The Meridian times. (Meridian, Idaho) 1909-1938, 1913-10-31

civilized countries. instancing telephones, rail-
ways, ETC., and the various Injuries of civilized
life. If" she said, things are so much better
and pleasanter 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 mission to the
car, and in February, 1897 he concluded COM
mercial 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'Orieans who
were endeayoring to induce him to thwart Brit
tsh efforts in Soudan, a treaty was concluded
between the British government and Menelik.
curious circumstance connected with the Brit
ish embassy was that the average height of the
officials of the mission was over 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
ernments, and we hope it will increase in firm
ness and last forever"
In April, $685. Lieutenant Harrington Of the
Bombay staff corps-now Sir John Lane Har-
rington, X. c. M. G.-who had been acting as
British vice-consul on the Somali coast was
sent British agent to Menelik's court where
he remained up to 1902 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
him, 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 dominions from one end OF the coun-
try to the other; the mandates of Menelik have
been received with profound respect and implicit
~ obeyed One nation after another has dis
patched representative to Abyssinia and Meme
hk was until his recent illness in touch with the
whole civilized world.
In November, 1909, Menelk was struck with
cerebral paralysis and was. 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 was to continue to be
the guardian Of his heir and his majesty called
down the curse Of the Almighty on anyone who
might attempt to oppose his successor. After
this he recovered his bodily health but was too
feeble mentally to attend to his work He suf
Tered another RELAPSE in the summer of 1909 but