The sun., 1903-12-17
WELCOMES Us TO ABYSSINIA.
"CONE IN PEACE AND WITHOUT
FEAR" rs MENELIk'S MESSAGE.
Sure That Americans Don't Want Any OF
His Territory. the Emperor VIII Be
Glad to Trade with Thenl-W. n. Ellis
Tells OF Ills Visit-Big Field Opened.
.Spscidi cube Despatch TO TnE sun


LONDON, Dec. lU-Wiiam n Ellis has
arrived in London from Abyssinia and will
sail for The United States in ten days. Upon
his arrival there he will proceed direct to
Washington on and deliver to he Depa ri ment
of State letter from Emperor Menelik
welcoming Americans to Abyssinia "in
peace and without fear"
Mr.. Ellis assured the representative of
THE Sun to-day that Robert p. Skinner, the
American Consul-General at Marsees,
who is now in Abyssina. would find the
negotiating of a treaty with Menelik very
easy. The Emperor is very favorably in
clined 10 establish business relat ions with
the United States.
Menelik extended very cordial welcome
TO Mr. Ellis upon his arrival at Adds Alb
eba, the Abyssinian capita and allotted
a palace to him for his residence. During
his say Mr. Ellis found that Menelik was
alert and intelligent. He was conversant
with European affairs, knowledge Of which
lie gathered from the diplomats Of the re-
spec'ive count ries. but his knowledge of
America was deficient He was very much
Interested in Mr. EIliss narrative concern
ing American affairs. especially the de-
velopment Of the coored race.
Upon hearing of President Lincoln 3
liberal ion OF the slaves tears came into his
eyes, and he insisted that the story be told
to him a second time, exclaiming What a
great man"
He explained that he was abolishing
slavery gradually. He said: Il cannot do
as Lincoln did; it would upset things too
much. but have decreed that, while those
at present slaves shall remain such, their
children shall be free. Thus slavery will
disappear.
What, above ALL impressed Menelik ia
vorably said Mr.. Ellis. was the attitude
Of the Americans. They did not seek terri
tory in Abyssina. On this subject the
Emperor said: "Other nations come to
Africa like SONS to their father, saying.
Father, are you going to make will and
leave us something?'" He added that
America was alone without land in Africa
and wanted none. She only wanted lib
erty to trade.
Menelik and his chiefs were keenly in
terested in photographs Of President Roose-
welt and views Of New York and Wash
ington. These pictures they retained as
priced treasures, though it is not to be sup
posed that photographs are new in Abys-
snia.
Mr.. Ellis was emphatic in declaring that
there ia nothing suggesting barbarisn
at Menelik's court. The Emperor wears
European clothes and a felt hat Of American
shape. The Empress and court ladies
were dressed in Paris modes. The palace
is com Portable frame building Of Swiss
architecture. 1t has baths and other mod
ern conveniences, and furniture OF the
Louis XVI period is predominant.
Mr.. Ellis was impressed by the commercial
possibites The country, he says. is
admirably suited to colt on growing. Min
erals, including gold and coal, are abundant,
and the deposits are practically untouched
There are some 100 articles that could be
exported from the United States to Abys-
sinia. but colt on would be the staple. Be-
tween $1,000, 600 and $4.OOO,OO worth Of
American colt on was imported in 1902 from
France and England. There is no reason
why this amount should not be quadrupled
in three years under the management of
enterprsng Americans. The Abyssinians
are willing to adopt Western materials and
dress if they can be obi aimed
In bidding farewell to Mr.. Ellis the En-
peror said: God surely sent you here.
Come again"