THE EMPIRE OF THE SAHARA.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXVIII, Issue 7974, 27 February 1906, Page 7

THE EMPIRE OF THE SAHARA.

Tne Empire of the Sahara is again >in trouble, aud M. L3baady, who it, or aspired to foua d it, <is being sued in the French 0 ourts \Two years ago, one Mohammed Sfaami, a Moor, was received in audience by Jacques 1., Emperor of the Sahara, in a London hotel, and was commissioned to raise an army. He was to go back to Morocco and •enter into negotiations with various 'Chiefs to that end, and incidentally *be was to inform the Sultan that the Emperor of the Sahara, "unwilling 'that bis Imperial neighbour should >be in difficulties," had determined to lend him £300,000 sterling at 6 iper cent. Mohammed went back to Morocco, and did bis duty faith'fully, according to his own aocount. Anyhow, be forwarded to London photographs of the newly-levied 'troops, and samples of their uniforms, together with State robes for 'bis Majesty himself. Then he asked :for some money. The answer was an expression of the Emperor's displeasure, signed by his aide-de-camp. The robes and uniforms were deemed without value, "such as are obtainable in any bazaar, and already worn." "That is not the way to win the confidence of his Majesty, wbom the Almighty keep victorious," the letter ended, no cheque being enclosed. Mohammed, dunned by Morocco tradesmen, appealed again for money. This time a very explicit reply came from the aide-de-camp on large foolscap, with the English heading, "On His Majesty's Service." "your highly impertinent communication, addressed to M.tf Jacques Lebaudy, received," ran this communication. "Of course 1 have not mentioned the matter to bis Majesty, whom God preserve victorious. His Majesty—whom the Almighty render triumphant—receives no letters addressed to M. Lebaudy. Do not imitate those who seek to insult bis Majesty, whom ood cover with glory. Continue to serve his Majesty. May the Almighty grant him uninterrupted victory. Then his Majesty—whom God save—-will aocord you bis graoious protection. You say you have spent £5,650. The joke is in the worst taste. His Majesty—may the Almighty grant power to his arm—has you quite enough money as it is, and will not give you .any more until he thinks fit." Mohammed Shami was not to be put off by letters in this lofty tone. He set lawyers to i worK, a*id found that the Emperor of the Sahara was really a French subject. As a foreigner, it will cost him a,matter of £4O to bring an action in France, but the money ia forthcoming, and M. Le--baudy, who has property, will be -called upon to explain bis position. 1