Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1868-05-04
The English Success in Abyssinia.

After all the dissertations upon the
impracticability Of a successful result of
the English expedition to Abyssinia, it
has been accomplished, the stronghold
of Magdala taken, the captives released,
and Theodorus killed. The London
Times, and other martial journals, which
have been criticsing the slowness of
Napier's movements, will, perhaps, be
inclined hereafter to "leeve military
matters to military men," With such
results as the above, the most grumbling
British taxpayer will acknowledge that
Napier has given him the worth of his
money. The obstacles which had to be
overcome before the actual fighting com
mOnced we're very great The march of
the army was often on narrow and tor
tuous paths, along the beds of torrents,
and, sometimes on the sides Of the lower
part of mountains. The sappers aud
miners were at times three days ahead,
clearing road along pPeeipces of rock
like petrifed glaciers. The numbers en-.
gagged in the late contest, there are no
means as yet Of knowing, but a CORE
spondent of New York paper, travelling
with the English army, wrote, on
March 9th, that Sir Robert Napier said
that the enemy numbered 1000, all
told, and Brigadier General Merriwether
estimated them at IL, 1000, both of which
the travelling civilian considered much
beneath the mark, and was evidently of
opinion that Sir Robert would soon have
reason to repent his rashness. That
General has added new laurels to a name
renowned in the Indian, naval and diplo-
matte service of England. The whole
expeditionary force with which he set out
from India was 10000 Britons and Sepoy
allies; and this one battle doubtless ends
the war, indicating that much that has
been said concerning the resources and
fighting qualities of the Abyssinians is
apocryphal. The dead King, Theodorus,
however, was man Of mark, of enter
prise and bravery. He was a usuper,
having overthrow the former Mohsm-
medan King John" against whom he
commenced to war by the aid of some
tribes that he gained to his side, as far
back as 1850, but it was not till number
of years after that he finally overthrow
John. Meantime, Theodorus had in
dulged the idea Of even greater things
than this, having twice invaded the
Egyptian Seudan, IN which enterprise
he at last Intellectually sought the aid of
the governments OF England and France,
with the view of re-estahlishing the an.
cient Ethiopisn~empire, but though he
gained victories, was unable to hold the
country. Theodorus had been dissatis-
Eo1 ~
accession, favoring the residence and
business of foreigners in the en-
pire, and disregarded it so as to
plumber the British and other Europ can
residents, and finally Mr.. Plowden, the
British consul who negotiated the treaty,
was killed by predatory band. This
Theodorus pretended to punish his sub
jects for by slaughtering a number of
them, and a Mr.. Cameron was appointed
as the consurs successor; but he was
maltrea,ed, and finally all the English
missionaries also imprisoned. Ali nego.
tiations for their release failing, the war
ensued, and the result is that British
supremacy is established in Abyssinia.
The London Spectator, months ago. gave
out that England would hold what Napier
would win. Tie kingdom Of Abyssinia
is, therefore, probably as dead az Thso-
dorus, and the land will become, as India,
dependent Of the extended British EN-
pire It is stated that the dead Theo-
dorus was foriy-seven years old, was Of
average stature, imposing presence, and
Of an irregular bat not uuimpressive
physiognomy. His habits we're those Of
an astute demagogue. Il is represented
that at court he reveled in luxury and
show. N the field he affected simplicity,
as well Of dress as Of diet Baltimore
Sun