Dhow Chasing in Zanzibar Waters - The Search For Mecca

408 APPENDIX.
account of the proMbitions of other countries,
preferring to use it in other equally profitable
ways.
" Owing to the changeableness of the Abyssinian
character, the question naturally arises
as to whether the written and uttered intention
of the Dedschasmadsch Kassai, of abolishing
slavery, will be honestly carried out ? Although
I can answer for it that this chief will unsvillingly
see a diminution of his revenue, I
firmly believe he will willingly forego this
23ecuniary advantage, as he has come to the
conclusion that an alliance with England will
be of far greater importance to him than
anything he can gain by countenancing this
miserable traffic.
" Another question arises as to whether the
Dedschasmadsch Kassai can depend on his
Government in this matter ? Public opinion
difi'ers very much on this point. At the
present moment all the chiefs subject to the
Dedschasmadsch Kassai are persons totally
inexperienced in all matters of business ; many
have the option to act as they like, in consequence
of which many districts become
barren and desert, with few or no inhabitants.
These drawbacks on all sides must be very
intimidating. In justice to Kassai, it must be
borne in mind that by the singular formation of