" BARBAROUS ABYSSINIA" [To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR.]
gua,—That Abyssinia is not as civilised as the Western nations of Europe is undisputed, but that she is as savage and lawless as the Italians would like to make others believe is far from the case.
During the last four months of 1908 I travelled alone with two Abyssinians and three mules and, save for a twelve-bore, absolutely unarmed, from the then rail-head at Dire Dowa via Harrar and Addis Ababa right through to Fashoda (Kodak), and during the whole of the journey I was not only not molested but was actually entertained on several occasions by _provincial Governors.
, The first time was at Harrar during the Mascal festival and tournament, when the Ras Mayodi (head of the Merchants) came from the Governor of that province, to invite me to join the other Europeans at a great feast that took place during this period. In a huge mud-and-thatch building in which several hundred troops were partaking of raw beef, . teff bread and tedj, several tables had been arranged close to where the notables were seated on skins and rugs, and herc we were pressed to partake of champagne, beer and quite a collection of strong drinks, and several times during the hour . or so we remained there one or other of the notables came over to see that we were being liberally served.
Later on at Jare Ras Tesama invited me to his Guebi where he was dispensing, justice, and again I was served with beer, whisky and Other drinks.
At many of the larger villages we passed through I was presented with huge quantities of sour milk, teff, tedj and not infrequently, a sheep. This was all given freely, and certainly without expectation of receiving a handsome present in .return as, travelling light as I was, no Abyssinian with their well- developed acumen could have had any such foolish hopes.
In camp, my two men were often absent procuring fodder and food for themselves and their animals, and as I was often out with the gun the tent was often left unguarded, but never was anything purloined during these occasions.
I wonder where in Europe one could have received such consideration.—Believe me, Sir, yours truly,
Ferme Georgette, Bauskaura, Morocco, C. T. GUAYS.
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