The Idaho Springs siftings-news., 1913-10-25

crowned at EntoIlo on November of the same
year Ras Mangascia natural son of Theodore.
made several attempts to regain power. but Meme
lik defeated all efforts to overthrow him. He
conducted his government with firmness and
sagacity and steadily consolidated his power
In the first year of his reign he made a treaty
with the Italians, practically placing Abyssinia
under their protectorate. they their part agree
ing 10 lend him 100000 francs. In consequence
OF disputes with the Italians and their encroach-
ment his territory and also Of differences
iative to the Ucciali treaty Menelik raised a
large army and inflicted serious reverse the
Italian advance guard at Umbalago in December.
1895. The Negus then made propositions OF
peace. but they were unacceptable to the Italians
they included demand for retirement and
also for modification Of the Ucciali treaty.
On February "a 1896. the Abyssinians concen-
trated at Adowa and pursued there by the
Italian forces under General Baratieri. The Ital-
fan troops advanced against the Abyssinians in
three columns. but the confguration of the coun-
try permitted Menelik to concentrate his men in
attack the left column. and the other two
columns being prevented-partly by the coEfig
uration of the ground and partly it is said by bad
dispositions consequent want OF unanimity
amongst the generals-from arriving in time to
assist the Italians suffered an overwhelming de-
feat with a loss of 1000 men killed and wounded.
This caused the fall OF Sgnor Crisps govern
men'. and General Wales sent with full
power to treat. and agreement fully recognz-
ing the independence of Abyssinia signed.
Menelik had three concubines, by whom he had
son. who died at the age OF thirteen and
Two daughters. One Of them Zeodta (Judh),
married Dijasmach who governor OF the
Wonomigra Gallas. and the other, Schoa asch
married Ras Michael governor of the Wollo Gala
country.
Menelik married in 1888 Taitou the present
empress. She was daughter of Batu former
Ras OF Gondar. where the women are famous for
their white skins. She herself a great beau
ty and very fair. She first married Waldo Ca
briel. one of King Theodores generals but he
was killed by Theodore shortly after their mar
rfage Soon after King Theodores death she
took for her second husband Dedjaz Tekla Geor-
gis, whom she divorced. She then married
Tor the third time to the governor OF OF the
provinces. who was subsequently imprisoned by
King John OF Abyssinia. She then returned to
convent for time but left there to marry the
kan1azmach Likargacho Then Menelik fell in
love with her, and in 1883. all obstacles having
been removed. she made him her fifth husband.
queen Taitou has borne Menelik no children.
She has the reputation OF being woman OF
unusual strength OF character and is said to have
had great influence with her husband She does
not however. share his views with regard to the
encouragement OF foreigners and foreign ways
but Is much more inclined to discourage foreign
intercourse and foreign civilization and to keen
Abyssina and its inhabitants to the customs and
cruder methods Of the old regime According
to report it was she who stiffened the backbone
OF Meneiik during the varying fortunes of the
battle OF Adowa. and 1t her advice that in
duced him to hold until the ammunition of the
Italian column was exhausted and SO enabled
him to surround and decimate the force opposing
him. clever retort Is ascrbed to Queen Taitou
when foreign representative was impressing
upon her the advantages OF foreign and