New-York tribune., 1902-01-26

OF a Years Expedition from Zoila TO Cairo
Through Unknown Abyssinia- BY the late Cap
tain NJ 5 Mellby. Octave. PIP NAv, 4V9 Harper
Bros
It is a pleasure to read of the dongs Of a
traveller so enlightened in his ideas of his duty
toward ignorant savages as Captain Wellby. II
must be said that not every Englishman has
held such views or practised them SO consist
emily as he did. This story Of his long march
through unknown regions Of Abyssinia and Cen
tral Africa with a caravan of Abyssinians, Sou
danese and Somalis is constantly lighted up
with instances of his honorable and wise deal
ing II is, furthermore a frank and simple
narrative, telling his adventures in a way that
never seeks TO magnify his own daring and
bravery, yet full of the proofs of both, well
IS Of good humor, kindiness, an unfailing tact
in dealing with ignorant people, and a knoWl-
edge Of how to win their devotion. Captain
Kellby reached Adds Ababa from Zeila, on
the Red Sea-that journey, about which others
have written volumes, he dismsses in a few
words. Then, having had a kindly welcome
from King Menelik, he started south, with the
royal permission and assistance; reached the
southern end Of the great Lake Rudolf. turned
northwest again, and finally emerged upon semi
civilization at FashOda, on the Nile.
To begin with, Captain Wellby liked the Abys-
sinans. There is good and plenty Of go in
them, which viii be developed as soon as the
doud Of astounding ignorance enshrOuding them
is lifted" The King and his "rases," or gov
ernors Of provinces, are, generally speaking, en-
lghtened men with good hearts and sound in
tentions. OF the Abyssinians in general he says:
They are gifted with exceptional intelligence
readily grasping the object and recognizing the
value Of any innovation they see. After very
little instruction they can master whatever mat
Ter may be IN question, and If they ind TINS
impossible at first they simply smile and confess
their ignorance. The Abyssinians have been
casSed as notorious robbers. Personally speak
Ing have never had single article taken by
them, though all my belongings. including food
and money, have been open to every conner.
The Gaas, a subordinate race, showed a
friendly disposition and it is characteristic of
Captain Welby's dealings that, though these
poor people are bound to furnish supplies free
10 any traveller Of Importance passing through
iher village. he never took anything from them
Without giving them an equivalent in money.
This, it may be remarked, was greatly to the
amazernent of the Abyssinians. At Adds Ababa,
NE capital Captain Wellby presented to
Aenelik, donning evening clothes for the pur-
pose-the King is punctiliOus the matter, and
commented severely on Prince Henry of Orleans,
who came to see him in a shooting jacket, as a
man who did not know what to wear in the
Presence Of royalty.
Though by means handsome there is yet
avery taking and frank look about his features,
Or perhaps / should more correctly say, an open
iooh Shah-Zad Mir summed his appearance up
IL lhese words; Il saw very little man and a
very big mouth"
There was a banquet which Captain Wellby
and his friends attended. at which they were
fegaied Wiu thick soup, omelets and endless
courses If meats, the last item on the menu be
4Ag lump Of raw, quiyering meat, Offering
rom the King himself; and the semi -barbarous
4eaSt Was brought TO an unexpected and incon-
eruous end with an abundance Of champagne.
ihe next day they had a second audience with
ne King, when they displayed and operated
monograph FOR his edifcation, containing d
message IN Queen Victoria's voice.
The Negus was highly gratifed with the mes
Sase' even standing up that he might the more
eSuncty catch the words, for he much
sHuck with their clearness and hrmness.
The King granted his visitor permission to
N@'el wherever he liked in his country, promis-
~s also to forward letters TO all the chief Off
Gals Of the districts through which he would
rAS informing them OF the fact. The course
s 10 the south; the caravan numbered forty
-Oar men, with a four months supply Of food
~@p'aln Wellby had his troubles, even though
- mad Meneliks sanction for his journey; but
aie constantly reminded Of his tact and
-alhness in managing his men, by which he
@''ached them devotedly TO his service and made
Ntsin See how "A friendly bearing and honest