The Washington times., 1904-06-27
Assistant Secretary Hears
Nothing of His
Brother.
MAY HAVE BEEN KILLED
Connection of William Ellis
With the Mans Dis
appearance.

Assistant Secretary of State Loomis
has heard nothing further of his
lrother, Kent J. Loomis. and is much
concerned for his safety.
Ii IS believed by the officials of the
State Department that the dispatch re-
oetved several days ago by Assistant
Secretary Loomis from his brother.
dlted Plymouth, was sent by wireless
telegraphy 10 Plymouth. when Mr..
1oornis' ship was off the Lizard
Mr.. Boomis further than to say he
mas heard nothing. absolutely refuses to
discuss the matter.
Thc American embassies and the
police In England and France are en-
gagged in searching for some trcce Of
the missing American The treaty with
King Meaelik. with which young Loomis
was intrussed, is in the hands of Will
lam Ellis. who is now on the way to
Ahyssinia.
Ellis has played an important role in
all American relations with Abyssinia
r. p. Skinner. United States consul at
MarscilIes, reported to the State Depart
ment that there were great commercial
possibilities in Abyssinia. Ellis. return
ing from Africa last fall. stopped at
Marseillss. and 1t became known later in
Paris that MIR. Skinner would go 70
Ads Ababa TO negotiate a commercial
treaty. the Assistant Secretary having
been favorsbly impressed.
Secretary Hay left the entire question
TO the Assistant Secretary with whom
Ellis had several conferences Ia Wash
ington. lie was vouched for, II - learn
ed by thoroughly reputable persons.
King Menellk. who is in constant fear
and at whose court foreign representa-
tives are constantly intriguing for in
f1uence. saw in Ellis chance to use
The United States as foil against
European aggression. He eagerly cen-
cluded tbe treaty and promised 70 Ellis
-SsaiEsslP concessions.
Ellis eoaeeiye-tzh he idea OF establishing
an American trading company In Abys-.
sinla, with posts al various important
cities and towns Thus would be formed
chainWOrk of concessions from end TO
end of the Ethiopian kingdom Any
European power Whichtried 10 slide OF
tread uDon some American interest
King Mcnelik fancied apparently that
the United States Government would so
strongly guard the interests of its oiti-
Zens that no European power could Vio-
late the integrity Of his kingdom
FALE 123i56 7s90s. ETAOISHRDLUET
Ellis returned to the United States to
get capital for his undertaking. He saw
-
he sailed from New York with Kent
LoOmis. who about this time left his
newspaper his wife and his baby in
Parkers5urg, W. Va. TO go to Abys-
sinia, the Assistant Secretary went TO
New York. He saw Ellis and his
brother That his brother Intended to
hseek any concessions In Abyssinia or
that he had any business interest there
Mr.. LOOmis has positively denied
Ellis, however, asked the Assistant
Secretary TO let him take back TO King
Menelik the treaty negotiated by Mr.
Skinner. For IL to become operative II
was necessary for a copy of this treaty
should reach King Menelik by October.
Mr.. LOOmis declined TO give Ellis the
treaty.
He intrustcd il to his brother, who vol
unteered TO carry IL without pay OF any
kind. Secretary ay considered il proper
to send the treaty in this way The
document is valueless in itself and by
transmitting il in this manner the ex-
pense OF despatching il by special mes
serger was avoided