The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1906-08-14
kI<G. or KINGS
Ncnciik Has Made a United Nation
Ont of Tribe of
The Independent

The Independent
Perhaps the most interesting or
reigning kings is Menelik. II Abys-
sinia. He was born in 1872 and
claims TO De the descendant OF tho
Queen Of Sheba. whose own son OF
the same name, was reputed 10 be tho
sen Of Solomon.
The imperial palace occupies tho
crest OF a hill and dominates the
grounds enclosed by a matched wall.
It comprises n number OF building.
10. which access Ia obtained by ira
versing several court yards and n
spacious campus, where are stationed
the only body OF regularly European
trained soldiers in the Ethiopian
army.
A wide doorway OF Italian design
admits the newcomer TO the audience
hall. a large half-church-like struc-
ture, with n roof supported by tim
Der bridge work, at the far end OF
which stands the throne. The floor
Is covered with Oriental rugs. mixed
with certain products OF FreAch and
German looms. Back OF the lines
formed by the piila:-s arc masssd on
ceremonial occasions. in either aisle,
hundred Of the chief people Of the
capital, dressed In many-oolored rail-
ment.
The throne Itself g I sort OF divan.
and occupies i platform surmoun.e.
by a gilded canopy. the gift OF France.
At receptions zach side of 10 - de-
Tended by two young princes with
guns. while behilt aud around arc
grouped the ministc:c. judges. ana
officers Of thu court.
The first impression made by tho
Emperor Is n distinctly pleasing one.
His face Is fun 81 intelligence and his
manners are hose Of Il gentleman no
less than Of a King lie sits IN ORR
entail fashion, his legs crossed and his
arms sustained by two cushions.
He wears as outer garment a red
velvet mantle which affords glimpsca
OF a snowy white undertaking. and
about his head is wound n white
handkerchief diamond ear1.u.E hang
al either cheek. and both hands are
adorned with rings
To cnn~Crse with tha stranger he
makes use OF his private secretary,
who is also his Interpreter. since he
speaks no other language than that
OF Abyssinia. Some scraps Of French
he can upon OCCASION. employ apro-
JOS. and 10 an English-spcaklng per-
son he Will. as a compliment. say .
"howdo."
The ~emperor's thirst for inforr1a-
ton IL phenomenal and his knowledge
If other countries IL mor considerable
than one might imagine from the
meager sources at his disposal. lie
can discourse on the United States
recent var with Spain and more gum-
rlarily on the war Of Independence
with Great Britain.
President Roosevelt he has evident
~ learned a great deal about. and
seems 10 be much Interested IN hia
personality. Having heard that N
president Is a sportsman, he express
e dthe hope OF EoTne day seeing him
IN Ethiopia. inquiring his ago and was
z 10 have the story Of his dec
ton narrated
The Empress Taitu rarely or never
assists at the reception OF visitors. un-
less some public ceremony 10 Involved
absolutely requiring her pres-nce- D
Is said 10 be a woman OF great force
Of character and 20 have BEEN In her
youth Of striking beauty.
She IS now 81 years OF age md =
the daughter Of = former Ras Con
dar and u OF the legendary princeEs-
e. Of the absorbed kingdom Of Sic
men, the Inhabitants OF which ARC
reputei for their white skins. Sever
al times married previously she BE-
came the wife OF Aenelik In iS53.
They have no children
henelik calls himself The Lion OF
the Tribe CT Judah, he Chosen or
the Lord, King q Kings. Of Ethio-
pa.