Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1889-04-10
Ai0ySginla.


II 1t be true thai King JOHN OF Abyssinia
is dead the geographical pocket 10 Africa we
associate with the elories Of the Queen OF
sheba Is likely 10 come again prominently
into notice and be the scene OF stirring and
interesting events. The country has for
long time been kept In something Ike order
only by the stern rule OF King JoHN. After
the retirement from Abyssinia OF the sue
cessiul and brilliant British expedition OF
1868, under General NAPIER subsequently
Lord NAPIER OF Msgdsls), the country was
plunged into a state OF anarchy, as
nearly every chief OF importance was
contendng for the supremacy. Prince HAS
sLIof Tigre succeeded. however, In vsnquish-
ing most OF the other chiefs and In having
himself crowned by the name OF JOHN.
His reign has not been peaceful one by any
means either W regards internal matters or his
relations with outside Powers lie has had
numerous rebellions 10 contend With and been
at war with both Egypt and Italy. But
he has devoted himself to military ai-
fairs and taken pains to learn European
methods OF wsr. He has been gen.
orally not only able 10 crush out
rebellion very speedily, but Cazschor, saati,
and other places tell sad stories OF the terri
bic defeats OF the Egyptian and Italian troops
sent against him. GORDON described King
JonN ms a sour. determined man. He is or
wss There Is doubt whether King
JoHN is dead or mott that. and an arro-
CANT and defiant man as well. The fate OF
THEODORE and the capture OF hsgdals taught
bin no lesson except the lesson OF how the
manner in which the British squares fought
could be utilized, for he frequently bid al
most arrogant defiance to England.
The death Of King john could hardly fail
20 resultin turmoil and bring about strug-
gle for ascendancy among the various chiefs.
Even some Of the chiefs who have recently
led the Abyssinian armies were at one time
disaGected towards the King, and were SUBJ
dued By him, and there can be little
question that the old fires simply
shoulder. Signor CRIsPI, the Italian
Prime Minister, recognized this when
he said that the death Of the King
would enable Italy to extend her possessions
in Africa. His words meant that an oppor-
tunity would be afforded for an Italian adj
vance from Massowab and vicinity. But in
such an advance would Italy alone be
involved? That hardly seems probable
The Italians are at Msssowah Win
the consent and the moral support OF Eng
land. Indeed in a sense Italy is the catspaw
of England in the Red sea Littoral, having
been placed at Massowah to hold the ems
trance Of an important route to Khsrtoum
and the Soudsn. An Italian expedition
into AbTssinia would at this june
ture probably give England Just
the excuse she desires for q movement on
the Soudsu, particularly II it be fact that
the power Of KHALIFA ABDUILAH has been
broken aud Chief SENOUssI is operating IN
the neighborhood Of KhartOum. In truth,
when we consider the news from STAN
LEY and EMIN Bey, the rumors from
the Soudan, the results OF the latest
explorations Of the Congo and Its tributa-
rles, and last but not least the report OF King
,JoHYs death, il would seem that everything
is conspirlng to force the opening up OF
Africa by and Its parttIonng among the
Crest Powers. The possibilities OF the
Congo Free state alone make 1t a6so-
lutely certain that England must pursue
a vigorous African policy IN the near future,
and how better could she start out than by
gaining possession herself or by proxy OF
h.. 81 fri
will demonstrate the importance OF holding
or controlling Abysslnia in case OF the rean-
'nexation OF the Soudan.