No clearer view of Abyssinia, as it was then and is now, can be given, than in a statement I obtained from the lips of the commander-in-chief of Johannez's army, made to me in London after my return from Africa. General Kirkham had been informed of my movements in the Soudan. He therefore called upon me at my rooms in Russell square and I listened with deep interest to his story, which I wrote out then and there.

He was a medium-sized man, with an open countenance, bearing the marks of a rigid determination. He was not unlike General Sheridan in the contour of his face. He wore a light moustache. I should have judged him to have been thirty-five. He was probably one of the worst wounded men living; he had a hole in his skull above the left forehead; a perforation through his body abreast the left armpit, while his legs were all cut to pieces with saber, lance, and arrow wounds. He had two medals for his unexampled heroism displayed in 76 battles;

one from the Emperor of China, in whose service he was a high officer, and another from the Ethiopian Johannez.

He was bundled up in a thick overcoat and suffering, like all who suddenly emerge from the middle tropics to the dense air of London. We talked of the land where he had been for four years the commander-in-chief of the disciplined forces of Abyssinia. Our conversation ran as follows:

"How did you leave King John?"

"Well, and in good spirits, but feeling bitterly toward Ismaïl Pacha. He wanted to fight at once, when he heard of the advance of the Egyptian troops from Massowah, but I advised him not to do it. He gave me his word that he would remain passive but watchful, during my mission to the different sovereigns to implore their assistance and support against this hostile expedition of the Viceroy of Egypt."

"What does this Moslem aggression mean, General?"

"It means this; that Egypt wants Bogos as an overland delivery for her slave trade. It is the direct highway to Massowah. You know how slavery and the slave trade still flourish in those countries!"

"How was the news of the Egyptian movement received in Abyssinia?"

"It aroused the whole country. At that moment we were divided by civil wars. The King of Shoa was our enemy, and discord prevailed everywhere. But this invasion united the country and, as if by magic, the enthusiasm reached the remotest tribes. The King addressed those who had been his enemies, and said: "Why should we be divided, my brothers, when we have upon our soil our old Mahommedan enemy?" His proclamation was effective. I was present when it was uttered. The drum was beaten for an hour previous to the ceremony. All Addoi gathered at the palace doors. The King then pronounced his speech amid great excitement. Couriers immediately flew over the mountains, and though there are no telegraphs in Abyssinia, you may be sure his conciliatory words were soon known in every hostile camp. The entire country is restless with rage and enthusiasm. In Abyssinia this is a dangerous passion to trifle with."

"Then King Cassah (or John) must be a ruler of some force?"

"He is; and a gentle, kindly, just man, terrible as a foe. He is a Christian, and devoutly pious. Some

years ago he lost his wife, and her death made such a deep impression upon him that he has never married again. In the battle of the 12th of July, 1871, when we overthrew Goubasse, there was a fair illustration of Cassah's character. When we had defeated and captured Goubasse, the latter was brought a prisoner to Cassah. The two adversaries embraced in the most affectionate manner. Cassah said, 'my brother, we have this day fought for a crown. It is on my head. You have lost it. But if you would wish it now,' continued Cassah in the presence of all the assembled chiefs, 'here it is. Put it upon your head and carry it away.' Goubasse was touched, and he replied, 'no, we are friends.' It was necessary then to provide for the security of the prisoners, but Cassah observed, though 2,000 dead were lying under our eyes: 'Instead of putting the irons upon his wrists, secure them with a silver thread, and pitch the royal (silken) tent for his prison."" "And Cassah as an administrator?"

"Oh! he is cool, industrious, and careful to be just. He does not open the door of his confidence. to you at once. He tries you. His spies follow you. But once his friend as co-laborer, you are always so. He is an untiring worker. Every dispute which is

brought before him, he decides with impartiality; and he often sits in judgment from five in the morning to three in the afternoon. If one native meets another in dispute, he can arrest his opponent by saying, 'in the name of the king,' or 'in the name of the Virgin Mary,' and you are obliged to stop. It is also a favorite phrase—indeed the greatest insult in Abyssinia is to demand—' and who is your father?'

meaning that 'I am a descendant of Solomon.' The king is a jolly, jovial man, and loves fun. In the evening he spends his time with his friends and calls in his twenty jesters (like the Saxon clown in Ivanhoe), and they abuse everybody; but no one suffers as much as his Majesty, and so we live there a happy, pleasant life. Although an Englishman, I prefer Abyssinia to England or any country in the world. It has a mild, equable temperature, mountain streams, lovely lakes, and a quiet, stout-hearted people."

"And what has been your career there, General?" "Though meeting with the opposition of the English government at the time, I pushed for Addoi to enter the military service of Cassah. I met with an imposing reception. At first my powers were very limited, and I drilled squads only. When they