King of Abyssinia.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVI, Issue 192, 18 August 1904, Page 4

King of Abyssinia.

King Menelik the Second of Abvasinaa is one of the most remarkable of sovereigns. His official relations with foreigners have invariably made a favourable impression. Ho is not striking in his outwand personality, for he is of only medium height, stout enough to appear dumpy, and his Mack tace is heavy and scarred by smallpox ; but intelligence and usually good humour illumine his features. The great baon that Menelik has conferred upon his country is peace. An unlettered native of Africa, he has done for Abyssinia practically what many civilised governments are doing for their colonies. About six months ago Menelik issued a decree against the slave trade, Wjhich is said to have had decisive results. "Now, beware," he said, "you who are caught enslaving Gallas will not merely be fined. But I shall punish,' you, in your own persons. You wilt be subjected to the penalty of mutilation." When the herds of Abyssinia were nearly exterminated by rinderpest Menelik toiled with his soldiers in the fields and distributed the fruits of their labour t. 0 the hungry. He said he worked with the men to impress the people with the fact that they must look more to the soil for their food. It is said that for'three years lie ate no beef. "Why should i eryoy plenty," he said, "while my people are in want ?" lie has introddced small coins into the country, ami the increase of the foreign trade lrom eighty thousand dollars to several millions is attributed directly to his influence.