BATTLES IN ABYSSINIA.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1891, 14 May 1889, Page 1

BATTLES IN ABYSSINIA.

Cairo, May 10. News is to hand of a great battle between Menelek, who recently proclaimed himself Negus of Abyssinia upon the death of Johannes, and the Dervishes. The battle lasted throe days. On the first day ibe Negus captured many prisoners, Early on the second day the Dervishes made a surprise attack on Menelek’s forces and the latter was wounded, and, suffering from the effects of a raging fever which was brought on by the wound, Menelek ordered the captives to be beheaded, and two thousand corpses were heaped before him. On the morning of the third day, Menelek, attired in sumptuous robes, mounted his horse and declaring himself the elect of God and that he was invincible, rode out at the head of the troops and invited battle. In this encounter with tho Dervishes he was again wounded and succumbed to the wound, his army being completely routed by the Dervishes, thirty thousand being killed. It is reported that the Dervishes were commanded by an Englishman. Later. The details cabled yesterday of the fight between the troops of the Negus of Abyssinia and the Dervishes, during which King John was killed, refer to a battle which took place early in April, and are not in any way connected with King Menelek who recently proclaimed himself the Negus. Massovtah, May 11. A sharp encounter has taken place between the troops of the Negus and the Dervishes at Serra. The latter, who were driven off, left 80 billed on the field. It is reported here that Ras Aloula, the Abyssinian commander, has been killed by the Dervishes.