New Britain herald., 1930-11-01
ETHIOPIAN GROWN ID BE BESTOWED ] UPON RAS TAFAR!
Quarter Million Tribesmen Throng Addis Ababa for EIabo- rate Coronation Ceremonies
BIGGEST AFRICAN EVENT
 SINCE DAYS OF PHARAOHS

Ras Jafari and AmaLOnian Queen to
 Spend Tonight in Prayer and Re- r cetve Crowns from Coptic Arch [ bishop Tomorrow-Many Foreign
 Dienitaries to be Among Black [ Faced Throng Viewing Ceremonies
 Addis Ababa, Abyssinia, Nov. 1.- tP,- A quarter million tribcsmcn, under tents Of many hues, today camped about the walls Of Addis Ababa, where tomorrow the frail king Of Abyssinia and his Amazon ian queen will be crowned king Of kings and queen Of queens.
 For days the roads, lanes and cowpaths of northeastern Africa have led to the capital of this 5000 year old empire. Recently they have s~armcd with barc-footcd black faced humanity intent upon wit messing the bcstowal Of Ahyssinia's ancient crown upon Ras Tafarl. who believes himself q descendant of Solomon and the Queen Of Sheha. and his queen.
 Recalls Days of PharaohS
 Perhaps never before ln the hiS- torys of Africa, except in the time of the Pharaohs, when there were mighty migrations of entire races, has such a spectacle Of moving humanity been witnessed. Ras Ia fari, who will spend all tonight Tn prayer. has taken considerable de- light in the proportions of the movement and the tremendous city of tents which today stretches about the capital.
 No expense has been spared to make the coronation of the sue cessor to the throne of David and Solomon" one of the greatest events of modern times. All the money in Abyssinia could not last night have provided facilities for the tremend- ous gathering here. Many slept in the fields, suffering kecnly from the sharp. cold atmosphere. Addis Ababa, although near the equator, has a climate much like that of New York in late autumn, because of it's altitude and the. mountainous character of the country.
 To spend Night in Prayer
 Late this afternoon the emperor and empress are 10 enter the inner sanctuary of St Georges church and spend the entire night in pray CT. At dawn tomorrow, in the first rite of their coronation day, they will receive communion from the hands Of Archbishop Cyrillu, cop tic prclate. who will annoint them with oil from Gcthsemane. No one except the emperor's family, the highest church prelates. and state digni,dri"s, and ruling princes will be allowed to witness this ceremony.
 Then, preceded by 200 elaborate ly robed coptic ecclesiastics carry ing crosiers, a crucifiX, shepherds staffs, and incense lamps, the two sovereigns will proceed to the new Iy built coronation hall adjoinisg the church, where after making obeisance before the high altar they will take their places on two golden thrones.
 Joint Coronation Tomorrow
 Then occurs the supreme event of the day and the week of celebra- tlon which is to follow. Promptly at 2 a. m., the venerable coptic arch bishop, after pronouncing the bene- diction and reciting a special coro- nation ritual in the empires ancient tongue, will place a dazzling crown of gold and diamonds, emeralds, sapphires and rubies on the en- peror's brow.
 With the words take this symbol Of imperial power and glrd this sword on your loins and rule in peace,' the archbishop will hand the emperor magnificent scepter- like emblem of power, surmounted by a cross and the lion of Judah, and superb golden sword made in France.
 It will be the turn of the queen next. The archbishop will proceed to her throne, about ten feet dis tant from that of the emperor and,
 (Continucd on Page Two)