The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1884-08-10
LIFB IN MOROCCO.
~ RuDsvs asa 1ts fsspis-Ths Mess ALSO
ouss or AbssIass Msaarehses.


TAxorBR, July1.-Of all the Mohammedan
States in Africa and Asia there 10 only one
which now remains inaccessible to European
culture and civilization. Turkey. Pnlesune'
Persia. Egypt, Tripoli. Algiers. Turkistan.
India, and finally Tunis lone OF the great
ost s.rongholds Of Mohainmedanism) havc
yielded to tho influence Of Christian nations.
Morocco alone Of tho old Saracen countries re-
mains as It was centuries ago. With the single
exception Of Algiers. those stronghoids OF
Islam were not takcn By assault. In quiet
and unprctending WAY Europeans entered
Thorn, and II has boon duo TO slow diplomatic
action and commercial Intercourse that the re-
ligious and political barriers have been broken
down. After having once obtained admission
70 tho countries Of the Turkan and tho green
nag. and after possessing themselves OF tho
privileges Of native. born Mohammednns. tho
superior intelligence and trading capacity OF
the Europeans soon made them masters OF tho
commerce. the industry. and finally OF the Gov
srnmsnts OF those countries.
The ruiors Of Morocco alone Of all these Mo-
hammedan countries seemed to understand
that they and their Government would soon
have to shars tho fate OF their neghbors II
they gave Europeans an opportunity to settle
within their States. Now that the wave OF
conquest hos reached the borders Of Morocco
It becomes serious question whether Morocco
will be ablo 10 continue much longer It's policy
OF isolation. doubt 1t strongly. Formerly the
European Stat0s had other Oriental countries
In Wow. and the most pronounced Jealousy and
sslashnsss prevented them from strikiDg the
blow against the Moorish empire; but the time
has como when the overthrow Of the Sultan OF
Morocco Ia seriously contemplated. Tho gain
to the conQuering States would be enormous:
indeed. the conquest 10 an unavoidable neces-
sity and In political circles OF Europe the
eventually OF war with Morocco Is being ear
nestly discussed.
Heretofore 1t has been traditional to regard
Morocco as future colony OF Spain. and to
consider the Iberian Peninsula as destined by
nature to tear down tho green flag Of the
Prophet from the walls Of Fez Not only would
this appear to be the historical duty OF Spain.
In revenge for the Moorish invasion OF many
centuries ago. but 1t looks also like COM
merclal necessity. Spain is the nearest neigh
Dor Of Morocco. only separated from 1t by q
narrow channel. which can be crossed In few
hours. Tho few Europeans living and trading
In the cities along the Moorish coast are
Spaniards. The jewish Inhabitants in the in
terror towns OF Morocco are OF Spanish de-
scent and the only European language known
In Morocco Is tho Spanish. Nevertheless the
Sultan OF Morocco has less to fear from Spain
than from his other powerful neighbor. France.
France 10 now the most powerful factor in
tho political problems OF Northern Africa. She
has conquered Syria and Palestine. ne we'll as
Egypt. Tunis. and Algiors. France has success
fully undertaken the difficult task OF civilizinR
the two last named countries. and. the barbar-
GUS and ianatical population Of Morocco being
close on their western frontier. France has evil
IDENTIFY better right to Interfere than any other
nation. Tho final conquest OF Morocco and the
establishment OF great French colony over the
whole western part Of North Africa 10 indeed q
settled fact with European diplomatlsts.
The French do not possess the reputation OF
being good colonists but in Algers they have
achieved sl wonderful results TO see Algiers
1t Is the same rs Algiers was then. only poorer.
moro wretched and more fanatical. During
l found riGns Of European Influence every
where sometimes, minute and unimportant.
serving the slightest trace OF our civilization.
Neither European customs and manners nor
Of modern have ever
bridge, no steam engine. no road. A car
and would probably be looked at by the popnIa.
ton as something superhuman. People IN other
ropenn articles OF dress. furniture. chairs. mir
rors, and pictures; but in the whole vast empire
Of Morocco there viii be- found neither. except
receives some articles Of European make with
every visit OF a foreign ambassador. He gets
never makes use Of them. T they ars Stored @e
away within tho imperial harem. Even the
E,mpor"rs throne Is stu simple wooden
gilt carriage which Queen Victoria presented
to him has meyer -, been used. and Is rEtting in
keys in the houses are Of the same gigantic
size and grotssque form as those of medRval
ments are similar to those known to us through
the Bible Nations thought to be OF much In;
| fsrior capacity. like those OF South Africa and
South America. readily accept knives dishes,
other goods from European traders. but even
despsed py the nSaSianRs Of MosoeSo Viii
the execution OF tho small ports on the sea-
to 81 fosnd shs Whole
Tho traveller has to ride on horses, donkeys,
mode Of travel is the same as In an entirely
uninhabitGh country.
or six millions OF inhnbitants:-a census was
never taken-cannot be said however. to be
aa,oyn d'B,s shs Of fss'n knd Of sY
fay oGsssSsd CIR @ and m oasna fse
make : Chipam.n Gr an indian accept our
siyization than MooF Till quote but
son. the European arises and removes hi bis
hat the Mussulman remains seated with his
ship, or house instead OF removing his hat
the Mussulman takes on his shoes and ienves
side e. The place, OF honor; the Moo
the left. When inviting a friend to !eniei
bis guest follow him. Kissing the hand is /
sign, OF respect with US the Moor. when saiut.
ing. kisses his own hand. It would not be worry
umbrella. when in kingly attire: in Morocco
the umbrella il the emblom nf imperial majss
All this 10 only matter Of custom. There ar,
many habits. however. which would never b
brought to correspond with our own. hardl,
which females are surrounded and hidden from
view. nor the existing slavery. which cannot b,
| stopped. We take our meals by daylight AMI
sleep at night: In the month OF the Ihamadam
the great r9ligious. and may say social, festi
drop Of water nor OF q mOrsei Of food In day
light; They take their meals at night. an,