Shoshone journal. [volume] (Shoshone, Idaho) 1884-1931, 1897-04-23
DEPosED KING PREmPEH.
Has Plenty of Gold and BeFs R.rd to
Go Back to His Country.

Go Back to His Country.
The British and African company's
steamship BAHAMA, which has reached
Liverpool, called specially at Elminal
to take the ex-King Prempeh and his.
chiefs down TO Sierra Leone, says the,
London Standard She arrived "a the
LIST inst With the ex-king were two
OF his wives, his mother. father, brother,
and ten chiefs, each Of whom had two
wives. OF the ten chiefs six had been
princes of Ashanti Prince KofH Ente
was sent by the government with the.
king as interpreter. Prince Kofh Ente
is son OF the late King KofIi. Prem
peh was sent in a surf-boat to the
BAHAMA in charge of Commissioner
Kelly and Capt. Parmenter. The king,
when he knew he was going TO be de-
ported from his country. expressed his
intention TO commit suicide rather than
suffer such an indignity. He had
threatened to jump into the sea. but
was well guarded when taken to the
ship, and he made no attempt TO take
his life. Once on board the steamer
comfortable. His interpreter said the
king was not aware that a steamship
was so large and that people could be
made so comfortable on board. He
took great interest in the fittings of
the vessel and particularly in the en-
gines and electric light Prempeh
begged hard to be allowed 20 go back
TO his country and promised never to
do anything against the English, or,
as he expressed it, against the Great
White Queen" He had no idea that
the white men could do such great
things as they did. In speaking OF
this he said he now believed the white
man could bring the top 10 the bottom,
meaning that he could bring down the
sky to touch the earth. He said he
was sure, if he got back to his country,
he would be very obedient and would
make everybody open up the country
to British trade. He was also willing
to pay the indemnity the British want
ed. The king and his people were in
charge Of a superintendent of civil po-
lice, with a Houssa sergeant and six
HOussas. One of the chiefs gave it
out that there was plenty of gold buried
in COOmassie, but it could never be
found. he said. except by themselves.
They certainly had plenty of gold with
them. The king went ashore at Sierra
Leone in most gorgeous costume. The
gold ornaments, anklets, bracelets and
other articles displayed about him were
estimated to be worth Fl, 900. He also
wore a number of charms, the chief
Of these being suspended round his
neck. Probably for the first time in
MS life he wore trousers. These were
If yellow brocaded satin. A white and
blue mantle-like cloth was thrown over
his shoulders, and he wore leather san
ials. He was very cheerful on board
he steamer and seemed sorry TO leave
L. A house has been appointed for
he residence of the late king and his
followers in Freetown. 1t is under
Itood that he will have more freedom
han he had in Elmina, but he will be
lnder the daily observation of the au-
horities. Prempeh was received at
'ierra Leone by the inspector of police
nd conveyed to his new quarters, a
cry large house. Little notice was
aiken OF the king on his arrival at
Teetown. Altogether there were about
hirty people in the party. King Prem
eh while on the BAHAMA showed he
good wines. but his prefer
nee was decidedly for benedictine.