Page:The Annual Register 1899.djvu/389

 1899.] Africa. — Abyssinia. — Zanzibar. [381

there had been accumulated a vast store of military supplies and ammunition. But the entire British force in South Africa was far outnumbered by the Boers at the outset, who were estimated to be from 50,000 to 80,000.

The advantages that the Boers held were not at first well understood. They were well organised ; they were all mounted horsemen, armed with Mauser magazine rifles, and were a very mobile force indeed. They were assisted by a large force of foreigners, both officers and privates, European and American. They had provided an immense supply of ammunition, and their artillery was the best in the world. Before the raid they had purchased heavy artillery, and after that time they had secured Krupp and Creusot guns of the longest range, which they had learned to use. Their methods in warfare included skulking, celerity and treachery. They would fight behind boulders, bushes and kopjes, but not in the open field. The red cross was shamefully abused, in order to smuggle in fighting men via Delagoa Bay and to cover spying, and it was soon found that the white flag was no protection against their rifles.

The importance of the crisis required strong generalship, and General Sir Bedvers Buller was chosen to take chief command. He left England on October 14, and arrived at Cape Town on October 31.

IV. EAST AFRICA.

Abyssinia. — Complete success attended the military expedi- tion of the Emperor Menelek against Bas Mangascia the Governor of Tigr6, who formally made submission to the Negus (Feb. 18). The attitude of the Emperor was friendly towards Great Britain, despite rumours to the contrary.

Zanzibar. — A Muscat dhow flying the French flag was about to sail in May with kidnapped slaves on board. The French Consul was informed of the occurrence by the police who requested that the boat might be searched by French officials acting with representatives of the Zanzibar Government. Twenty slaves being found in the hold, the captain and crew were arrested, and tried by the French court.

The Zanzibar Government imposed a new duty of 5 per cent, from September 15 on all imports except coins, coal, ivory, rubber and tortoiseshell.

Germany, by agreement with Great Britain, in November renounced her extra-territorial rights in Zanzibar, to take effect when other nations have done the same.

Portuguese East Africa. — An expedition under Major Machado routed the hostile natives with their chief, Cuamba, in August, and afterwards advanced against the Yao chief, Mataka, who was also defeated in October with heavy loss.

German East Africa. — A railway across German East Africa