Polk County news-gazette. (Benton, Tenn.) 190?-191?, 1913-10-23

civilized countries, instancing telephones,
ways, etc. and the various Injuries of civilized
life If she said things are much better
and pleasanter over there, why do your people
here?'
The defeat of the Italians greatly Increased the
prestige II Meneik. 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 mission TO the
car and in February, 1897, he concluded com
mercial treaty with the French, who in March
of the year dispatched an embassy under
N. Lagarde to his court.
In 1898 a British mission under Sir Rennell
Rodd was received by Menelik in great state,
10000 troops being present. and III spite of the
efforts Of Colonel Leonief at the head OF the
Russian mission and Prince Henri d'Oreans, who
were endeavoring to induce him to thwart Brit
ish efforts in Soudan. treaty was concluded
between the British government and Menelik.
A 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.
siniaHs The chief points OF the treaty, which
was ratified by Queen Victoria in July. were
settlement of the British SomaH Protectorate
frontier the keeping open Of the trade route
from Zeylah to Hauar. and She prevention of
transit through Abyssinia of arms fer the Nah.
tists In a letter to Queen Victoria Menelik said
"A treaty of peace now exists between our gov
ernments, and we hope it will increase in firm
and last forever"
In April, 1898, Lieutenant Harrington of the
Bombay staff corps-now Sir John Lane Iiar-
rington, X. c. M. G.--who had been acting as
British vice-consul the Somali coast was
sent as British agent to Mnelik's court, where
lie remained up to 1909 His frmness and the
able management OF such questions as
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 Msneascia governor OF
Tigre, rebelled and large force was sent against
him. but eventually negotiations were opened up
and they settled matters ameably Since that
period Menelik continued consolidating his power
and his great force OF character made itself felt
to such an extent that peace has rsigned through
out all his dominions from end OF the coun.
try TO the other: the mandates Of Menek have
been received with profound respect and implicit
ly obeyed One nation after another has dis
patched representative to Abyssinia and Meme
Xix was until his recent illness in touch With the
whole civilized world.
In November 1909, Menelik 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 fasu. RRs Tesamma to continue 10 be
the guardian of his heir and his ma esty called
down the curse of the Almighty on anyone who
might attempt to oppose his successor. Alter
this he recovered his bodily health but was too
feeble mentally 10 attend TO his work. He suf.
fered another relapse Ia the summer Of 1909 but