The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1892-07-06

The Most Powerful Native Ruier In Central
Africa Meets n Violent End.
The other day this cablegrain was received

TIE Most Powerful Native 1uter IN Sentrnh
Africa Meeis Violent End.
The other day this cablegram was received
in Europe:
Msiri has been killed."
No particulars have yet come as to the man
ner OF his taking of.
Msiri was tho most important ruler In Cen
trail Africa Ofhumble origin. he became the
absolute ruler OF large territory. and at last
even surpassed the famous Muata Yamvo In
the extent OF his power.
Four rifles were the foundation OF Msiri's
greatness. When no was boy he lived 100
miles east OF Lake Tanganyika in Unyanembe.
where his father. Kalasa. was trader in cop
per- The fame OF the copper mines in Katanga.
far southwest OF Tanganyika. near the
Congos head waters. had spread far over
Africa. and native traders went hundreds
OF miles to procure the useful metal
Kasala made frequent trips to Katanga. and
on one occasion instead OF leading his little
expedition himself he sent his young son.
MslrI. in his place. The young chief had pos
sessed himself OF four guns. and when lie
arrived In KatanCa he found the old ruler OF
the country, at war with tho powerful chief to
the north Of him. who was invading the coun-
try. Msiri came to the rescue OF his fathers
friend. The invading ensmy had never before
heard Of firearms. They wero appalled, when
After a few shots they took flight and never
stopped till they were safely out of KatanEa.
or course. tho old chief was very much
pleased with Msiri. who had thus delivered
him and his people out OF the hands Of their
enemies. He gave him large presents OF ivory.
and when he took his departure for homo
urged him 70 return to KatanSa as soon rs
possible. Tho noxt year Msri. wishing to
| seize every advantage he could derive from
the old chiefs friendship started again for
Katanga with his vito and children and as
many friends as no could induce TO accompany
him. He found tho old chiot getting very
| feeble He promised that ho would not leave
| him. but would remain in the country to re-
ceive the chieftainship which had been prom
| ised to him. In II short time the old chief.
| perceivinE that his end was near. gave up 10
Msiri the shell which answers to tho European
crown, and installed Msiri. as King.
Napoleon. He put every one to death who on
| posed him. carried on aggressive warfare in
the powerful CHIEF Kasombe east Of him. whose
| name has been on the maps OF Central Africa
ever since TINT region has been known. Mfiri
possessions. One element in his wonderful
success Mas his shrewdnSss and farsiEh;
except from the east coast Thus he seemed
the friendship Of the tribes east Of him. He
had heard the vaCuest rumors that there was
ana 9s e h
stSre this tssS m %aR py
exploring expedition. and it was completely
Portuguese trader. Silva Porto. who ut once
Who Sas supnsa 1h
and cloth IN exchange for ivory. Now that
aa ssGs to s WITH n; wssS
agCressions until no controlled larger extent
OF country than any other Central African
u latp years most of the southeastern part
Garengapze. as Msir's territory is known.
q ysars ago the younE EnEsh
when some portess arrived With a. numCer Of
letters from Alsiri. They were written year
soms sG1 S 81 na
tanned an earnest appeal that white men
should 60 to Garenganze. Arnot looked with
that M.iri had eIpect ted to receive white people
as . missionary. He carried out his purpose.
and Garengan.s has ever since been oecuIied
Of the eonss Free Isl State. ' recently W s'"''oAs
Arnot said that the peae. and quiet that
able The KIM Was Sharp and , Ts rs" lis
government and was greatly feared though
| ne did not use torture or cruelty u means OF
mon. but death was inflicted in u most expr-
diti9ns manpor Arnot described the King as
peen q his tsndshin. he wrots. He i's most most
cnrsHfiu u avoids Hsking anything OF me. and
Msiri had many minor chiefs n. all tho great
srs 90 thaf It rs
In most parts Of Africa. Each of the minor
chiefs vas supposed 70 have some relative
were really their friends at court" through
| whom oil COMMUNICATIONS with the King were
carried out The King also employed these
districts were sometimes assigned TO them to
| be governed by themselves.
| Msirfs capital has for years been n great
North T as dan S1 snd srs
through the basin OF the Zambesi Copper.
salt. iron. and slaves are the chief articles 81
| cumuated an immense stock of nnt-lock
| guns. powder cloth, AMI beads. besides many
other curious things brought by native and
would give y great enterta inment at which he
| would open his stores and exhibit his treas
| ures. displaying with peculiar pleasure most
remarkable collection Of timed meats. music
| OF opera glasses. scientific instruments Gon-
orally out Of order. trinkets .! every descrip-
tion' wntGles ana Jeweiry. as well us lots OF
Msiri was the last Of the rcal; powerful
rulers OF equatorial Africa west OF Ianganyikn.
| divided among the subordinate chiefs. an
arrangement that will please the Congo Free
state, which much prefers SINAI un important
paWeSu Eines VII" cam thew a dos rso s ana
the Stote much trouble. The old Kings career
is an illustration OF the fact that even the