New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-06-22
DIR. PERDICARIS,S NOVEL.
The CaptUe of Raisnli as a
Chan, pion of the MOOrs.

been plain that he has taken the experience
with certain good humor. Perhaps It is he
cause he is old friend OF the Moors, under
stands them and their ways. and realizes that q
happy issue from the situation in which he and
HIS stepson Cromwell Marley. have found them
selves is only a question If time. 1t re-
called in The Tribune the other day that he had
fought IN 1886 exciting hattie in defence of
Moorish debtors against the system permitting
those OF their creditors who were under the pro-
lection OF foreign consuletes in Tangier TO mis-
use the privileges of foreign flags. After he had
succeeded in his struggle. he told the story of IL
In little volume entitled American Claims ard
the Protection OF Native Subjects in Morocco -
aud further presented it in a novel called The
Case OF Mchammed Benani: A Story Of To-
day" The former publication found at the
Astor Library. but copy of the novel could
be discovered anywhere. not even in the hands
nf the publishers through whom Mr.. Perdicaris
brought IL out. anonymously. in 1855. More re-
Gently. however copy has been found in pri-
vate hands. end enabled to lay before
our readers an account Of book possessing
peculiar interest IN the light OF the authors
present situation.
II was with the American Consulate that Mr..
Perdicaris more particularly in conflict.
but IN writing 'Mohanlned Benani" he repre-
scented America as Russia and himself as a ma
likewise he turned into Tingizirah.
The story opens there with letter from
young visitor at Paulovitch's house TO
respondent at home. The nature of the troubles
with which the book is TO deal is soon indicated.
1T seems that there are some civilized people
here" writes Mr.. Weston beginning with the
members OF the diplomatic corps. who appear
to be great sweIls.' and to carry everything
with q very high hand Indeed, the native au-
thorities. PaulOvitch tells me. obliged TO
obey any orders these gentry issue. The min
listers and consuls oblige the local govern
ment TO tmprison people or release them at
pleasure. without even the form of trial"
Paulovitch interests himself in the victims OF
this state of affairs, and excitement ensues for
ell the inmates of his house. First among these
comes Nine. Paulovitch or Mrs. Perdicaris for
snerly by the way, the wife OF the late Cromwell
Fleetwood Marley, the electrical engineer and
inventor, who was conspicuously Identified with
the laying Of the Atlantic cable. A native girl,
Eftomah. IS introduced, partly in order that the
book may have a love motive and partly TO
serve as a figure in certain mesmeric trausac-
tons Her lover. who is constantly involved
in the action. IS a Bavarian lieutenant. One Of
the occasional guests is no less a person than
the late Sir Richard Burton. who is introduced
as Burv1l, and as the translator. not of The
Prince OF Alaran, g native dignitary who also
dimes at Paulovitch's table. is really the Shereef
Of wozan, who married member of Mrs Per
dicaris's circle, called in the book Eveline.
Matthews, the American Consul. does not i'm
ucediately appear, but hear much OF him as
count Mazenoff."
AT the time the story opens Paulovitchs IN
terest is being invoked by certain natives, who
are 1.-THE victims Of an atrocious transaction,
having been imprisoned a second time on
count Of the claims of native money lenders
supported by the Russian [Americanl Lega-
tion-claims which had already been satisfied
in part or in whole. The documents that the
haE starved creatures presented We're
the legalized receipts for the payments Of these
debts yet the men are TO be again imprisoned
Among the victims are three boys. mere lads.
and one old man in a dying condition" To help
these poor people is a difficult enough job but
In the midst of his efforts Paulovitch becomes
involved in the fortunes Of Mohamned Benani,
the Moor. who has come 10 Tangier on the Sui
tan's business. but who. in spite OF his close re-
lations with his master. is entrapped in coils
similar To those enveloping the debtors just
newfoundland his case proves even more deli
cate In fact, by the time the eighth chapter Is
reached he is obliged 10 seek safety in flight
ana since he fails in the attempt. he is without
much delRy na1eQ 10 prison. Inc ONLY nope mat
Psulovitch has OF rescuing his innocent protege
lies In a voyage to this country and a direct ap-
peal TO our government
Why should Mr.. Perdicaris have gone to all
this trouble? In the book one Of the characters
Is represented saying: "Ivans father was
not far wrong when he dubbed his son Don
Quixote,'" and those who know the original OF
Ivan believe that his father was indeed very far
from wrong in going 10 Cervantes's hero for
nickname for him He IS described as a preux
ohevzlier, a knight errant a hero OF romance,
one OF The most perfect gentlemen social life
could show. Undoubtedly his charming per
eouaifty was a great help in the campaign that
he undertook on this side Of the water TO set
things straight IN Morocco. The second part
OF his book relating the incidents Of that cam
paign. IS full OF interest. Arriving IN this coun-
Try, he carries his story TO NJ. de Giers. which
IS to say. 10 Secretary Bayard. but. courteous
as that official is 10 him. he st!l has TO put I'D
with exasperating delays. He tries TO obtain
Al interview with the Car himself president
Cevelandl, and, finally. through the good Of
Sces Of 'clrtieH. the leader of the Civil Service
RAtorm party, and of those who had taken
q most active part in advocating the manumis-
sion Of the serfs," an individual in whom we
plainly recognize the late George William Cur
It's, he is put in the way OF accomplishing his
END. The Cars secretary. Colonel Lamoura-
v!ef Colonel Lamont) receives him, and so does
the President Meanwhile. affairs are going
from bad TO worse in Morocco and tragic things
occur there. but in the long the purpose Of
the benevolent American in coming TO America
e, OF course. fulfilled.
The story is pleasantly written. though the
mesIneric episodes mentioned above do some
thing 20 hamper its movement. Told as a tale
made out OF whole cloth IL would be interesting