Rocky Ford enterprise., 1913-10-24
30VoX RoA1 oV ~ GAR -GAH R0NzH-

civilized countries, instancing telephones, rail-
ways. etc. and the various luxuries of civilized
life. IT, she said things are so much better
and peasanter over there. why do your people
come here?"
The defeat of the Italians greatly increased the
prestige of Menelik. He presented President
Carnot with the Order OF the Holy Ghost and
also sent him two tame lions Afterwards he
renewed negotiations with France which had
lapsed in 1891. He also sent a mission to the
car, and in February. 1897. he concluded com
mercal treaty with the French, who in March
of the same year dispatched an embassy under
NJ. Lagarde to his court.
In 1898 British mission under Sir Rennell
Rodd was received by Menelik in great state.
10000 troops being present and in spite OF the
efforts OF Colonel Leontieff at the head of the
Russian mission and Prince Henri d'orleans who
were endeavoring TO induce him to thwart Brit
ish efforts in Soudan, treaty was concluded
between the British government and Menelik
curious circumstance connected with the Brit
ish embassy that the average height of the
officials OF the mission six feet which
fact appears TO have greatly impressed the Abys-
sinians. The chief points of the treaty which
was ratified by Queen Victoria in July. were a
settlement of the British Somali Protectorate
frontier. the keeping open of the trade route
from Zeylah to Harrar and the prevention of
transit through Abyssinia OF arms for the Nah
dists. In letter to Queen Victoria Menelik said
"A treaty of peace now exists between our gov.
etnments. and we hope it will increase In firm
ness and last forever"
In April, 1898, Lieutenant Harrington of the
Bombay staff corps-now Sir John Lane Iar-
rington. X C. NJ G.-who had been acting as
British vice-consul the Soma coast, was
sent as British agent to Menelik's court where
he remained up to 1909 His frmness and the
able management of such questions as arose
from time to time between the British and Abys-
sinian governments gained him the confidence of
Menelik and gave him considerable influence In
the country.
In October 1898 Ras Mangascia governor of
Tigre. rebelled and large force was sent against
h!rl. but eventually negotiations were opened up
and they settled matters amicably. Since that
period Menelik continued consolidating his power
and his great force of character made itself felt
to such an extent that peace has reigned through.
out all his dominons from end of the coun.
try to the other: the mandates of Menelik have
been received with profound respect and implicit.
ly obeyed One nation after another has dis
patched a representative to Abyssinia. and Meme
lik was until his recent Illness in touch with the
whole civilized world.
In November. 1909. Meneik was struck with
cerebral paralysis and stated to be at the
point OF death. proclamation in his name was
read to the chiefs preaching peace and unity
and obedience TO the successor he had selected
LII Yasu. Ras Tesamma 10 continue to be
the guardian of his heir and his majesty called
down the curse of the Almighty on anyone who
might attempt 10 oppose his successor After
thU he recovered his bodily health but was too
feeble mentally to attend to his work He suf
fered another relapse in the summer of 1909 hut