The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1890-03-08
A GAME OF CHESS.
How the Identity of the Sultan's
Opponent Was Revealed.

Fifty years ago, in Mehemet Ali's
time, Suleiman Pasha-a naturalized
Frenchman-was commander-in-chiefo OF
the Egyptian artillery, and universally
acknowledged to be the best chess
player in Cairo. AS soldier he stood
in high favor with the court as we'll as
with the people; for in the war waged
by the Sultan of Turkey against Niche.
met Ali in 1889, the Egyptians owed
their victory in the notable battle of
Nisib to the prompt decision and strategy
of Suleiman Pasha. The Egyptian army
had already taken to fight, carrying its
commander, the heroic Ibrahim Pasha,
away with it, when suddenly, as if by
magic, the battle took a favorable turn,
changing the fleeing masses into pur-
suers, who succeeded in completely van
gushing the Turkish troops. This
blow proved fatal to Mahmoud, the I'M
happy Sultan, whose supreme power
hitherto had been unquestioned He
took the loss of his brave army so much
to heart, that he died of grief barely a
week afterwards.
When peace had succeeded war, Sulei-
man Pasha returned to the city of the
califs to enjoy there his favorite pastime
OF chess. Punctually every afternoon
he made his appearance in cafe stu
ated on the banks of the Nile, where. on
the terrace, under the shade of mighty
palm-trees, a seat was specially reserved
for him, and there he fought daily
battle with the venerable Ulema, Reshid
Aga. The field upon which the battle
was fought was the sixty-four black and
white squares of the chess-board, where
ivory armies stnove with each other,
each trying hard to decoy his opponent
into some hidden trap. They only
ceased fighting when the evening twi-
light descended, and when the cry of the
mueZzin from the minaret of the mosque
called the faithful to prayers, to resume
1t again the next day and to continue
for weeks and months until one of the
combatants was defeated But it was
never the Pasha who was beaten, though
Reshid Aga was not only highly con-
sldered on account of his great learning,
but also far-famed for his masterly play-
ing of chess.
Inc two masters were generally sur
rounded by all the best players of Cairo,
who followed their moves with eager
and attentive looks One afternoon.
while Suleiman Pasha was waiting for
Reshld Aga, stranger stepped up to him
and addressed him as follows: ''Pasha.
may propose game of chess to thee?'
The persons who as usual had gathered
round the latter were so much startled
by this unexpected proposal, that their
chibouks nearly dropped from their
grasp, while a gray-bearded Cadi was
almost choked in the act of gulpinc
down his Mocha. For who could be so
daring as to venture to challenge the
conqueror of Reshid Aga?
Suleiman Pasha, however, only cast
ing searching look upon the stranger,
quietly replied: Il am at thy service.
What is the stake thou art accustomed
to play for?'
For nothing the first time; for a
great stake the next. But it is for thee,
Pasha, TO name the stake now.'
"a hundred ducats won't be too much
them" Suleiman Pasha reE,ied, again
looking inquiringly at the stranger,
whose face remained quite unmoved
while ne calmly took his place.
The board was brought and lots were
cast for colors: the Pasha drew Black,
the stranger White.
A great crowd of enthusiastic specta-
tators soon collected round the PLAYERS.
After the very first moves it was clear to
all that they had master-player before
them. The ivory figures seemed to
grow into life in the hands of the
stranger; it was as if real soldiers
moved on the black and white squares,
blindly obeying the commands of their
leaders. Suleiman Pasha also soon be-
came aware of the crushing power of
his adversary: he felt as if the grip of
an iron fist held him in bonds. In vain
he tried to shake off his opponents: vain
was his sacrifice of Knight and Castle;
the strangers power did not seem to
weaken bit. The Pasha sat in deep,
earnest thought; opposite to him the
stranger. calm, but with proud look,
like the marble statue of commander
in-chief. A CLEAN of joy spread sud-
denly over the Pasha's features; he saw
the chance of capital move, and, quite
excited, he placed his Queen right in
front of his opponents Queen. A MUIR
muir of discomfort arose amongst the
spectators: the game seemed lost for the
Pasha; he must have overlooked that
his Queen is leftunprotected. The face
of Reshid Aga, who also looked on,
beamed with pleasure; at glance he
had thoroughly mastered the combina-
ton of his friend; The stranger took
much longer time to consider than usual
before he slowly lifted his lean hand.
No doubt he will take the Queen"
the spectators whispered to each other.
'Then he will be mate in eight
moves" Reshid Aga said, gleefuIly rub
bling his hands.