The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1878-11-03
cRoWNTNe AN AFRICAN KING.
a Peculiar Ceremony che west Coast
"1ktnR ArchIbonE III. of Old CnIsba-."

Fnpn ne london Tncs
A correspondent on the West Coast gives
description Of the recent browning OF King
Archbong Of Old Calabnr. Tho event had been
looked forward to for some time and during
tho week Of the coronation tho town and district
were ~, Jete. Roth on the river and In the vii
lagos there WIS a great display Of bunting.
while guns WE'RE fired almost necessarily. MIR.
David Hopkins. the English Consul. who had
been at old Calabar for somc little time settling
disputes between traders and chiefs. was Sc
lectod to proclaim Adam Archibong King. On
the morning OF the 9Th ult. Consul Hopkins was
escorted 10 Duke Town. with the chicfs and
people OF Henshaw Town rs n guard Of honor.
The procession formed n spectacle OF an un-
usual kind.
The men were attred in the gaudiest col
orcd prints II was possible to collect, while an
umbrella Of extraordinary Dimensions md
eolors was carried above the bead Of the Con-
SUI. The cnvalcadc arrived at the enclosure
adjoining the palace. whore q throne had been
placed on n newly-credcd platform. The ma
tivcs were here assembled In thousands and
were very enthusiastic. Shortly afterward the
procession Of the king-elect issued from the
palace. rudcly-constructed building OF wood.
and wcndod its way TO the PLATFORM Like tho
other body. many and various were the conrs
worn by tho mon. II WIS headed by n band Of
mnslSinnS, making great uprqnr with toy
were conspicuous here rs IN the Consuls fol-
In several instances big negroes wore very
drawn tightly TO the figure with string. His
Majesty King Archibong WAS scarcely less com
tcally dressed, His loins wore girt with n satin
cloth OF many cOlQrs, while "a long Sieve hat
covered his head. This hat had evidently seen
much service being almost shapelcss with in
dcntatiOns. His feet like those OF his attendants.
were bare. and there was also n huge umbrella
held high above his hend. ArchibOng who Is
. man about 60 years old. is totally blind, and
leaned on the arm OF his son.
He asccnded TO the Platform nmid tho on
thusiasn of the assembled crowd, who danced
Lob. fNl
soon % Consul Hopkins received the King the
tumuh ceased. The Consul read the existing
treaties between thc former KINGS OF On Gala
bar and Queen victoria, which wcro Interpreted
TO the King by Mr. Campbell nm English mis-
sionary on the cuast. and to which Archibong
nssented. new treaty was also drawn up. the
King agreeing thereto, which makes II compul-
sorry upon all his European subjects to wear the
European style Of dress. Treaty matters hav-
ing been arranged, the ceremony of coronation
was proceeded with. The Quceh with her
retinue Of female attendants. arrived and took
her place on the platform.
Her Majesty. very corpulent old Indy was
not permitted To take her scat 10y the sill her
sable consort Amid the continued ai, "
the native throng, Consul Hopkins throw a
scarlet cloak round Archibung. put a crown on
his hcnd, and sccptre in his hnnd. md pro-
claimed him King Archibong | l.. Of Old Cal
ahar." Then the shricks and hurrahs OF the
assembled thousands rent tho mir the men and
women dancing and shouting In the widest
glec. The crown appeared 70 be of gold. WIS
very mnssiyc. and, was studded with repre-
sentative " diamonds.
During the ceremony the King seemed TO be
greatly ugiiated. ana at one tim" wis scarcely
able 30 hold the sceptre. Immediately after the
coronation n salute Of tTenty-ohc guns was
rcd. and the King and hi- cuuricrs adjourned
20 the palace. where IA hnngu" In the nntiye
fashion was prepared. The English residents
were especially luv0r.d hy the King. and among
those present NJ the dinner were Consul Hop
kins the whole of the English missionaries OF
the district. AMI the Captain. chief engineer doc
tor. and pursor % the mail steamer kinsembo.
The principal dish consisted OF palm oil
chop. which Is considered great luxury by
the natives.