The anti-monopolist. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1874-1878, 1875-06-17
BLoop.cuRDlINC RITES.
A Pious Dervish Roasting HIS klesn
with q Red.HOt Sh0vel--A Dinner OF
Nails and Live observation-disclosures
OF Atrocities

A short time since we received informa-
ton from our dragoman that there was
to be a performance by the Dervishes in
Algiers. We were upon the point Of leav-
ing for Tunis and Carthage, but decided
to remain specially to see the perform.
ance. Our route lay up through the old
Moorish city, up the narrow streets of
stairs, winding through the crooked by.
WAYS IF old Algiers to the crest of the
Sahel Hill, where, in the shade of the
towering but crumbling walls of the kas-
ba 1.-THE ancient citadel Of the Deys), our
path ended in front of white wall and
a heavy oaken door, we'll studded with
iron bolts. There was q small square
hole near the top, barred like prison
window. The hoarse cry of our Arao
guide was answered by the appearance OF
eight long fingers clinging to the bottom
of the window, and soon wild face was
drawn up full in the moonlight which
was streaming over our shoulders. Our
guide drew near, and after exchanging
few words in Arabic, the bolts were
drawn, the door swung open, ana we
passed inside.
We found ourselves in a narrow hall,
which, turning first to the right and then
to the left, brought us into an open court,
with stone pillars all around it, support
ing balcony above. The opposite end
behind the pillars was covered with mats,
which were also strewn across one end
of the open place in the centre. Some
Arabs were scattered about on the mats,
all engaged in prayer. In the centre of
the court dim candle struggled against
the gloom about it, while small brazier
of live Goals, with queer little checkered
box keeping it company, stood near the
candle.
A TAMBOURINE OVERTURE.
Other Arabs came in by ones and iwos,
all stopping at the entrance to take Oft
their slippers, which they carried in their
hands to their seats. A portion of them,
before seating themselves, went around
and saluted those who had arrived before
them, either by kissing on the forehead
or throwing kisses at them. The old
patriarchs, who seemed to be seated ex-
clusively behind the pillars, in the end OF
the court, received the most attention in
this respect.
Strewn on the mats near the brazier
we're dozen or more Of what looked like
cheese box lids, with raw.hide heads, and
snares on the inside. Presently some OF
the Arabs began tuning these by first
warming them over the brazier and then
PLAYING on them like tambourines. This
completed, very tall fellow, with very
wild eyes, and a very long moustache,
took his place in the center of the mats.
and, following his guidance, a dozen or
more took up the tambours and began
playing on them. The overture lasted
about ten minutes; commencing very
slowly. and gradually quickening, until
before they ceased. they seemed to have
worked themselves into frenzy, their
wild eyes glared tiercely, their breat hing
became quick, their bodies swayed VIC
lently, and their arms and heads flew
about with wonderful rapidity: mean
while they were continually exchanging
tambours by throwing them at each
other, sometimes from one side of thu
court to the other. Towards the clos,
there was low rumbling around the
place, as Of a growing storm but at las
they ceased with a grand flourish, lcayin:
the players very much exhausted, ant
everybody very much excited, ourselves
included.
Then there was a pause for 4 few min
utes, during which they all sat as mo
tionlcss as statues, and apparently deep
ly immersed in thought. The leade
with the long moustache was the first t
move; he again grasped the tambour
which, in the moments Of supreme eS
haustion, had fallen from his grasp; and
after few raps upon it, began rud
chant, assisted by all the other players
hs~h ho W. nl
audience Joined. and which was acco IN
panied by clapping Of hands.
This continued about as long IS tn
other, and, like the other, grew taste
and faster, until the players becam
frantic, and roared and yelled like de
mons: their eyes rolled wilder than b.
fore, and their compilations, naturall
brown, became positively black and hide
Gus; and the singing grew into wild
rapid. violent chant, interspersed wit
yells and groans.
THE ANTICS OF GIANT BEpoUIN.
Opposite to us, sitting on the grount
was = very large and powerful Bedouil
heavily clad in coarse robes, and crowne
with gay parti-colored turban. W
had noticed something very peculiar
his actions he appeared to be very su
ceptible to the influence Of passion, ar
seemed to be more intensely intereste
than the others in the music an
singing. Suddenly, in the midst
the singing, and high above the din. the
arose most deafening shout. and til
burly fellow leaped to his feet. dash'
into the open space in the center, and b
gan rude and very violent dance. OF
movement being to jump straight up a
down, with his neck timber, leaving b
head. with its abundance of long bla,
hair, to by about at random. beating
turn upon his chest, shoulders and bac
Two old men. who seemed to officiate
masters Of ceremonies, approached hi
and without attempting to hinder
movements. gradually relieved him Of
turban and other superauous clothin
When the music was the fastest it seem
IS if his burly frame would fall to piec.
so violent were his motions. After
time the music suddenly ceased and