The Peril of the Republic of the United States of America - Percy T. Magan

tide of battle turned. Malaga was taken by the
Spaniards in 1487, and Granada in 1492, and this,
in a certain sense, re-established the old Spanish
monarchy.
Christendom has never yet acknowledged her
debt to the Saracens; but that much that is useful
and artistic was acquired from them, can never be
rightly contested nor successfully denied. During
the time that they were masters of Spain they were
lenient and merciful to their fallen foe. In the days
of their power they accorded far more of civil and
religious liberty and toleration than the orthodox
church was wont to grant to those whom she
subdued. To all who did not wish to turn to
Mohammedanism, there was given the choice of
paying a slight tribute and continuing as a devotee
of their former faith. But few historians have
correctly understood or estimated the real services
of the Saracens of Spain to civilization and
intellectual development. Only one has honestly
accorded to them their just and well-won place. I
refer to the impartial and ingenuous John W.
Draper. He alone has graphically and truthfully
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