ABYSSINIA, a monarchy in Eastern Africa, having an area of about 200,000 square miles, and a population estimated at 4,000,000 souls. The monarch, who is called the Negus, is Johannis, or John, formerly prince of the province of Tigré, who, after a period of civil warfare following the British invasion of 1868, was proclaimed king in 1872.

Treaty with England. During the operations for the withdrawal of the Egyptian garrisons from the Soudan in the early part of 1884, concessions were offered to the Abyssinian Negus for the removal of the long-standing differences between him and the Egyptian Khedive. A formal delimitation of the frontier was offered, which would restore to him the territory of Bogos; also free transit for all goods, including arms and ammunition, through the port of Massowah, under British protection. It was further agreed that all difficulties in the matter of supplying an Aboona, or high-priest, for Abyssinia from one of the Coptic churches of Egypt should be removed. For these concessions King Johannis agreed to facilitate the retreat through his territory of the Egyptians at Kassala and other posts in the neighboring parts of the Soudan. All future disputes between Abyssinia and Egypt were to be referred to the British Government for arbitration. A treaty containing these provisions was concluded by Admiral Sir William Hewett as special British envoy. The Abyssinians subsequently more than redeemed their promises, not merely granting passage to the garrisons of Gallabat and Ghirra, but actively intervening for their rescue, and making a brave attempt to succor the Egyptians at Kassala.

The Italians at Massowah.-The port of Massowah, which had formerly been an object of dispute between the rulers of Abyssinia and the Khedive of Egypt, was taken possession of by Italy, with the concurrence of Great Britain, when the Egyptian garrisons were withdrawn from the Soudan, the Italians undertaking to carry out the British agreement

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respecting the transit of merchandise. The Abyssinians did not desire to possess Massowah, not being able to hold so distant a post, and were willing that it should remain in the possession of Great Britain, but grew jealous when it was handed over to the Italians, whom they immediately suspected of aggressive designs on their territory. Their suspicions increased when the Italians established friendly relations with the Habab tribe, which was in rebellion against the Abyssinians, and when they occupied places in the surrounding country for the troops that had been in dispute between the Abyssinians and Egyptians, but which the latter had never gone so far as to take possession of. King John sent a letter to the Queen of England, complaining of these acts, and asserting that the Italians obstructed the transit of goods. The Italian Government dispatched an imposing mission, in the beginning of 1886, to confer with King Johannis, and conclude a treaty similar to that made by the English. The Italians were willing to increase the concessions already granted, and desired in return to extend their settlements so as to include healthful quarters for their soldiers in the district of Keren, situated in the uplands near Massowab. The English Government determined on sending an envoy to accompany the Italian officers for the purpose of making explanations that would help to bring about a good understanding between the Italians and the Negus, and also of conveying presents and expressions of gratitude for the aid given by the Abyssinians in extricating the Egyptian garrisons. The Italian envoys were recalled, when it became evident that they would not be cordially received. The Englishman proceeded alone, and at Asmara, the first Abyssinian village, met Ras Aloula, the King's general, who was incensed at reports of Italian encroachments, and threatened to attack their advanced positions. The envoy found the Negus also annoyed. No steps were taken by the Italians, after their rebuff, to remove the cool