The Shasta courier., 1867-01-19
SHASTA COU RIER.
MosIem Conquest OF Gothic spain.


1t is wisely ordained element of Divine
justice that a nation founded and established
10y the sword should perish by the swor,---
that its CORY baptism in the ood of conquer
ed nations should but symbolize the mode of
its own destruction. Proofs of this assertion
are scattered all along the dim vista of past
history; in the records of the empire of
Alexander, the rapid creation of twelve
years of bloody conquest; in the tragic story
of Rome's naughty rulers, the imperial Cae-
sars; and in the fascinating legends Of
Moslem domination.
No nation ever attained to such boundless
sway in so short period as that of the Sara
Gems. The affected inspiration Of neccan
zealot, the adoption of his doctrine and per
son by the city of Medina, and the promul
CATION of his 6 religion of the sword, may be
considered the main springs from which EN-
anated this extraordinary power.
1t is not the purpose in the following sketch
to trace the course of Moslem history from
the birth of the pseudo prophet Mahomet, bu,
simply to give brief account of their mem
orable conquest of SPAIN
The waves of fanatical conquest that over
wbeimed in their tide the mighty empire Of
Syria, Persia, Egypt and the provinces oI
Northern Africa. were checked in their hith
ertO irresistible progress by the rock glrt
shores of the vast Atlantic, and the frownine
battlements of the "pillars of Hercules. >
which stood grim guardians of the howery
fields of Andalusia. The appellation of the
pillars of Hercules" was used to designate
the promontories which, protruding boldly
from Africa and Spain, frmed what is now
known as the Straits Of Gibraltar. The cities
IF Cruta and Tangiers, on the African side
were at that time the keys of entrance into
Spain.
Aware of the vast stores of wealth and
treasure the possession of those cities would
unlock, Musa-Ib Nosseyr. the Emir or com
mandant of Africa, in the 9l>t year of the
IIegra,f and 10th of the Christian era
set out with ten thousand followers to effect
their capture Their defense was entrusted
to Count Julian, a Goth of noble blood and
high in honors. The Moors advanced to the
attack, invoking the aid of God and tbeil
prophet Tangers slowly yielded before the
impetuosity of their attack, but the city Of
Cruta. within which Count Julian had re
tired with his forces, resisted every effort ior
its capture. Time after time did the Moslenl
suldiery endeavor to scale its frowning bat
with the loss of the flower of their chiyalry.
Finding themselves unable to carry it by
storm, Z they laid waste the surrounding
country, hoping thereby to starve them into
submission, but the garrison. from the prox-
unity to Spain, were enabled to obtain from
that country abundant necessaries for sub
sstence.
Month after month Musa vigorously con-
tinued the SIEGE thousands upon thousands
were slain, yet as impregnable as ever the
citadel stood gazing grimly down upon
its bloody baptism.
Count Julian now performed an act for
which historians have been at loss to find a
motive, though doubtful Moorish legends
would prove it to have been in revenge for
certain amours between his daughter and
Roderic, King of the Goths Be the motive
what it may, it will stand upon record as one
of the most stupenduus acts Of treason that
ever stained the escutcheon of a nation s
history.
Placing himself in communication with
Musa, he offered to betray into his hands the
fortress of Cruta, and by it the entire land of
Andauz He represented the Goths as ac.
tive under the rule of Roderic, whom they
stigmatized as a usurper, and ready at any
moment to rise in rebellion against him. He
also offered his person and his influence in
aid of the invasion, promising the Jealous
cooperation of all his friends. Though the
martial spirit of Musa had long been fired
with thirst for the glory attendant upon the
conquest of Spain, he did not allow his habit
ual caution to he dazzled by the brilllancy of
the offer. Treason to himself well as
Roderic might be lurking in the secret pro
posa. and he felt it would be but wise tn
ascertain by personal observation as to the
feasibility Of the enterprise. Taric lbu Zayad
with several hundred followers was accord
inglv directed to make an inroad into the
borders of Spain and ascertain the truth of
his statements. Accompanied by Count
Julian. Taric crossed the strait to what was
then known as the Green Island now Age
ziras, where, before vast assembly of polit-
ical supporters of the former. he received
abundant confirmation of the rebellious dis
position of the inhabitants. Making hasty
incursion along the coast, he returned to
Musa with rich booty and large number of
captives from among the fair daughters of
the land.
Musa now wrote to the Caliph Valid, de-
picting in the most graphic language the
beauties of the country. And truly, if scenic
beauty were to be the standard, the most
graphic language would fail to do it justice.
Syria Welded to it the palm of fertility OF
soil und beauty of climate; India in the
profusenes- and fragrance of its perfumes and
flowers Hegias in the luxury of its fruits
and richness of its productions Cathay in
the exhaustIess treasures of its mines and
Adena in the natural advantages of coast and
har,or; while the vast ruins of monuments
and cities stood grim historians of former
grandeur and magnifcence. With the
aid Of God" concluded Musa, :" | have re-
.dncea TO obedience the Zenates and the other
parher tribes of Zab and Derar. Zaafs Ma
zamuda and SuS the standard of Islam floats
triu,nphanty on the walls of Tangiers
thence to the opposite coast of Andaluz Is
but a spaee of twelve miles. Let but the
Commander of the Faithful give the word
and the conquerors of Africa will cross int
that land. there to carry the knowledge o.
the true God and the laws of the Koran
In the distant city of Damascus. surr9und
ed by the pomp of power and the degenerate
Influences Of Oriental luxury. Valid received
received the message of bis General. Hi
ard,r was aroused for the extension IF hi