Bismarck weekly tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1884-1943, 1893-11-03

settIer, ana Cne worm That was too tlmOr-
GUS to turn on it's own behalf has found
some one to turn for it.
The British settler may be acquitted of
any humane and philanthropic motives in
the premises. His mission in Mashonaland
Is purely mercenary. He has no particular
love for the Mashonas, but he finds them
very docile and cheap workmen, and he has
need for their services.
few years ago Lobengula, in considera-
ton of a liberal subsidy, signed a treaty
with the British South Africa
commonly designated the Chartered COM
pany-conceding the right to mine gold and
other minerals in Mashonaland. Miners
and settlers were strictly forbidden to enter
Matabeleland, however, without the special
permission of the king.
Those who know the blacks have appre-
hended trouble from the first, but all went
we'll for a time. The English carefully lived
up to the letter of their contract, but the
lusty young Zulus could i'll brook the pres
ence of the white intruders in the land that
had hitherto known mo lords but the
Matabele and the lions" They could not
refrain from marrying their ancient ~vassals,
the Mashonas.
Naturally enough the British settler could
not stand idly by and see his servants
robbed and murdered at his own doorstep.
The naughty Matabele would not surrender
his p%rerogative of pillage, and protests led
to blows and bloody skirmishes. AS a re-
suit the country is now in Il condition of
armed hostility.
The forces Of the Chartered company
nuo1bcr about 500 brave and hearty from
tiersmen. They are we'll armed, well mount
ed and eager for the fray. Their hearts are
in the contest, for their homes and fortunes
are at stake, and they are sufficiently ia
mlllar with native modes of warfare 10
avoid the fatal errors of the imperial army
in the Zulu war. But can they win without
re-enforcements?
Lobcngula has 5000 fighting men. Some
say he has double that number, but their
estimate is probably exaggerated. In the
matter of courage the Matabele has no su-
perior. He is trained to the use of the
assegai, and he loves his trade. For three
years he has been begging permission to
wipe out the white dogs from his country,
and it will go hard if he does not make a
valiant endeavor to accomplish his desire,
now that an opportunity is presented.
The issue depends largely upon the dis
position Of the imperial government. If
inc Chartered company is supported in true
British style, ultimate victory seems GER
tain, although white supremacy in Ma
shonaland may be dearly purchased. But
Mr.. Gladstone's government has long been
suspected OF a sneaking tenderness for the
noble savage and has never been very tena-
cious Of British rights in Africa.
And now to the crisis that confronts the
old lion Lobcngula.
Ha vp,rct n;tb.v ..x.l A.. ..I:A.. %-
M~ashonaland or submit to one of two hui
initiating alternatives. He must have his
claws clipped, his fangs drawn, his liberty
clrcumscrlbed and his dignity degraded, or
he must gather his followers and his Hocks
and retreat beyond the Zambesi river. there
to set up his Kingdom in u more inaccessi-
BILE part Of the lark continent. Either
course must be distasteful enough to a
monarch of L%obcngula's proud and imperi-
GUS spirit, but The latter is least intolerablc.
and those most familiar with his character
predict a retreat as sOOn us circumstance
shall have demonstrated the hopelessness
of his cause.
Lobcngula ~rcjoices in the possession of SO
wives and numerous mothers-stepmothcrs
we would call them, as they are surviving
wives of his respected father, but bear no
blood relationship 70 the present king. He
is about 90 years old, OF dignifled deport-
ment, tall and powerful, but excessi vely
stout and of a equity condition Of health
that argues greater self indulgence thar nc
permits to his warriors. His queens do not
all abide within one kraal, but are scat
tered through the country and are treated
with Difference and respect by their sub.
jects. They are great stickler for etiquette
and are said to be quite as punctilious in
matters OF precedence, ETC., rs the ladies of
more civilized courts. G.. c. HUM.