ABYSSINIA'S EMPEROR

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22632, 25 July 1935, Page 9

ABYSSINIA'S EMPEROR

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS MESSAGE FROM KING GEORGE (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) LONDON, July 23. The Addis Ababa correspondent of The Times says that a salvo of 21 gun? announcing the Emperor's forty-fifth birthday awoke the city. The streets were early packed with armed soldiers and hordes of people and chiefs. The Imperial Guard marched to the gates of the palace, where the Emperor, arrayed in a black cape embroidered with scarlet and gold and wearing the Golden Collar of Solomon, entered the throne room. The long slopes to the palace were packed with the modernised Imperial Guard, military chiefs, and other officers, who carried both rifles and spears. The only great governor present was Bidoded Makonnen, of Wallega, in the far west, whose province is not threatened. The others were commanded to remain at their posts. Ethiopians, whose etiquette is most formal, regard Count Gigluicci's absence gravely. A message was received from King George. The Emperor presided in the banquet haU over a meat feast for 5000 soldiers. The Emperor devoted the remainder of the afternoon to watching patriotic plays in. the schools. He gave a dinner, followed by a reception, in the evening. The Emperor's decree forbids mutilation of prisoners. ITALIAN MINISTER ABSENT LONDON, July 23. The Italian Minister at Addis Ababa (Count Visci; Gigluicci), alleging hostility in tli*-Emperor's speech, absented himself from the ruler's birthday celebrations, though the Emperor of Japan cabled greetings.