Evening star., 1926-10-31
'CANN|BALS' LIKE
AMERICAN CAPITAL
Or. Mann's Aides, One Wear
ing Wrist Watch, Find
is. Wonderful.

Their jungle highnesSeS. Saidi and
James. crown princes of Suahili and
points east In Africa. whom DR.. Mann
brought hack with him from Tangan-
yika. yesterday granted an exclusive
interview to a Star reporter.
Both are greatly impressed with the
cardiality of the American public,
Washington'S skyline and the recep-
tion given them at the Zoo, in the lion
house, OF which they are quartered
pending their return to Africa. 1t is
understood that they believe America
is 'wonderful.' and it's industrial de-
Nelclment amazing"
ileialded as cannibalS of savage
type. The Stars representative sought
the protection of Zoo guard before
apprOac ching the duSky pair in the
basement j6f the lion house.
''Saidi, James," cried the attendant
in a stern voice.
GrOwl Greets SalutatiOn.
There Yas a low growl from some
where, and the reporter glanced
anXiously toward the door.
THE lions are hungry" the guard
explained.
Presently Saidi and James emerged
from below. The reporter instructive
ly glanced to see If their hands held
remnants Of a CORY feast. His frame
grew rigid as he glimpsed in Saidi's
fingers Gould it really be?eyes, a
cigarette.
Saidi lifted his hand nonchalantly
for a puff at the America II brand
weed and something shiny on his up
lifted wrist caught the reporters eye.
A native fetiche of some sort, no
doubt. made from tigers teeth or
something, perhaps. But no, Said.
herman of the jungles. tanner of wild
elephants and boa constructors, was
earring A wrist watch.
The reporters nerves needed steady
ing and he called to his photogia pher
companion for a cigarette. James
broke into an understanding smile
and handed a pack of his own.
Sign Language Aids.
Saidi and James. 1t seems. are not
the ferociouS flare-backs to an age of
head hunters and blood drinkers that
some persons might have been led to
believe by certain sensational reports.
From that moment forward the in
terview went along in breezy style.
The visitors, particularly Saidi. un-
derstand goodly smattering of
English. and this fact coupled with
their ability to read gestures and signs,
has enabled them to learn considerable
about Washington since their arrival
here a week ago.
Saidi insisted he mo spik Angleesh.'
but he understood enough of it to let
his interviewer know that he had
served in the "Suahili army" that he
had two wives and three children back
home. and that he would be pleased to
have his picture taken.
Like American Foods.
Saidi is Moha mmedan. and he in,
variably wears a red turban on his
head. James, Of much smaller build,
is Christian mission boy and he
wears gray felt hat. Both are wear
ing dark blue trousers. much in need
of pressing. soiled shirts with turned
down collars, and palm beach coats.
Saidi had the photographer wait while
he ran to get his coat.
The hoys are having an easy life Of
it at the Zoo. They have no set
duties to perform, and just wait
around for the next meal. Saidi. be-
cause of his faith. does not touch
meat, but will eat anything else put
before him. James shows his Viking
for American foods, too.
They were taken on sight seeing
tour Of the city yesterday, spending
most of their time at the National
Museum however. An emplOye of
the Zoo was their escort. He could
not explain to them what the exhibits
were all about. and consequently their
ewes bulged in wonderment through
out the tour.
Both will he sent back to East
Africa before long. Saidi to resume
his profession - elephant stalker. and
James his trade as personal boy In
the mission colony.
And maybe then they will write
their impressions of America for the
benefit Of a skeptical African popu-
lace.