The annual meetings of the United Kingdom Alliance for the Suppression of the Liquor Traffic, were held for the year 1867, in the Free Trade Hall, Manchester, on the 22nd of October. They consisted, as usual, of the session in Couference of the General Council of the Alliance during the day, and of a public meeting in the evening.

The Conference of the General Council, held in the Assembly Room, was larger and more influentially attended than on any previous occasion. From south, north, east, and west of the three kingdoms the members came together, animated by one purpose-to grapple with a traffic which is at enmity with every good work, and thoroughly agreed as to the plans on which this great enterprise must be conducted.

The

president of the Alliance, Sir Walter C. Trevelyan, Bart., who from the first has been the honoured head of the organisation, was, unfortunately, not 'able to be present; but a long and earnest letter from him, breathing sentiments of unabated hostility to the liquor traffic, and of unslackened determination to continue to lend his aid to the Alliance in prosecuting its work, was read to the Council by the president for the day, James Haughton, Esq., J.P.,, of Dublin.

The annual report of the Executive Committee of the Alliance, read to the Council by S. Pope, Esq., the honorary secretary, was, as usual, a lengthy document, full of the records of work done during the year in furtherance of the Alliance. On the question of policy, the Executive Committee declared in their report that they had endeavoured to press forward the discussion of their principles, without turning aside into

easier, and therefore more tempting, paths. They said :-Year by year the Council bas met under encouraging circumstances, rejoicing over hopeful progress; but year by year has the conviction deepened that the wretchedness and misery which are constantly caused by the liquor traffic, and the sad dangers which ever and again thrust themselves through the political self-complacency of society, can only be avoided by a firm, persistent, and courageous effort on the part of Christian men for the redemption of their country from the power of intemperance. Final success may come from a quarter and at a time least expected, but with so much to stimulate and encourage, and a result to achieve so vast and beneficent, unfaltering faith, and cheerful ungrudging labour can alone deserve the triumph, or fully realise it when obtained.'

Amongst the resolutions passed unanimously at the Council meeting were the following:

'That the numerous and unmistakable manifestations of the progress of the Alliance agitation during the past year afford the utmost satisfaction to the Council, and encourage all friends of the cause to prosecute the enterprise in which they are engaged, not only with unabated ardour and unrelaxed energy, but also without any compromise of principle.'

That, as one of the results of household suffrage, the Council look forward to greatly increased support in their attack on the liquor traffic, believing that the greatest sufferers from the present system of legalised temptation are to be found among those whom the new Reform Act will enfranchise, and who will now be enabled to make their voices

heard in Parliament in condemnation of a system so utterly opposed to the best interests of the poor and the welfare of the nation at large. The Council therefore urge upon all their auxiliaries and all local organisations in county and borough constituencies, to make a special electoral canvass; so as to secure the support of the new voters, before they are committed to any political party, for such candidates only as will grapple with the acknowledged evil, by giving to the people the veto power over the issue of licences in their respective localities.'

That the Council most earnestly and solemnly urge all ministers of religion, teachers, and members of the various religious communities in the kingdom, laying aside all prejudice and apathy, to join the friends of temperance and social reform in carrying forward the movement initiated by the United Kingdom Alliance, so that their efforts and influence may be ranged on the right side in that great conflict between "the school, the library, and the church" on the one hand, and the legalised liquor traffic on the other-a conflict aptly described as a "war between heaven and hell."

'That the Council regard the appalling amount of pauperism, ignorance, and crime of the nation, with its consequent taxation, as constituting an intolerable burden on the industrious and sober portion of the community; and as the conviction is now almost universally felt that a vast proportion of these evils is the direct result of the liquor traffic, the Council call upon the Government to fulfil the promises of various leading statesmen by bringing in a bill dealing with the whole of the licensing laws, and to insert clauses giving power to the inhabitants of each district to prevent the granting or renewing of licences within their boundaries, when a large majority shall so determine.'

That whilst gratefully recognising the spirit of liberality that has been manifested in response to their appeal for increased pecuniary aid, the Council would earnestly urge those friends who have not yet subscribed to the Five Years' Guarantee Fund, to do so at once, in order that the entire amount of fifty thousand pounds may be forthwith completed.'

"That the Council hereby record their profound and grateful acknowledgments

to their excellent and esteemed friend and fellow-labourer, the Hon. General Neal Dow, for his vast and successful exertions during the past fifteen months in aid of the Alliance agitation, by his able and eloquent advocacy of its principles and aim, and by the noble testimony he has faithfully borne in most of our large cities and towns. That this rare example of disinterested zeal and 'devotion, in behalf of a philanthropic cause in a country not his own-without fee or reward, in the interest of truth and humanity, given at a time of life when most men seek repose and comfort amid the quiet endearments of homeplaces Neal Dow in a high position amongst the benefactors of mankind. The Council beg to tender to their beloved friend a most affectionate farewell, praying that he may be conducted in health and safety to his native land and home; and that he may be long spared in health and strength, to work for temperance and prohibition, and for the freedom and elevation of the human race.'

That the General Council of the United Kingdom Alliance esteem it a high honour and privilege to welcome the great apostle and successful champion of the American anti-slavery movement, the world-renowned William Lloyd Garrison. And the Council hereby present to Mr. Garrison an earnest expression of sympathy and fraternal feeling, recognising in that gentleman one who has ever been not only the uncompromising enemy of chattel slavery, but the persistent and staunch friend of the temperance cause and of prohibitory liquor legislation in his own noble State of Massachusetts, and those other free and enlightened commonwealths that have adopted the same great act of justice, mercy, and magnanimity.'

The presence of the Hon. Neal Dow, 'Father of the Maine Law;' of Mr. William Lloyd Garrison, the great champion of the anti-slavery cause in the United States; of Archbishop Manning, primate of the Roman Catholic Church in England; added to that of many other leading and tried friends of the Alliance, rendered this Council meeting particularly memorable.

In the evening, the spacious Free Trade Hall was filled with a highly respectable and thoroughly unanimous audience, who listened with great pleasure, and rewarded with most hearty applause, speeches by the Chairman,

Sir Wilfrid Lawson, Bart., by Archbishop Manning, by the Rev. Sir Lovelace Stamer, Bart., by Mr. Benjamin Whitworth, M.P., by the Venerable Archdeacon Sandford, and by General Neal Dow, Mr. William Lloyd Garrison, Mr. S. Pope, honorary secretary of the Alliance, Mr. M. Dalway, presi

dent of the Irish Temperance League, Mr. Charles Pease, of Darlington, Mr. Mawson, of Newcastle, Mr. W. R. Callender, jun., of Manchester, the Rev. Thomas Dilks, Dr. F. R. Lees, and Mr. Alderman Harvey, the venerable chairman of the Alliance Executive.

Ankober stands on the crest of a mountain range, nine thousand feet above the level of the sea,-and a long weary march of four hundred miles we had over a horrible desert before we reached this more favoured spot. Heat and rain combined to our discomfort, our attendants were impudent and disobliging, our savage guides greasy bigots, and we had three of our number, Europeans, murdered in cold blood in their beds one dark night. Consequent whereon we were obliged ever after to keep watch and ward, time about, night and day, although we had given several hundred pounds to be allowed to sleep in peace after the fatigues of the day. The three unfortunates who were murdered at Goongoonta were sleeping on the ground within twenty feet of myself. Two were stabbed to death on the spot; the cry of the third set me sharp enough upon my legs, armed to the teeth. It was fortunate that the moon was ont just then, for the rush to our beds was great, and the panic was not subdued until the crowd considered themselves secure behind the muzzles of our rifles. Luckily there was sufficient light to distinguish friends from foes, or the most fatal consequences might have ensued. But these night attacks are only alarming to the very young soldier; a little coolness and presence of mind in the leader being alone required to put matters in order again.

The climate is damp and cold, consequently the mountains are emerald green. All the European plants and herbs grow wild in the dells; many of the Indian ones, and some indigenous roses and jessamine and violets are in in every cliff; and I see the famous

cow cabbage of South America is as common as the nettle. The people are Christians, have priests and monks and churches. All bow to the cross, and wear, as a symbol of their faith, a piece of blue silk thread round their throats. They possess a written language, 'Amharic,'-and some of their written accounts of saints' miracles, and the chronicles of their kings are highly amusing. The country is rich in grain and cattle. The King is despotic, and the present monarch happens to be a just and upright man. But still they are sad savages, eat raw meat, and have no idea of civilised life. The King seemed to appreciate the presents we brought for him, and I hope to see a greater display of Cashmere shawls and Delhi scarfs the next time I go to court. I am already in favour with royalty, as I possess a little mechanical skill, and can put a musical box or clock to rights. Besides His Majesty is exceedingly fond of guns and good shooting, and my rifle is perfect at long distances. Altogether I hope we shall get on well, and I do not fear the result, after the first campaign against the Galla and other pagans that dwell on the skirts of the empire.

This is the rainy season at present, and of course unpleasant. Winter, which is said to commence in October, is very cold and bracing; and although there is not much ice or snow, yet we old Indians can dispense with these northern delights. The King is sole proprietor of all property and free will. An exception he has made, however, for the first time, in our favour, and we were allowed to have our boxes intact without being subject to royal

handling or inspection. This was a great step at first to obtain, and although we are at present suffering from the intrigues of the emissaries of other nations, yet when the royal mind is disabused we shall no doubt become great allies. We are still in a most uncomfortable state. I am sitting on my bed and writing this on the top of a rough box; but matters will mend.

I have been away from India for nearly a year, and have traversed a considerable portion of Southern Abyssinia, and collected much valuable information on many subjects,-amongst which the intelligence of a great river flowing into the Indian Ocean stands conspicuous. It is situate in the adjoining kingdom of Guarea, is described to be of great breadth and depth, and at a distance of five hundred miles from the coast; and if so, ships and steamers may penetrate to this very hotbed of slavery, and give a death-blow to the traffic by bringing the European goods, for which the slaves are bartered, to the very door of the seller. The Arab merchants, who have a long, dangerous land journey to perform, and a high price in the first instance to pay for the merchandise, would thus be driven from the field. The country is said to be rich in spices and gums, perfumes, ivory, and coffee; and the inhabitants would soon find out that the labour of the servant was more profitable than the price of the slave. At present ten thousand slaves are annually exported. The advantages of a fine climate are not to be despised, and with Guarea as a starting point, the innermost recesses of this mysterious continent might be explored. Were we not unavoidably detained here to counteract the intrigues of other nations, the quest would be the first to be undertaken, and is of such vital importance that sooner or later it must be seen to personally.

A race of pigmies, called Dokos, whose habits and peculiarities will be well worth investigating, are said to inhabit the vast bamboo forests that crown these, the highest mountains in Africa; and I can easily imagine from the effects of Indian unhealthy jungle upon the human frame, that a race of small wild men may be found in some degree bearing out the stories - hitherto considered utterly fabulous-of old Herodotus, the great father of history.

Here, I am afraid that much good cannot be expected under a lapse of many years, for Ethiopia has sadly retrograded from her ancient glory and splendour, although all the high sounding designations of a court are still in existence. Door keepers, master of ceremonies, master of the horse, and other appendages of regal state flourish and abound, yet they are a sad burlesque on the reality. The Church too lies in the dust, fallen from her high estate. The abstruse doctrines that occupied the minds of Christians in the fourth century are still canvassed in this miserable country with the most fiery zeal, and result in the same evil effects of sect and party arrayed against each other in bitter rancour and hatred. The fasting of a child before its birth, the existence of the soul in the same state, the three births of our Saviour, and other speculations, perplex the mind to the exclusion, it may be feared, of all real piety and devotion. Half of the present rites, fasts, and observances, have been borrowed from the Jews. Indeed, the natives pride themselves on their great ancestor and founder having been the son of the Queen of Sheba and the wise Solomon,-and affirm that the youth on leaving Jerusalem, by the aid of a priest, his tutor, stole the holy ark from the Temple, and brought it in safety to Abyssinia. Laymen are not permitted to pass the outer enclosure of their churches, and are not admitted near the holy table. The service of the Church consists in reading the lives and exploits of sundry saints, and in chaunting the psalms, the priests all the time dancing, and screaming, and rattling cymbals, more like a set of drunken revellers, than persons engaged in divine worship. And the prophecy still remains to be fulfilled in its highest sense, that Ethiopia shall stretch out her hands to God.' We are considered Moslems, because we drink coffee and smoke tobacco, and only escaped excommunication by a timely present of money to the priests.

We have led a very busy life ever since our arrival here, having been employed in collecting information on every subject, and obliged to write it out sometimes in triplicate, to ensure that copies of the same may reach their destination. Then we accompanied the King on a military expedition against