THE ABYSSINIAN EMPEROR AND PROHIBITION.
The Emperor Menelik, of Abyssinia, has issued an edict prohibiting the importation of alcoholic drinks into his empire. French wines and German beer have, he says, found their way to his court. He has watched their effects, and has come to the conclusion that, if he does not put a stop to the drinking that is going on, his empire will soon fall a prey to other nations. The emperor has no objection to European arts and sciences, but he sets his face against European poison, and declares that he will punish importers of alcoholic liquors by forcing the liquor down their throats until they die. In the preamble to his edict he says that drunkenness is pernicious, enfeebles a race, and destroys the body and mind. He desires that his people remain strong, healthy, independent, and, as a means to that end, prohibits alcoholic drinks in every part of his domains.—Selected.