The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1911-10-31
n Al rs LAST
PREVIOUS WAR
II Was IN Abyssinia, and She
Suffered Heavy Losses.
FIGHTING LASTED FOR YEARS.

Her Army Was Overwhelmed, and
Thousands Of Dead Were Left on the
Field-Defeat Caused Downfall of
the italian Ministry.
Italy has transported her soldiery to
the northern coast of Africa before in
ages past, for all Mauretania, the land
Of the Moors, was once Roman prov
ince. Tripoli was originally q Roman
colony, although there were inhabit-
ants before that epoch Of occupation
who were akin to the Berbers 1t was
Greek at one time, and its name, which
means ''three Cities" reveals it's Hell
lenic origin. In its early days it relied
for protection on Carthage, later de-
stroyed by Rome, which was in the
neighboring Tunis. The Italians in
their desire to maintain the balance of
power In the Mediterranean have al
ways held that they should have a
sphere Of influence in the realms which
lie across the sea from their own lands
Fortune did not smile upon the last
war In which Italy participated. When
England was engaged in 1884 in paci-
flying the Sudan, Italy was invited to
take part and to lay claim to an infiu-
ence In Abyssinia. A large Italian ex-
petition was sent there q year later,
and the red, white and green flag was
carried bravely into remote parts Of
the kingdom beyond the desert. Two
years later the Italian forces were
overwhelmed by the army of the ne
gus Of Abyssinia, and 500 men were
left dead upon the field.
The defeat caused the downfall OF
the Italian ministry, and the whole ma
ton was aroused. Within short time
credit Of the equivalent Of 100000
had been voted and Italy was pledged
to extensive military operations. Re-
endorsements were hurried to Abys-
sinia, and no expense was spared to
retrieve the losses.
With Menelik was concluded a
treaty between Abyssinia and italy
which contained clause which later
was to be the subject Of much discus
sion. 1t was concluded in 1889 at
Accialli and contained the clause, "His
majesty the king Of kings Of Ethio-
pia consents to make use Of the gov
eminent Of his majesty the king Of
Italy for the treatment Of all uues-
tons concerning other powers or gov
ernments."
On the strength OF this Italy an
nounced that she had protectorate
over Abyssinia. She established a
colony In certain territory given to
her under this treaty by Menelik and
gave 1t the name of Eritrea. Coins
bearing the image Of the Italian ruler
were prepared for this new colony.
Menelik, however, became suspicious
and soon regretted the signing of the
treaty. He had addressed commune
cations to both Germany and England
that he was emperor of Ethiopia, and
In reply had been told that his Motif
cation should have been sent through
the Italian government. 1t occurred
to the monarch that the translation Of
his treaty had been faulty and that
he did not intend to say consent, but
merely meant to imply that he might
use the Italian government in his
foreign relations. He had these mis-
givings first in 1893, and the question
OF Interpretation puzzled him and the
Italians greatly. General Baratieri
arrived In the territories in 1895, about
the time that General Toselli's force
Of 1900 men had been practically cut
to pieces by force of Abyssinians
twenty times its SIZE General Bara-
teri found opposed to him force of
100000 under Menelik, most OF whom
were armed with rifles. The force had
plenty Of artillery. The Italians had
25,OOO men who were operating in
wild and mountainous country and at
least 200 miles from a base Of sup
plies.
At this point the Italian commander
was In a quandary, and in order to
gain time he Unanswered from place
to place. His plan was not approved
by the government, and 1t was decid-
ed to send General Badisseria to sup
plant him. The knowledge that an
other was to take his place and sharp
message from the premier, Signor
Crispi stirred General Baratirei to
decisive action. His force was d.
vided for attack into four parts.
Three columns were sent against Ado
wa and fourth was held in reserve.
The three columns were quickly re-
pulsed with great loss, and the re-
serve column in the confusion which
followed was not of any use The
generals Of the columns were captured
or slain. The Italians left 5000 dead
upon the field and 1900 were taken
prisoners. The loss produced conster-
nation and rage throughout Italy. The
Crispi ministry went down to defeat
Peace was afterward made with