The San Francisco call., 1908-12-06

new regime graft among the government officials Is
done away with.
On reaching Damascus there large crowd to
meet the first automobile owned by Damascene.
Women, children and grown came long distances.
some in carriages, horseback and some walk
ing. They blocked the and pushed each other as
il 1T were election night in Market street
Usually expedition by caravan from Damas-
Palmyra the first and important thing
for the safety OF the the leather water bot
ties and provisions for the five days journey on
horseback through the desert, but preparations
altogs.h different from those of previous
expedition to Palmyra. The first thing had TO
consider how many of gasoline and how
many extra tires ought to have. AS we expected
to make the journey, which was usually made in five
days on horseback, in day by automobile. we were
not afraid of water famine, but feared shortage
in supply OF gasoline and tires. One imagine
dire predicament II such shortage to occur.
We the imperative necessity of loading every
available with the products of the oil king and
attaching the tires to all sides of the
or the five extra tins OF gasoline which car
ried used only three. that, counting the two
with which filled the reservoir before starting.
the consumption OF gasoline for the round trip
five tins in all. The FIVE extra tires all used,
and had TO change the tires from the rear
the front wheels and also to the wheel.
We only carried small leather bottles of water,
for ourselves the other for the cooling tank
and found them ample.
We left Damascus through the street called Straight
and out through Thomas gate thence the Aleppo
carriage far Katfelh Here turned
the right and by way of the village of Adameih.
In my IA years of travel I have many hospit-
sheiks but have met whose hospitality
compare with that of Sheik Da'ass of Adameh.
The honorable chief is actually happy the ssight
of strangers In his village. When reached his
village intended to spend the night at Jaroud.
three miles beyond the guests house of Mohammed
Pacha El-Jaroudi but Sheik Da'ass at the en-
of Adameih and insisted coming into
his house for rest The moment entered he re-
o with unless granted him his wish,
saying
Gentlemen. il you think am worthy of your
entertainment pray you to order the bring
in your baggage l beg of you not to disgrace me by
refusing my invitation"
This of course. not plan, yet the sincere
and kind words showered upon us made it i'm
possible for refuse his earnest plea. thanked
that 1 had with me on this occa-
say:
no cannot do must go on and get back
to catch the steamship"
o say that tourist would be less
kind in listening to the appeal of host but as
could not understand the language those kind
words would not be so convincing when translated.
While serving liberal dinner. In accordance
with eastern etiquette Sheik Da'ass waited us in
person. Our appeals useless: he absolutely re-
fused to sit with and therefore said to him:
AT your request altered our program ana
agreed to stop with you. We hope for our sake you
will join dinner"
For your pleasure will do anything" he an
swered. but to sit at dinner with you would be to
break the Law Of hospitality. which. sorry say.