Dhow Chasing in Zanzibar Waters - The Search For Mecca

APPENDIX. 409
his Government he was, in a way, obhged to
attract people towards him, and to give way to
their covetous desire until the time came when
he could tighten the reins of Government. He
appears now to be really dissatisfied with the
savage barbarism of his subjects, and would
willingly do everything to promote the welfare of
the country.
He has privately confided to me his
scheme for issuing stringent orders—verily a
pleasant expressing of a most praiseworthy idea.
" If, after the issue of such an order, the
observance of it is not injudiciously enforced,
and if it does not appear too late, the arrogance
of his subject chiefs can be suppressed, and
all threatening danger from that quarter
diminished :
much good can then be attained in
case he is not attacked by Dedschasmadsch
Gobasie, who reigns at present throughout
Amhaaraland.
" It is the opinion of the public generally, as
well as of
many capable chiefs, that he, Kassai,
is not a favourite with Gobasie, but I have
reason to suppose that Dedschasmadsch Gobasie
has so much to do in looking after his overexpanding
kingdom that, if he is wise, he would
not think of attacking Tigre at once ; and
General Sir Robert Napier exhorted him, as
well as other chiefs, to preserve a peaceful
demeanour.
E e