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    September 30, 1854.] THE LEADER. 929

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    The French In Algeria. The Tricolor On T...

    tioner of Algiers , who is a stately man , very rich , and highly esteemed by the Moors . —Some coffee-houses in the upper part of the town present more original and merrier scenes , especially in the neighbourhood of the castle . There is the Greek coffee-house , whose owner , a Spezziot , tries to allure his customers by scenes of the lowest description- The worst folks from among the natives , often mixed up with good-for-nothing Europeans , revel there without difference of race and religion : Mohammedans , Christians , and Jews , Europeans , and Africans . A French painter sketched this abominable der , which belongs to the oldest , but , at the same time , to the most revolting pictures of Algerian life . Algiers has as many brilliant French coffee-houses as dull Moorish ones . There is an establishment of this kind in the house Latour du Pin , Avhich may vie with the

    most splendid cafe ' s of Paris . 25 , 000 francs ( 1000 J . ) were wasted on mirrors and ornaments in the large liall alone . Such speculations are natural in a new country , where a wide field for enterprise attracts a disproportionate number of people anxious to make money ; and as there exists hardly an easier and more pleasant trade than that of an inn or coffee-house keeper , many took to this business . But competition soon compelled them to use every means to allure guests , and consequently the speculators soon surpassed one another in the splendour and costliness of their establishments . Besides , the number of consumers is very considerable here . It is a young , life-enjoying , and heedless kind of people that immigrates hither from Europe . The tradesmen , who earn a great deal , spend everything ; and constant attendance is secured by the numerous military men , amongst whom there are numbers of rich officers , who receive an ample income from France , and lead a most extravagant life .

    Long as it is , the following extract will be read with interest , fop it is a description by an eye-witness of

    THE INTERVIEW BETWEEN BCGEAUD AND AJSD-EL-KAI > ER . On the 1 st of June , the interview took place between Bugeaud and Abd-el-Kader . It was one of the most interesting episodes of the African war , as it was here that the veteran of the wars of the empire , the courtier of Louis Philippe , the statesman trained in the debates of the Chamber , was overreached in diplomacy by the young Arab prince , whom the general had defeated on the Sikak . Captain Ameclee Muralt , of Bern , who had accompanied Bugeaud , and was present at that famous interview , gave me the following narrative of the event : — 4 General Bugeaud started at six o ' clock an the morning with his staff from the camp on the Tafna , and proceeded to the place where the interview was to take place . He was accompanied by six battalions of infantry , his cavalry , and artillery . He wished to receive the Emir with all military honours , to liave the music sounded , and the salute fired from all the guns . Therefore , as soon as they arrived at the place of meeting—a wild spot , with scanty Mastich-bnishes and dwarf-palms—he placed the

    troops in a most imposing array . It was evidently his intention to impress the imagination , of the Arab prince and his followers with the powerful forces of the French , by the greatest amount of military display . Several hours passed in impatient expectation , but no trace of the Emir was to be seen . At last an Arab chieftain appeared , the minister of Abd-el-Kader , as it was said , bringing a letter of his ' Sultan' to General Bugeaud . The geuerel opened it : we crowded ¦ with curiosity around him . As soon as Bugeaud was , apprised of the contents by his dragoman , the Syrian Ramsha , his features darkened , and turning to the interpreter , he s aid , ' Tell the minister that I am tired of his subterfuges : I have only half of my army with me , yet I invite Ms master to come , and to light -as in battle . ' Kamsha and the chieftain galloped speedily away to carry the defying answer to the Emir . Abd-el-Kader had ,

    in his letter , inquired about the prices of the arms and ammunition promised to him . He arid the chieftain openly laid tlie greatest stress on that clause of the treaty . This circumstance alone should have opened the eyes of the French general about the plans and intentions of the Emir . An enemy who- claims arms and powder in a treaty of peace , shows surely that he is not in earnest in his protestations of good will , and that he is preparing already for a breach of the treaty . Bugeaud was too intelligent not to surmise the consequences of the agreement , but he kne ^ he had engaged himself too deeply ; the advantageous season for military operations had passed , and his provisions were scanty . He feared to compromise himself , and dreaded the just attacks of a hostile press in case he should return to Oran without having either fought or made peace , or attained any result by an expedition so pompously announced . To spare himself a personal vexation he sacrificed all higher considerations .

    " 1 ime passed , the sun began to set , and yet no vestige of Abd-el-Kader ! Our dragoman likewise failed to return . Bugeaud could not conceal his mortification ; the officers grumbled , and I heard one say : 4 Abd-el-Kadcr will not appear at all , and our general receives a good slap . ' Biting remarks were made , and the general , in . order not to hear them , and not to see the discontent expressed in all faces , lay down on the grass and tried to sleep . Arab messengers came now with laconic words . One said tho Sultan' hnd been unwell , nnd had started Lite from his camp ; the other assured us that he was coming ; the third , that he was near , but had been detained . Bugeaud received them rudely , had tho fronts of his battalions and his cannon shown to them , and sent them back . " Amongst these present , tho most distinguished , not by rank , but both by talent and character , was Colonel Combes , a man of the highest principles , enthusiastic for the glory of his country , but mild , simple , yot imposing in his demeanour . The

    colonel was republican , nnd therefore in political opposition to tho general ; but Bugeaud had grout confidence in him : they hud been personal friends , though they seldom agreed in their views . I saw both in eager conversation : Coinbes culled upon Bugcuud not to waste precious time in futile negotiations ; should the provisions not auflice for tine campaign of forty days which had been planned , still an expedition of eight days might not lie too mucli , and would keep the . enemy in check . The colonel spoke with warmth , nnd deplored tho millions wasted here by France : every sensible man could not but approve his views . Bugeiuid gave vent to bin anger and mortification by violent exclamations : ' AVhat is to become of us ! In a few days wo have been reduced to an inability of making w « r ! My orders have not been executed . I would bo the first to fight ; I am as bravo as you , but wo cannot do it ! If the Emir retires nnd does not como at all , what shall wo do then ? Oh , this warfare is difilcultl' These were tho words of Bugeaud j liia vacillation was evident . Had Combes boon tho commander , the eventB would have taken a different turn .

    " At last our dragoman arrived at full ttpcod . Abd-el-Kador started with Iuh army just when ho left him ; ho was to appear in a few minutes . Bugeaud win now ngnin in high spirits . Knmuhn , tired to doatli , sut down on a atone and wrote a few lines , nn additional article to tho tronty , dictated to him l > y tho general . But time pawned on ngai n , nnd tho Kmir wnfl not . yet to bo neon . In the distance , wo saw Arab eiivulry occupying the heights . It wuh live in tho evening . Tho general ., who wished to load Ilia troops back to the camp before night , determined at last himself to week tho Kmir . Accompanied by uorno oflloorn , 11 vo mounted riilew , nnd a fow Spahis , ho rodo off at a gallop . I followed them with my friend Captain StUrlor : wo were altogether about twenty . Tho reason of Abd-ol-lvadcr ' n tarrying wuh , of counjo , not , dirttruwt , but calculations of prido . Before tho front , of tho homllo army lui could not maintain liia dignity of Sultan , and had to stand on terms of equality with tho French general . But ho know tho character of tho French , and reckoned upon the impatience of hit * udvoraury to ( jive him a triumph over tho general , mul heighten tho respect of the Arabs for their " Aftor a rido of nearly an hour on a rough path , w « thought wo saw Abd-el-Kadcr

    and his horsemen on the slope of a hill . It was a delusion : a few Arabs were there waving their -white handkerchiefs . At last Buhamedi appeared , the chief of the Kabyles on the Tafna , and assured the general that the Emir was approaching . Some Arab horsemen wheeled their horses on our flanks and in our rear ; the retinue began to feel uneasy , and voices were heard— ' General , we expose ourselves too much : let us halt . ' Bugeaud immediately answered , — ' Gentlemen , it is too late . ' He was right ; prudence would have been too late : we were already surrounded by several groups of horsemen , but their demonstrations had nothing hostile . Buhamedi had remarked the uneasiness of some officers , and said , * Be tranquil , do not fear . ' ' I do not know fear , ' retorted the general , ' I am accustomed to fight ; but I find it very rude of thy chief to let me wait , and not to hasten to meet me . ' ' There he is , ' said the Kabyle ; ' you shall see him immediately . ' The way bent here round a hill , and we saw the Emir suddenly before us . Abd-el-Kader was seated on a black steed ; at his side , his negro brass band ; around him , the principal chiefs in rich costume on the noblest horses ; and behind , him , his army , horsemen and infantry , encamped on the slopes of the mountain in a most picturesque way . 11

    When Bugeaud perceived the Emir , he took a few paces in advance to meet him , and invited him with courteous gesture to do the same . Abd-el-Kader did not pay any attention to him , but gave the spurs to his steed and displayed his horsemanship . Tho fiery horse made leaps four and five feet high , and again pranced for several minutes , leaning back on its hind-quarters , while its long mane touched the soil , and its snorting was audible . The hundred and fifty or two hundred chieftians behind him , all of them of imposing features , some with jet-black , others with silver-grey beards , beg-ari likewise to move , and made their horses prance . Seeing that the Emir did not approach at all , the general galloped towards him , and cavalier-like , offered him hia hand . The Arab prince received him proudly , in an almost offensive way ; we looked

    at one another , and became Tather uneasy , suspecting treachery . Bugeaud vaulted from his horse , Abd-el-Kader followed him , and stretched himself immediately on the grass without inviting the general to do the same . As to the retinue , the Emir did not vouchsafe us a glance ; he seemed to despise us altogether like dogs . Bugeaud now seated himself unceremoniously at the side of the Emir . ; close to him Ramsha , the dragoman . Near Abd-el-Kader sat fililud-beii-Arasb , his Agha and confidant ; the chieftains , Marabuts , and Sheikhs , remained on their horses , and formed a large crescent behind the group ; two of them rode close before us , and took position between us and their master , evidently with the intention of protecting their Sultan in case any of us might risk his life in order to murder tlie dangerous enemy .

    " Abd-el-Kader is of small and delicate frame . His forehead is well developed , his mouth rather large , his eye soft . The expression of his features shows devotion and piety , but not without affectation . That day he was clad in the most common garb , a brown . burrnis , woven of camel ' s hair . We did not knotv whom most to admire in this interesting- group ; the Emir or his chieftains , with their majestic deportment and rich flowing attire , the interest being yet heightened by the Arab army of eight thousandhorsemen ; indeed as many infantry covered all the hills around . Deep silence prevailed , and the conversation began . Kamslxa read the treaty . " The first article of the treaty was the recognition of the sovereignty of the King of the French in Africa . ' How so ? ' exclaimed the Emir ; ' shall all the princes of Africa , Morocco , and Tunis , likewise acknowledge him ?'— ' What does this concern you ? ' answered Bugeaud . Abd-el-Kader remained silent , and the reading of the articles was continued . Bugeaud claimed hostages as a guarantee of the treaty . In that case , ' said the Emir , ' . I have likewise to claim hostages . The faith and the customs of the Arab should suffice you . Every treaty is sacred to me ; I never forfeited my pledge ; the French generals cannot boast of the same good faith . ' lie repeated this once more with emphasis . ' I trust your word , ' replied the general , ' and pledge myself for your faith to the King of the French - I offer you my friendship . '

    " * I accept your friendship ; but let the French beware not to lend their ear to intriguers , ' was the answer of the Emir . " 'The French are not accustomed to be led by any one . Isolated outrages will not be regarded as a breach of the treaty ; but sucli will be tlie case if the conditions of the treaty arc not strictly held , or if hostilities of importance should be committed . As to isolated crimes , we shall denounce them to one another , and mutually punish the guilty . 41 Well , ' said the Emir , ' the guilty shall not escape punishment . ' 44 I recommend to you tlie Kurug-lis of Tlomsnn for good treatment . ' " * Be satisfied ; I will treat them like all the Hadars . ' { townsfolk . ) " Abd-el-Kader inquired now about the prices of arms and ammunition . General Bugeaud grew impatient , and said , turning to the interpreter , — ' ¦ Mais qua diable ! Tell him we are not children ; he shall have them at army-prices . ' Abd-el-Kadcr seemed to be satisfied . " After a short pause , Bugcaud asked , Have you ordered the commercial intercourse with our cities to be restored V *

    " ' No ; this will only happen when thou shalt deliver up Tlcmsan . ' u You are aware that I cannot deliver up Tlcmaan before my king has ratified tho treaty . ' 44 ' Then you have no power to tyosvt ?' ' * ' I am authorised to do it , but tho treaty must be ratified . It is required for yonr own sake , since , if signed only by me , my successor might discard it ; but , when ratified by my king , my successor is likewise bound to keep it . ' " ' If Tlcmsan is not delivered to me , I have no inducement for any agreement . It will not bo peace ; only a truce . ' " ' No doubt it may be only a truce , but always only for your advantage . Do you not dread my artillery ? What if I destroy and burn down your crops now before harvest j " '" My artillery , ' answered tho Emir , ' is tho sun , which will destroy your army . Burn down our crops if you please : wo shall nnd wheat claewhoro . Our country is great , and your columns cannot follow us : tho beat and d ' measoH will overpower yon . Wherever you appear , we retreat , and you will bo sheet of provisions . We rovers find food anywhere : we ahull not fall into your hands . '

    *'' I do not think all tho Arabs think an you do , ' said the general . ' They long for peace , and many have thanked me for having Hpnrcu their flcUW 41 Abd-ul-Kador laughed contemptuously , and aaked what time it required till tho ratification might arrive . 41 4 Throe weeks , ' » ukl the general . 41 4 It in a long tima . ' 41 4 You do not lone by it ; it is tho timo of harvest , ' replied the general . 41 Boii-AtuhU approached , and mii < l to Bugemul , ' Threw woolen is 1 < j « l « "K'i ^ ° < " * " only wait for ten davit or u fortnight . ' 41 ' Can yon command the buii ' i" vxclaiinod tho gcnonil . 114 Well , wo shall not , renew tho commercial iiitunjoursQ until tho rnlillcnlion of thy king has arrived , van th « hiihwct . " Kuiufthu told mo llkmvino that Uugoaud miid to tho Kmir , ' Should you take mo priHonor , or lull mo , il , would bo of no avail ; llicro aim , bc « i < loa mo , thou . s « nda of gonornln in l < Yai » co . '

    . » Aftor tho convolution had limtod throe quarters of « n hour , IJiigoaud roue , whilst tho Emir without howling him , wiuhIimkI Hirotcliml «» tho gram ) . I ho general wan BUrtlod , and gazing at him , crowJiiK hl « urins ; thou ho onught Juh hand , and rni « c < him with u sudden jork . Tho Emir uuLIod graoloualy , us If thanking Mm for a civility .

    September 30, 1854.] The Leader. 929

    September 30 , 1854 . ] THE LEADER . 929

• Citation
  • Leader (1850-1860), Sept. 30, 1854, page 17, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/l/issues/cld_30091854/page/17/