The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1893-04-07

LII Courier de Ia FFeJSe, Oh tArlsI Nll-
nounces the departure for the Worlds
Fair OF the celebrated Arabian editor,
poet and author, Abou Naddara, who
has recently visited the large cities OF
Western Europe and has lectured be-
fore large and select audiences on the
customs and pecuiaritios OF oriental
nations.
The Slick Abou Naddara is an inteI-
lecIual prodigy. Though It may seem
incredible, it ia nevertheless fact that
this literary giant OF the East has SO
mastered the French, Italian, Arabian
and English languages that he is able
not only to converse huentiy in Zach
one OF them, but also to deliver public
speeches and lectures in them so fault
lessly that it is almost impossible to
detect any foreign accent in his pronun-
citation. Besides this, he Is versed in
four other modern tongues and in all
the various Arabian dialects OF AlgIers
and Iunis.
MARVELLOUS LINGUISTIC ACHIEVEMENT.
In the first four languages mentioned
Abou Naddara writes poetry as well US
prose, On tho day OF the Inauguration
OF the Exposition UniverselIe OF Paris,
in 1889, he presented an ode 10 Presi-
dent Carnot in six languages. On that
occasion the head OF the French gov
ernment expressed his love and esteem
for the popular poet in fervent ad-
dress, in which he congratulated HIM
on his marvellous linguistic achieve
ments.
Such genius will undoubtedly prove
q great attraction to the Worlds Fair.
aud will receive hearty welcome from
the scholars and philologists, and from
his journalistic colleagues in America.
From letter written in Arabic, re-
ceived by Mr.. Hadly Raphael III Masry,
who is in charge OF an Egyptian bazaar
in the establishment OF Carson, Prize,
Scott & Co., it is learned that the Sheik
expects to arrive in Chicago during the
latter part OF next month. A brief bio
graphy OF this emenent Egyptian digni.
tary, whose career has been most
eyentful one, will undoubtedly prove OF
interest to the public.
Abou Naddara was born in Cairo, on
the borders OF the Nile, in April, 1880.
His father, Rafayil Edendi occupied
prominent government position under
tho great Mehemet Ali, the founder Of
Khedive dynasty. From his earliest
childhood Abou displayed phenomenal
linguistic and literary talents. When
but twelve years old he composed Il
poetic eulogy in honor OF Prince Ash
med, the brother OF the old Khedive
Ishmael. The prince, after reading the
poem, desired to SEQ the child. Before
the visit Abou had been instructed to
kiss the,hand OF the prince as soon US
he would appear in his presence. When
he entered the salon and beheld the
prince be regarded him earnestly for n
few moments and said naively: "My
father wants me to kiss your hand,
Prince, but why must do this2
You are neither rabbi, nor priest, nor
prophet. l am more than you, for can
write verses, which you can not do"
PRoTEdE OF PRINCE AsHMED.
This was frank and outspoken indeed.
Where did this young man imbibe his
democratic sentiments among surround
ings Of the most abject submission to
royalty2 The CONSERVATION OF the pa
rent can better be imagined than de-
scribed. But tho father was surprised
to sec the prince embrace the young
man and interest himself especially in
his behalf. He was educated at his eX-
pense by the best European instructors
obtanable. Abou rewarded his bene-
factor by becominga most assiduous stu
dent He became one OF the most brill
liant professors OF the Polytechnical
School of Cairo, and later most con.
sCientlous inspector OF tho schools OF
Egypt Through his efforts great pro-
gress has been made in the educational
system OF his country, where Of late the
most modern improvements have been
introduced. In Cairo he also founded
two nourishing societies OF scientists
tho Mahfal Attakadrum (the Society OF
Progress) and the Mouhebei 81 Elm (the
Friends OF KnowledgG). 10 these be-
long the highest officials, savants, scien-
fists and scholars OF Egypt. He Is
called the Moliere Of Egypt. 1t was he
who created the Arabic stage, for which
he has written no less than thirty-two
tragedies and comedies.
Abou Naddara is great success as
an editor His journal has u pro-
digous circulation wherever the
Arabian dialects are spoken. Ills out
spoken comments on tho government
have often been the cause OF great per.
seCutions Mt tho hands OF the Egyptian
rulers since the death OF HE benef1ctor,
but Notwithstanding this he went every
time to Paris and published his paper
there and mailed 1t in sealed envelopes.
The demand for his spicy writings was
so great that single copies OF his papor
wero eagerly purchased when offered ut
the cxorbtant price Of francs.
AS the shcik is fluent English
speaker, visitors to tho Worlds Fair
will have IN opportunity to hear the
enlightened views OF IN advocate oil
| Moslum, and will learn much OF tho
Koran and Mussulman literature, which
to many arc as a sealed book. The
ShCik has been presented with eleven
decorations from tho various rulers Of
Europe, OF which hO wears seven on his
breast. Tho following card, which he
had printed in Paris, will explain the
high position which no occupies in his
native land;
.'.'.,,".',.",..,g
| LIZ ClIElRHJ. sASUA ABou NADDARA |
CoMNASDruG p'osMASfru |