Abd-el-Kader at once set to work rescuing the Christians. Hundreds were
escorted to his house, fed, comforted and forwarded to the castle,
where, finally, nearly 12,000 were collected. Many also reached the
British Consulate. The Mohammedans, furious at being baulked of their
prey, turned their attentions to Abd-el-Kader, who, however, charged
into their midst and said: "Wretches! is this the way you honour the
Prophet!... You think you may do as you please with the Christians, but
the day of retribution will come. Not a Christian will I give up, they
are my brothers. Stand back or I will give my men the order to fire".
Not a man among them dared to raise a voice against the renowned
champion of Islam, and the crowd dispersed. British and French
intervention prevented a general massacre throughout Syria, and as a
result of European pressure an enquiry was held on the Damascus
outrage, with the result that the Military Governor of that city, three
Turkish officers and 117 individuals were shot. In addition about 400
of the lower class and 11 notables were condemned to imprisonment or
exile and L200,000 was proposed to be levied on the city.
Pages:
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142