The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-11-22

lightened of all Moslem states-the only
Moslem state. in fact. which is going ahead
as japan went ahead, instead of falling
into decay.
From his youth upward H9bibullah has
been a brave. enlightened, Woodworking,
patriotic prince. Abdur Rahman stall
wart believer in the strenuous life. he
taught by precept and example. that lux
, ury and pleasure were unworthy of
prince Hunting, fighting, judging the peo-
pie. governing justly and working unceas-
ingly for the good of his country-these
were the things which he taught Habibullah
from his childhood.
The pupil was apt. When he was child
of ten. Abdur Rahman left him TO govern
Kabul while he went out TO war. The child
went among the chiefs and the people.
clear-eyed, fearless, commanding, and is
sued his orders and his rebukes as if he
were in truth a King. He said to man,
do this." and it was done; Col" and the
man went.
A YOUTHFUL REGENT.
Some years later Abdur Rahman was
obliged to go to Turkestan for two years to
put down a rebellion During that period he
left Habibullah, then a young man, at ka-
bull as regent While the father was fight
ing in the field, the son ruled the country
with perfect justice and wisdom. One day
he had the chance to show the stuff OF
which he was made.
AS he was sitting in judgment in his pal
ace. listening patiently to the -winded
plants of rival suitors, a dozen Hazara OFF,
GERS suddenly rushed into his presence.
They were hot dusty, bloodstained, and
their clothing was torn into rags. They re-
ported that their battalion had broken out
into mutiny and killed some of its officers,
while they themselves had barely escaped
with their lives.
Hasten o Princep' they concluded. "Es-
cape while there is time Those sons of
dogs are even now marching upon the pal
ace to Stay you
Habbullah calmly lighted a cigarette. 81
hasten yes" he added-"to meet them"
And as his horse could be brought,
he galloped alone down the road by which
the mutineers were advancing.
When they saw him they shouted in saw
age triumph and leveled their rifles at his
head. Two or three shots were fired. but
other men knocked up the guns and the bull
let's passed over the princes head.
the mutineeers, refined his steed UP on its
launches. and sternly ordered them back to
their camp.
They refused to go, saying that their off,
GERS had treated them like dogs and they
would not return to such life. They would
rather die.
Your grievances shall be inquired into,
and If wrong has been done toward you,
you shall have justice" said Habibullah.
by the beard Of my father. swear it. But
If you go not back, you shall surely die"
Awed by his reckless courage and kingly
bearing, the mutineers wavered. Then one Of
the ringleaders cried.
Go forward. brothers.! Shall we be ruled
by this son of slave woman? XIII him."
At this insult, Habibullah cast diplomacy
20 the winds. He drew his sword and
spurred his horse towards the man. The
tnutineer fired. but the bullet tore harmless
ly through the princes turban. Next mo-
ment the princes sword shaved the mans
head from his body.
The audacity of the act held the mutineers
spellbound. 1t passed their understanding
how this young man, alone and at their
mercy. dared to slay one Of their number.
While they hesitated, Habibullah calmly
wiped his sword on the dead mans turban
and put it back into it's sheath.
Then a gray-bearded veteran shouted:
Truly he is a Kings son, and a great
ruler of men. We will serve him, brothers,
and gain much glory and honor
The others applauded Habibullah gave a
sharp order, and Immediately the murder
Gus mob formed into a disciplined bat
talon again. With the prince riding at their
head, they marched to the palace, where the
trembling officers were awaiting news.
Here are your men," said Habibullah
why could you not control them, as
have controlled them? Now 1 will inquire
into this matter"
JUSTICE ADMINISTERED.
He spent the rest of the afternoon hear
ing both sides fully, and then gave judy
ment. 1t was a bad day for the officers of
the regiment. They were proved to have
Systematically robbed and maltreated their
men. Habibullah ordered that the colonel
and two other officers be taken into the
courtyard and forthwith hanged. The 9TH
ers were reduced to the ranks. Nor did the
men escape. Those who had killed officers
| were hanged, and the ringleaders were i'm
prisoned for a short term; but the rest were
pardoned in consideration of their provoca-
| ton.
| When Abdur Rahman heard this story lie
said:
Praise be to Allah, My son will be a
great King. Now L can die in peace, for I
| know my country will not miss me-
When he returned to Kabul, after his two
years absence, the Amer conferred two