ALAI', or Tit town, the name of a ceremony prac used by the Turks at the commencement of war. We arc informed by baron Tott, who saw the ceremony which accompanied the breaking out of a war between Russia and the Porte, that the alay consists of a kind of masquerade, in which the different tradesmen exhibit to the spectators the implements of their respective arts, and their mode of operation. The husbandman guides his plough ; the joiner handles his plane ; and these motley groups, seated in splendid cars, begin the procession. Then follows the standard of their prophet Mahomet, brought from the Seraglio to be carried to the Ottoman army. This sacred banner is viewed with the most stupid 'fanaticism. None but the emirs are allowed to touch it ; and the very look of an infidel is sufficient to profane the consecrated standard. The alay having been almost forgotten, from the long peace which preceded the war which we have mentioned, the Christians imprudently crowded to witness the exhibi tion. The emir, who preceded the holy standard, cried
with a loud voice, " Let no infidel profane with his pre sence the banner of the Prophet ; and let every Mussul man who perceives an unbeliever, make it known, under pain of reprobation." At the sound of these words, the brutal fanaticism of the Turks was roused. A thirst for Christian blood seized every breast, and a scene of massacre ensued, which language is too feeble to describe. Neither the help lessness of infancy, nor the infirmities of age, nor the most affecting circumstances of female distress, could save the devoted Christians from the knives of their re ligious assassins. (fil) ALBA, "Ma Ponoria of the Romans, a city in France, in the department of Tanaro, and situated on the river Tanaro. Besides its cathedral, there are six churches, and seven convents. Population, 9650. E. Long. 51'. N. Lat. 44° 40'. (s))