446 LETTERS TO DR. SCHWEINFURTH.

him. JI have sent men with presents to Kanna, for I am very desirous of establishing friendly relations with him. Hitherto he has always kept very much aloof; but the experience this part of the country had of the Danagla, who professed to be officials, was scarcely calculated to inspire him with a desire for annexation, or even with confidence. ‘This has now been remedied, I hope; I have acted honestly, and the new organisation of the country may be more in accordance with its needs and wishes, especially as 1t was drawn up after consultation with the most influential chiefs—which brings me back to these men.

The three great chiefs, Yangara, Gambari, and Kadabd, now rule the north of this country from west to east. The two latter are parvenus, but Yangara is a true Monbuttu prince, though sprung from a collateral branch. Kadabdé does not rule in Monbuttu proper, but in Momvu, in the far east, and therefore may be able to maintain his position with our assistance. How long Gambari will be able to do so is very problematical, considering his ceaseless intrigues and plots. Jt is his intention to collect all the arms he can get hold of, and then to occupy the Mabode district, where his favourite brother, Arama, is said to have established a dominion already. I will watch these proceedings for some time longer, and then, if there is no improvement, I will request that the rifles be given up, and will look out for another chief who is legitimate, and at the same time more sensible than Gambari. Yangara, on the other hand, was an excellent companion during my stay at Tingazi. He is somewhat timid, perhaps more so than is desirable in a man of his position, but he is honourable and prudent, and has hitherto proved a trustworthy ally. When Ghattas’s people killed Munza, they of course divided his wives between them, and in some way or other it came to pass that Munza’s youngest and favourite wife, Kettivoto (called by the Arabs, Tam Séina), is now Yangara’s chief wife and adviser, and seems to deserve the influence she enjoys, for she exhibits much common sense whenever she takes part in consultations. She is not pretty, is no longer young, nor has she ever had any children—which is remarkable in a Monbuttu woman— aud yet her superiority is recognised, not only in Tingazi, but