AND ANECDOTES. 309 after some impost had been levied on the merchandise ah'eady purchased and warehoused by the Christian merchants, suggested the impolicy at that moment, of harsh measures against Europeans : the Emperor, in a jocose manner, asked what harm he could suffer from the fleets of Europeans ? " They could destroy your Imperial Majesty's ports," replied the minister.

*' Then I would build them again for one-half what it would cost them to destroy them. But if they dared to do that, I could retaliate, by sending out my cruisers to take their trading ships, which would so increase the premiums of insurance (for the {kaffers) infidels insure all things on earth, trusting nothing to God '), that they would be glad to sue for peace again.

Political Deception, When an embassy is going to the Emperor, the alkaid of the escort endeavours to make the present, which necessarily accompanies every embassy, as bulky and conspicuous as possible, that the Arabs of the kabyls through which they pass, may be dazzled and astounded with the great appearance of the presents, which the alkaid proclaims to consist chiefly of money, Or treasure. The Arabs accordingly observed, on Mr. Matra's (the British consul) presents, that * The Muhamedans abuse the Christians for their mistrust of Providence, exemplified in their insuring ships, merchandise, &c.

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