IN ABYSSINIA.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 10417, 1 April 1910, Page 4

IN ABYSSINIA.

HEATH OF THE NEGUS.

[By E&ECTKIO " TELEGRAPH—COPYRia HT. ]

" ■> (Per Press Association.) Received Match-31, at 10.55 p.m. ■'■■'■■: London, March 31. The Empress of Abyssinia has been placed in" xjhainS, and she is a prisoner in the hands of a party favoring Lidj Jeassu, hitherto the heir-apparent. Retstessima, Lidj Jeassti s tutor, is a man with enlightened views, and is recognised as head of the 'Government. [The question of a successor to the. throne of Abyssinia has been very prominent during,the past decade, while it lias been the only subject upon which the late Emperor Menelik and Ins wile, the Empress Taitu, disagreed. A candidate for the succession, who was acceptable both to the sovereigns and tlie Abyssinians, was the son of lias Makounen, and an unmistakably clever boy. He died five years ago however and subsequently Menelik selected the little Prince Lidj Eyassu, a, son of Has Milt- | hael and a grandson of Menelik, but no relation to the Empress Taitu, and on that score an object of envy to her supporters. The Empress did her utmost to oppose the selection of Lid] Eyassu. A few months ago Menelik was attacked by a serious illness, and, realising his condition, ho did his best to safeguard the interests of his grandson. In. the presence of nil t)ie clueis, the last Imperial decree of any importance was solemnly proclaimed. In-it Lid) Eyassu was announced as .the o heial successor to his grandfather, and the curse of Heaven invoked on any who failed to recognise hi"m as such and to serve him/faithfully. With an eye to possible contingencies, that trusted adviser to the throne, the Ras Tesainma. who had been acting as unofficial guardian to the young Prince since Menelik was first taken ill, was confirmed in his position, and a step taken which imposed a very effectual cheek on the possible plans of the Empress .Taitu. J