The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1931-03-26

Bible and Cross of Gold
and Silver Given Bishop
for His Prayer.
BY JOSEPH II. BAIRD
United Press stan Correspondent

XXTASHINGTON, March 26.-A
w Bible covered with precious
metals and a cross Of silver and
gold we're en- route today to the
Washington cathedral-after seal
ing customs barriers with the aid
Of two cabinet members.
Nearly two months ago the Rt.
Rev. James E. Freeman, Protest
ant Episcopal bishop of Washing
ton, received a letter through the
state department from Emperor
Halle Selassie 1, Select Of God,
Conquering Lion Of the Tribe Of
Judah, Emperor of Ethiopia"
The ruler informed the bishop
ne was sending the two religious
tributes as a thank Offering for q
prayer Freeman had made for sue
cess Of the emperor's reign. He was
crowned last October.
The bishop waited anXiously for
his Bible and cross. In time they
reached New York-and the Gus
toms house. How long they re-
NAMED there, the records DO not
show. But it is known that more
han a month ago the state de-
1awment wrote the treasury ask
ing that the gifts be admitted
duty free, "as an international
courtesy.' Today the treasury dis
patched a letter TO the state de
9artment. aCOuipeCinQ.
A N interesting report OF the en-
"A perors pleasure on hearing Of
Bishop Freeman's prayer has been
received by the state department
from Minister Addison E. South
ard at Adds Ababa, the Ethiopian
capital.
A copy Of the prayer, offered at
Washington cathedral here, was
sent to Southland by the state de-
partment. He showed it to Halle
SelaSsie. The monarch, vastly
pleased, had the prayer translated
into native Amharic, so it might
be read by all his feudal chieftain5
and ecclesiastical authorities.
More, he ordered that a New
Testament, written and illumin-
ated by hand On parchment, be pre-
pared for the American prelate
The books cover was made Of sill
yer and gold, designed by native
artisan. The emperor also had
silver cross, gilded with gold, and
Of the ancient form used in Ethio-
plan churches, prepared for the
cathedral, which is under construc-
ton.
Halle SelaSsie is a Christian
king. He claims descent from King
Solomon and the Queen Of Sheba.
He appears to have been touched
deeply by the concern Of a Chris
tan bishop-though Of another
branch of the faith-for his we'll
being.
90 he wrote to Bishop Freeman:
- 1.-The lion of the tribe of judah
hath conquered. Halle Selassie I,
Select Of God, Emperor of Ethiopia.
Writes to: His beatitude, the
bishop of Washington cathedral.
May peace be unto your beatitude.
Our heart was touched with JOY
and appreciation when his excel
lency. Mr.. Southland, minister of
the United States in our city of
Adds Ababa. told us of the prayer
YOU had made for us and our coun-
try. Ethiopia, on the day we were
crowned with the imperial crown,
by the will of God.
Just as Our Lord. Jesus Christ,
gave his grace to all that believed
in Him, both near and far, without
distinction, likewise you, without
distinction as to country and SOW
creign, made a prayer equally for
a Christian king and country, thus
proving that you are true follow
crs of Christ.
And we, as an inspiration OF
YOUR Christian deed, are sending
YOU a gospel, with gold and sill
YER decorated cover, and a gilded
silver cross, and we shall be pleased
greatly if you will keep them in
Washington cathedral as a remem-
brance Of us and Ethiopia.
we request you not to forget us
and our country of Ethiopia in
YOUR spiritual prayers
The Bible and cross from distant
Ethiopia will find places of honor
IN Washington cathedral
COLLEGE CHIEF TO