The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-12-26

reception was prepe red for his arrival. and
he had to lodge in a small furnished apart
ment.
Every day our negro King, accompanied
by his Queen, corpulent lady dressed in
savage fashion, went out in an open cab
to visit the sights of Paris. Behind the
royal couple came their suite, which was
composed of half a dozen natives, all at
tired in what may be described as rags and
tatters, and grinning like so many gorillas.
His Majesty knew nothing of the French
language beyond phrase he had learned,
and which he employed on all occasions,
from grave to gay, from lively to severe.
"Suis tres content was the universal
phrase in question One evening Dinah-
ants, went to the theater of the Porte St.
Martin. The King was dressed in a long
robe very much like dressing gown, a hat
which resembled a wideawake, with a tall
crown, red babouches, and by his side the
sabre which the Shah had given him. The
made of colored beads, and small hat Of
red and yellow velvet AS regards their
suite, they put on for the occasion caftans
Of various colors, greasy and patched up.
One of the dignitaries had on a pair of red
trousers which evidently belonged at one
time to some French soldier. Another was
the treasurer of the kingdom, who was con-
sidered to be distinguished parsonage.
His African Majesty was tall, well-built
man, as black as ebony; the Queen was also
TALL and not without a certain grace. but
she was not so black as her royal husband.
The manager of the theater did honor to his
royal guests by placing them in one of the
prominent boxes, from which they were
able to see the whole audience. "Suis tres
content: said the King, showing his tongue
and indicating thereby that he was thirsty.
Beer was brought TO them and they
drank 1T the orchestra struck up a "bambOu-
la which delighted them beyond measure.
The performance passed off all righ., save
that the Queen fell asleep and set to snor-
ing so loudly that she had to be removed
to a back seat The King preserved a more
dlgnlIed attitude Upright and immoble.
with his right hand on his saber. be fol-
lowed the representation. Now and then he
looked at the audience and a few cries Of
Nlve Dinahr' were raised. whereupon he
bowed gracefully and exclaimed. "Sus tres
content!'' The news soon spread that Dinah-
Salltou and his suite were inside ard in
rev minutes the theater was besieged by
dark monarch appeared at the door he was
greeted with all sorts of cries. to which he
responded by clapping his hands. l. vas
some time before the royal couple and their
attendants could be pushed into cabs. bat,
alas; such was the crowd that it was inn
possible 10 move on. The police were pow
erless 10 clear the way. and renewed cries
OF 1--WE Dinah! Vive les mOricauds."
echoed on all sides
Dinah-Salifou seemed at first 10 be agree
aply surprised, and shook the hands Il all
near him, exclaiming, "Suis tres content"
and take other liberties with himself and
wlIe ne began to feel uneasy. Suddenly he
arose IN great wrath. and. garing fero-
clonsly at the crowd around him. cried out.
louder than ever. "Sus tres content
winch, OF course, only increased the merri-
ment of the spectators His fury growing
greater he wanted to draw his saber and
charge the crowd. but. unfortunately, the
weapon was intended for show only, and
had no blade. But for that, some disaster
might have occurred. His misfortunes,
however, did not end here little raga-
muffin. more audacious than the rest. seized
mold OF his Majestys crown and made OF
with it. The King was about TO descend
from his carriage and pursue the urchin:
but his Queen Kept him back by the tail
of his caftan. The disorder YVES now COM
plete. a strong force OF police however.
soon arrived. and the crown was restored
TO its owner. The crowd then made way
for the royal vehicle, and Dinah who had
recovered from his Indignation, saluted
them The latter again shouted "Vive Sail
fouf while the black monarch responded
with cries of .'Suis tres contentv' and so
ended the royal adventure