The daily morning journal and courier., 1901-06-26
RAS MAKONNEN'S BRIDE.

Striking Scenes in Abyssinia When He
 Brings Her in State to His Capital.
 Ras Makonnen, the governor of the Harrar Province, arrived in his capital with his new bride on April 20 on his return from Adis Abeba, where he was married January 27. The bride, who is said to be about thirteen years of age
 is a daughter of Ras Waffle, the pres ent governor of Tigre, and a brother of the Queen Taitou. General opinion about the marriage appears to be that the Ras himself was much aversa to entering into the marriage state again.
 being anxious to lead life of single blessedness, especially as he is not at all strong physically and Is very de- voutly inclined spiritually. However, as His Majesty had set the heart on this particular union he managed to persuade Makonnen to enter into this important alliance, which is considered to be of some political significance
 The Ras camped the evening before his entrance about seven miles from the town, and left camp about : o'clock next morning for Harrar, the inhabi- tants starting out early to meet him on the road Although there appeared to be no particular arrangement, the or der of the procession, roughly was as follows: First came small crowd of wild-lo looking horsemen, who, whenever they came across q fairly level piece Of ground, galloped madly forward, chas- ing and throwing long thin sticks at each other, which were cleverly receiv- ed by the assailed on their shields. The sticks were supposed to represent spears, and the gamboling the national game of "Guks" Following these horsemen came the twelve drummers on mules, each man having couple of large circular drums in front of him, which he solemnly and rhythmically beat with a stick in each hand. Behind these came large crowd of soldiers on foot. Then came the Ras on very richly comparisoned mule, flanked by couple of his chief officers and preceded by his nine or year-old son. An other crowd of officers and soldiers brought up the rear. Among the crowd were some men who were rather con- spicuous on account of the green and yellow bread silk head bands which they wore with long streamers hanging down their backs. Earrings, or in some cases, eardrops with long pend ants, were also worn. These insignia proclaimed the mighty and valiant ele- phant hunter. Those who had killed lions also wore 9 ~iece of lions skin with the mane over G>sir brows. One of these men having killed an elephant toi1 oF on 4 stick in front of the proud hunter, while a dozen of his friends and follow CTS went dancing and singing around him. I forgot to mention that lmme- diately in front of the Ras went group of bards who sang the praises of the governor and the bridegroom, to accon1paniments played on rudely made violins and harps. Of course every one was in gala costume, a god many wear ing in addition a peculiarly cut small cape made either of lions, leopard's, or sheep skin, or of bright colored SILK. The cape had a couple of snort ana broad streamers behind and couple of very long ones, with a silver filigree work clasp, hanging in front. Velvet covered sword scabbards with silver or gold mountings and large leather shields covered with silver work added much to the gorgeousness of the scene. Makonnen's costume consisted of black velvet cloak with a narrow gold lace border, over silk narrow stripped shirt and white embroidered toga or "Shama." On his head he wore a black wide-awake hat.
 After we had gone about mile, body of Soudanese soldiers, about three hundred strong, in white uniforms, came in sight. They were drawn up in a line along the road, and their instruc- tor, a Frenchman. by name Count de Ia Guibourgere, stood at their head. When the Ras arrived arms were very smartly presented and general salute was sounded. The Ras acknowledged the salute and passed on, I understand that when the count arrived here about three years ago he wanted to train the