The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1912-12-01

Morocco is an exceptionally interest
ing country In spite of--perhaps part
ly because of--its semi barbarism. The
Moor still holds sway in social and
religious life and thought, with French
influence predominating In internal
tional commerce and politics. Physi-
calty, morally and religiously the con-
ditions are rotten, and it was for this
reason that DIR. Robert Kerr went out
to the country twenty-five years ago
to heal diseases and to preach the Cos
pei. He was first sent out in 1856 by
the Jewish committee of the English
Presbyterian Church, but later became
the head of the independent society
the Central Morocco mission
Life for a Protestant missionary Is
not easy in Morocco and DIR. Kerr
seems to have suffered from fanatical
Moslems and from interfering con-
suls and other diplomats. He tells
his story in somewhat disconnected
fashion, but very interesting way, and
gives us much valuable informa ton
as to the country and people. His
narrative contains some excellent in
| cidents and touches of humor.
| DR.. Kerr says that the meiodramatic
| life OF the Moors shows the tragic
events which take place in their
everyday life. "Of the thousands that
| mission every year a considerable
number do not require treatment
Their object In coming Is just TO have
| look round, and IL possible divert
| themselves at our expense. However.
we weIcoms all. Irrespective II the
motives which bring them. Some Of
| he cases are amusing. others ire lndi-
| {, rous; but not few are pathetic end
cali forth our sympathy, while some
| are sordid and repulsiye in the ex-
| treme.
| Some years ago one Of the Southern
governors returning from Fec paid us
visit. AS a rule all travellers rest
| a few days at Rabat either when
coming North or going South. AZ
| this governor and suite were sitting
outside the mission house one OF the
Let us go and gee whether this
English doctor knows anything at all
| OF bis profession. l shall pretend to
| he Ill. and assure You before ] go
that / will provide you with as anus
| ing an entertainment as did when
| we called ON the doctor at Fez.'
"Our servant. who happened to be
outside and overheard the converse =
| ton, came In great haste to apprise
me beforehand.
let them come I replied. we
shall be delighted to see them.
| Just then the party entered. The
! governor was a tall. handsome Arab
| OF about forty years. while his friend.
| tho entertainer. was some ten years
| younger and the picture of health.
'Murha babakum' tWelcome),
said. and after the usual salutations
and inquiries the governor remarked !:
| lone OF our party lie Ill and would
/ like you TO examine him
II took hold OF his pulse. and after
asking few questions said: I fear
| he Is far from we'll and gently turn
! Ing my head observed such an In
| teresting smile on all their faces.
Then. In view OF the uncertainty OF
| life. / asked my patient If he had
given instructions regarding the dis
| position Of his inheritance and made
preparation for the world to come
| He replied:
| At have nothing to beaueath. and
Nabi Mohammed will attend TO my
welfare in the other world" which
questions afforded additional amuse-
| ment to the governor and his friends.
"'Can you. not do anything for me?''
i asked the patient.
"'Oh, yes, but ! desire in the first
| place to find out the nature of your
| illness. / have here a wonderful in
strument which our medical officers
at home have found very useful in
diagnosing obscure cases. 1t makes
trial.
Bringing an electric battery !
asked him to take hold OF the han