The Irish republic. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1867-18??, 1868-01-11

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very small party towards Tohonda
No at Annesey Bay can of course yet more than
conjecture what will be the probable plan of campaigns but
all preparations and the general nature of the country lead
us 10 suppose that the first steps will be slow and painful
The district lying between Annesley Bay and the BIZ coun-
ry and which has breadth between the and Tohonda
of 40 miles, is naturally sterile but it is very little cult
waited and consequently incapable of yielding large sup
plies Even should the difficulty of water be eventually sur
mounted everything consumed this ne forage well as
the mems rations must be transported the backs animals
and hence chain of depots must be established connect
the plateau with the and good road in part tramway
made join Tohonda other selected points, the
elevated grounds with ships. When reach the
plateau is hoped that difficulties in the way of forage
will be considerable essened there known to be good
grass in its vicinity.
The labor difulty is likely to prove serious The
Shohos or natives being of nomadc habits neither like
are capable OF much regular work they do very little and
constantly striking the point of striking what has
been effected has chiefly been done by few hundred Chinese
and Bombay civilians the native troops and the of the
Satellite soop-owar In addition the want of coolies
trouble has been experienced with the muleteers. The
Europeans who left Spain and other countries
in charge of animals have for the part been allowed
proceed beyond Alexandria and Suez at these
places they found difficult contro consequently the
mass of the mueteers Persans from Bombay and
Arabs those from territory being by far the most
amenabe discipline and inclined to march, The annoy
caused by the Persans endless they have all
bargained to be allowed to ride to walk, while leading
the mules and although this condition has been readily ac-
corded they wish to for only three mules each
instead of the five they accustomed to have charge of In
their country. Then they claimed that they had been
engaged nearly double the rate which had really been
granted Them and although possible that they may have
been promised by the native subagen who the usual
mddlemen in such transactions, their conduct has been
lately such to entite them to little sympathy large num-
bers refused to work pending the settlement of the pay
question by the authorities Bombay, until they could
be relieved by Indian muleeers and although the prospect
of having their ratons reduced while they should remain
idle has brought of them to their still seems
improbable that they continue to be employed much
longer with the expedition The mules themselves give
much trouble than their drivers and have since landing
visiby improved in condition they carry easily 220 lbs.
Iaaob thriVa SDItp
small number of muleteers, and the semmunous attitude
of large portion renders possible bestow Them
AS the Irish people have had such large experience of
Engands power lie away the character of every country
or ruler whom she wishes Destroy the following account
of the cruees of Theodorus written by Of the Abys
snian captves be received with considerable caution
The diary of Dr. Blanc ofthe Abyssnian captve has
lust been published in Bombay This paper dated Magdaa
August 81 1867 contains account OF the varying
fortunes attending Mr. Rassams mission, from the 10th Of
july 864-the date of their departure from Aden-up to
the end of August The compilation of the report was no
easy matter. Dr. Blanc says on this point was Obliged
on occasions to burn my report; first on being made
prisoner April 1885, when thought advisable to de-
oy every note letter paper in possession AT Gaa
began write it for the second me but after the events
that occurred there, seized the first opportunity of making
away with it. At Magdala it is exceedingly difficult to
write spies are constantly peepng into pre-
text other The risk and penalty great the order
that anyone found writing is to be chained hand and FOOT
In spite of this risk and penalty however, Dr. Blancs report
is said be marvel OF neatness exhibiting the greatest pa
thence and Paper and ink at Magdala and
he has certainly been careful not to waste ether closely
packed the letters words and lines that into sixteen
sheets of note paper is compressed material enough to nil
three pages of the Tnes-ess about quarter of column
So thin likewise is the paper that the whoereport cover
ing letter. envelope and a-weighs less than an ounce
Dr. Blanc's report has been divided by him into three
principal sections the first portion describing the journey
from Massowah Metemma the experiences of the road the
disposition and habits of the various Arab tribes and giving
of other information entirely The second portion
is that which the of their past and present
dealings and relations with Theodorus OF their prospects
Dr. Blanc says little not having then heard that an exped
ton was its way release them avenge their DEATH
But for their being constantly chained their condition as
prisoners would be oeraby comfortable the more SO the
They knew not however, what day might bring forth; the
Emperor daily rong in blood and murder and as far
his muchcrppIed would admit satiatng ms 0ng
desire-revenge Their best hope seemed be- that should
they change owners they might fall into the hands OF some
r