redoubled his prayers, and those of his religious communities, and Providence came to his aid in a most unexpected manner.
The military governor of Algiers, General Wolff, is a man who combines all that is noble and generous in character with a thorough knowledge of his profession, and an intense interest in the native population. He had watched with the greatest sympathy the difficult and courageous attempts of the archbishop; he admired both his zeal and his prudence, and one day himself proposed to him the creation of the hospital. "The ground is ready prepared for it," he exclaimed; "the Arabs already look upon St. Cyprian's as their home, and you as their father. It will be not only a work of Christian charity, but one of the highest political importance, by thus gaining the hearts of the tribes we have conquered. How much will you require for the purpose?" The archbishop replied that a hundred thousand francs was the least sum with which he could begin. "Well," replied General Wolff, "there are thirty-eight thousand francs in the military chest, set apart during the time of the emperor's visit for the creation of some charitable establishment for the natives. With the consent of the governor-general, I will hand over this sum to you, and Catholic charity must do the rest." General Chanzy, the governor-general, at once acceded to this proposal. The archbishop joyfully set to work, and a hospital was constructed in the Moorish style, with everything needed for the comfort and convenience of its inmates. Even beautiful details were not wanting in the building, Mgr. Lavigerie wishing thereby to show the natives his love and respect for the poor. The Arabs themselves could not contain their astonishment at the sight of the buildings, as they progressed towards completion. "Why, it must be for a prince!" they exclaimed. "No; it is for sick, poor, and suffering Arabs." "But shall we have nothing to pay?" "No, nothing." "Can this be true?" they would ask; and when again the fact was solemnly affirmed, they would lift up their hands to heaven in mute astonishment, and bless God.
After two years' labor, and with the liberal alms of the French and Belgian Catholics, the hospital was completed. The archbishop was implored to give it the name of his patron, St. Charles; but from a feeling of gratitude to General Wolff, he preferred choosing that of St. Elizabeth, the patroness of Mrs. Wolff, whose Christian charity and devotion make her a worthy wife of this brave and loyal soldier.
In order to inaugurate the new hospital in a way which should duly impress the Arabs, Mgr. Lavigerie sent out invitations to a feast (or diffa), to be given on the day of the opening to all the natives of the different douars of the mountains adjoining the Chéliff, and invited likewise all the French authorities and European visitors of distinction to accompany him on the occasion. All gladly responded to the appeal; and on the 5th of February, 1876, at six o'clock in the morning, a special train conveyed the whole company from Algiers to St. Cyprian. Few who were present on this occasion will forget the beautiful sight presented on their arrival: on the one side, the bright new village, with its church and presbytery glistening in the sun; on the other, the tents of the Arabs, forming an immense camp; and above the village, the new hospital, decorated with flags, the road leading to it being adorned with triumphal arches and flowers. On either side of the railroad were columns of mounted Arabs, armed and motionless, waiting for the arrival of the guests. At a signal from their chief the whole body of cavalry charged the incoming train, which had just slackened speedy. They surrounded the carriages, firing in the air, uttering their war-cries, now advancing, then retiring, till some of the ladies of the party were thoroughly alarmed, believing it was their intention to make an attack on the whole company. But no — it was only their picturesque way of giving a welcome. The train-stops; the guests, with General Wolff at their head, leave the carriages, and are met by a native mayor with an address, while the cannon sound and the bells of the church chime joyful peals, mingled with the wild and exultant cries of the Arabs. A procession is formed to the hospital, a royal prince of Holland walking first, then the generals of division with Madame de Lamoricière and the rest of the company, the native cavalry keeping the ground on both sides. On the terrace in front of the hospital, with its beautiful arched façade under a red and gold canopy, stood the archbishop, in full pontificals, with his mitre on his head, his crozier in his hand, the pontifical cross and canopy borne by natives in white burnouses and scarlet sashes; and around him fifty of his priests, some in gold vestments, some in the white Arab dress worn by his African missioners, but all motion-
