages
vas detii- circle Of oilers. Ne took
,ur places at one side, and | commenced
ny task. t
After time the culprit, finding he
lad nothing to expect from the crowd
mong whom, perhaps, he recognized
ONE Of his ustomers-haEarded word
o the guard.
Brother" said he, zone law of oul
,oly Prophet.is, that men should help Il
ne another" 4
The guard seemed to take no excep-
ion to the precept in the abstract, and T
ontinued quietely to smoke. :,
Brother" resumed the patient, "did
ou not hear me %
The guard made no other reply thar al
large puff of smoke that ascended to it
is noighbcr's nose.
Brother" still persisted the man. til
one Of us can aid The other, and do m
ming acceptable to Mahome:,'' &c