Page:Dramatic Moments in American Diplomacy (1918).djvu/133

Rh would curtail a tithe of the demand, and this Corsair flag, bearing the turbanned head of Hali, was run up to the main with a salute of seven guns–a compliment that cost the United States 40,000 dollars."

There is one way, and only one, to treat with a certain class of persons. And they are met with periodically by all nations–as well as all men. Our old friend, Omar, Son of Mohammed, was one of these. And the proof of it is that when he finally got his treatment he ceased to be a leading figure in either buccaneer or diplomatic circles.

It came about this way. Concluding that the $378,363 received by him and his illustrious predecessor Pasha was after all a paltry pittance to get out of such a healthy coward as the U. S. A., he concluded he would like to have $27,000 more. His annual gift also caused him some slight disappointment. So in the most polished manner he invited Mr. Lear, our consul, to depart at once, and sent forth his trusty admiral, Ruis Hammida, Son