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| THE BEDOUIN CHIEF AND FAMILY - We here have
photographs of the family of Kahlil Sarkees, editor of
Lee Sam el Hal, a Syrian newspaper,
who managed the Wild East entertainment which, after many
tribulations, found a haven in Midway Plaisance toward the end of the
summer. The baby was born in Chicago, and was Christened "Chicago
Columbus." This picture is most instructive, recalling to readers of
the Bible the costumes of the Holy Land, which have changed little in
centuries. The painters who should thus apparel the Blessed Virgin
and the Child would, without doubt, reach a high degree of historical
accuracy. The Syrians wore capes over silken robes, red or yellow
boots of sheepskin, and silken turbans. They were loaded with arms
in a cumbrous and perhaps fanciful manner, with heavy cutlasses, as
here seen, and ancient funnel-muzzled flint-lock pistols hanging to
chains. These they did not discard, although self-cocking
cartridge-carrying revolvers could be purchased in Chicago for very
small sums of money. In addition they carried long carbines and
various dirks, withal creating a distinct sense of swashbuckling,
which, in fact, was a favorite pastime, for they were expert with
cutlass and shield. One of the party offered to wager a beautiful
Arabian steed that he could behead an ox with one blow of his sword.
Owing to a partial failure in public appreciation the Chief went home
to Syria very much out of humor with Americans. |
