New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-10-02
ZEBEHR, THE "BLACKPACIIA.'
CAREER OF NOTED ARAB OF THE
PROVINCE OF DARFUR


SLAVE TRADER AND FRIEND or GORDON. lie Is
STILL detained IY TIE BRITISH IN CAIRO.
The British recoHQucst Of large part of the
Eoudan has recalled 20 the minds OF some Eng
Dish political authorities the existence OF
former Governor Of The Province Of Darfur. the
once famous ZeDehr Pa cha, who is still living
as an exile in Cairo, where he was sent about
eleven years ago. Zcbehrs period Of restraint
must be a peculiarly irksome one, for he be
leyes that he has been unjustly condemned,
and has been waiting through all these years
for the fulGment of Cor Ions promise that there
should be an investigation OF the documents
upon which he was sentenced.
The charge against him was that he had be-
trayed British military secrets to the Mahdi.
and he was banished to Gibraltar in the spring
OF 1880 In the summer Of 1887, after more than
two years captivity at the fortress, Zebehr was
released and taken back TO Cairo. Here resi-
denoe and an allowance of f400 year
granted to him. but his return to the Soudan or
any interference in its affairs IS strictly pro
hbted.
Various Enclishmen have interested them
selves in the exile from time TO time but moth
Ing has ever been done toward a revlsion OF his
senience. Baron Curzon the new Niceroy OF
India when he was in Egypt, few wears ago
visited Zebehr. and il IS bclieN ed by many that
were il not for his being placed in Office Baron
Curzon would have brought up the Pacha
case in Parliament and sought for decision
upon the legality Of his condemnation. II seems
quite possible that with the new developments
in the Soudan more may yet be heard from the
formerly powerful Black Pacha,' as Zebehr
was often known.
OF AN ANCIENT FAMILY
The cNiied leader is often referred to an
Arab slave-dcaler and though this is true. II
gives scarcely an adequate idea Of his impor-
tance. both in regard to his rank and family,
and to his abilities as a governor. when
were undoubtedly greet. His full name is
Zebehr Rahama and he is Of the ancient race
of the Abbassdes 1t is about thousand years
since the branch Of the family TO which Zebehr
belongs settled near Khartoum. Here the child
was horn and brought up on his fathers es-
tales When he was young man the passion
for adventure in the uncxplorcG regions about
the White Nile was strong among the youth OF
Khartoum and Zebehr induced by cousin
to iOn the expedition Of an ivory trader VINO
was going down to the Bahr GhaZal.
Here ne found ihe first opportunity 10 exercise
his commercial talent. In contrast To the usual
me thods Of the Khartoum traders who treated
the natives as IL they were Wild animals instead
OF human beings. Zebehr adopted much more
humane policy. ana 10y il STAINED great com
mcrcial success.
After some time Of this peaceful! dealing with
the natives Zebehr became the chief adviser OF
one Of The tribal kings named Tikima The
subjects Of This monarch were exceedingly low
1n the scale Of civilization. cannibalism prevail
ing 70 a much greater extent than IN the ma
FORTY Of the Central African tribes. Zebehr
pointed out TO the King that In times when
armies were of SO much value il was pity TO
see Young men who would make fine soldiers