The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1892-12-26
ALGERINE PIRATES.
The Terrors of the Mediterranean and
How They Captured Their Prey.


1t was the renegade Simon Dansa who
taught the Algerians the use of decked yes
sells In which they could venture far, out
upon the ocean. But in the Medltei ranean
the galley was still preferred. This was
narrow vessel. lying very low In the water.
with scarcely any rigging. with none of the
castle-like. imposing. but awkward s.ruc-
lures in which Christian mariners delighted.
The guns. ammunition and provisions were
only what were absolutely necessary; one or
two cannon, some shot and powder, biscuits
enough for fifty days. few jars of olive oil
or OF vinegar and some barrels of water.
which served as ballast Only one cabin In
the stern, TO which the reis could retire
Two hundred rowers and about a hundred
soldiers took their places on the plank seats
III the wind were favorable out at sea full
sail was set, but when land or an other vessel
came in sight the sails were instantly furled
and the skill Of the rOwers came into play
Nothing was to be heard on board but the
brief orders OF the reis and the keeping
time with the baton Of the overseer of the
galley-slaves. with the musical rhythm OF
100 pairs of oars striking the water at regu-
lar intervals. The galley seemed TO fy.
Before q vessel of war IL would fee at fnl!
speed; for not battle but pillage was the
aim OF the captain. Merchant vessels were
what he sought; Spanish galleons. Italian
tartans, Pr0vencal barks.
When the threatened vessel perceived the
enemy 1t was generally too late to escape.
III II tried to flee volley of artillery would
bring IL TO stand, and the wel-known cry.
"Mens. perrosV yield. dogsD would soon
| ring out.
| 3 Bold indeed was he who dared resist in
most cases sailors and passengers, para
lyzed by terror. did not even attempt to de-
fend themselves. A few moments were
given by the captors to overhaul The prize
val nf
transship the prisoners, and the galley
| turned its prov toward Algiers. A few cal
vos OF artillery announced it's return from
| the masts. dressed with silken streamers.
crescents and stars. The cannon OF the forts
and batteries replied the good news quickly
| spread through the town, and the sailors
quarter was quickly filed with rejoicing
crowd. The robbers returning fiom their
| raid were hailed as conQuerers
| Piracy was, ia fact. the fundamental In
stituton Of Algers; 1t was the one indus
| try, the one trade, the daily bread of the
town. The States very existence depended
on the share it deducted from the profits of
piracy. Private spectators invested their
money In priyateering vessels, bought and
sold the captured cargoes. and trafficked
| Win special eagerness In human flesh. The
chieI center OF commercial activity was at
the Badistan. now the Place Mshon. where
slaves were put up for sale. Those dressed
IN hne linen. with white hands, gentlemen.
well-to-do citizens, or priests, fetched a
good price. as they would probably be ran
somed for large sums. As for common
people, who were good for nothing but work
! Ing slaves. their price varied according to
their appearances. strength and age. once
bought, the fate OF the captives was mot 40
very hard If they could bear patiently the
sorrows OF exile and servitude. They did
not really suffer much until they were en-
parked as rowers. Chained to their seats.
nan naked ana nan starved. ever in terror
1 pfned owav 1900 soteet