The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-10-25
LAND OF THE MATABELE
HENRY RENTSCH, A FORMER HOOs-
TER, WRITES FROM BULAwAYO.
Country Infected with Wild Beasts
He Tells u Prize Lion
Story.

A letter was received in this city yester-
day from Henry Rentsch, an old Indian
apolis boy who is now in Bulawayo, cdata-
beleland, South Africa, and in it he writes
Interestingly of that land Of Zulu history.
Says he:
The railroad that the British South At
RIGA Company is building is now within
sixty mi!es of here and business of all kinds
Is beginning to assume a different aspect
nrmS are putting up stores, and of course
the mining companies are developing their
ground so as to be ready to put up as soon
as 1t arrives the heavy machinery used for
mining. 1t has been known for many
years that gold exists here, and prospectors
rave come across many ancient workings
mat are very interesting. A great part of
the country is very fertile and is well
adopted to stock raising, but its future de-
ponds entirely en- the gold deposits. If gold
IS found in paying quantities, there is a
great future for the country. BulaWayo
is situated about 1000 feet above the level
Of the sea and on the site of the deposed
King Lobengula'S krSals. 1t is fairly
healthy. but in the lower country fever is
very rife. There is population here now
of about 1000 people, but big rush is eX-
pected when people will be able to get here
by railroad.
THE Matabele the natives of the coun-
try, are the direct descendants of the Zu-
lus, and are a fine race of people. Before
they were subdued they were very war
like tribe and were always pilfering from
the neighboring tribes. All who were talk
en- prisoners by them were made their
slaves. Each man can have as many wives
as he can afford to buy and pay for in cat
tie. They generally have a hut for each
Of their wives. AT their haals, or homes
forming all the labor. They are very adept
at bead and wire work, and make some
very pretty articles, such as belts, brace
let's, ETC. The country is full of wild beasts
mostly lions Nearly every one who comes
into town from the country tells of some
experience he has had with lions.- l, for
hunt for them. A man came in the other
day and told a tale. He is one OF the Char
ter Conpany's mounted police, and said he
had had a miraculous escape from lion.
1t appears that while riding along he was
passing through some thick bushes, when
took his hat fe off Ills horse e promptly bolted,
but luckily he pulled him up about hum
dred yards farther on Turning round with
a big lien walk across the road with tears
in his eyes, and repeat the same Jump
three times. evidently for practice Then
man. After he told his tale l said: You
should belong to the Indianapolis police
force. lion will never attack a man UNI
a man the beast will look at him, grunt,
and then walk slowly away. but If he IS
shot and not killed by the first bullet, then
look out, for you will have to fight him.
There is no doubt that the English are
the most successful nation in colonizi ne
greater portion of Africa will be under
British rule. Even now they are surveying
a road from here to the Zambesi, and from
Blantyre Mr.. Cecil Rhodes is building a
transcontinental telegraph line which Will
run straight through the interior up to
Egypt Whether 1t will ever be completed
remains to be seen; nevertheless M
Rhodes deserves a great deal OF credlt Tor
his undertalxing. He is sparing nothing to
make the country that bears his name q
grand success. In a speech here he said
that his career had only begun, and II tnat
Is the case great things may be expected
from him in the future. He is a thorough
gentleman and deserves a great deal or
credit for his enterprise
IT don't write this article to induce people
to come here to seek their fortune; far from
it. | would not advise any one TO come 70
This country unless he Is prepared to rough
If after his arrival. A great many people
have an idea that gold is lying around ,; ana
all they have to do is to pick II up. lnaI
Is a great mistake, for what one accumu-
tates here he has got to work for"