This
Conversation, Diversified By Numerous Shrewd Remarks On The Part
Of Rumanika, Led To His Asking How I Could Account
For the
decline of countries, instancing the dismemberment of the Wahuma
in Kittara, and remarking that formerly Karague included Urundi,
Ruanda, and Kishakka, which collectively were known as the
kingdom of Meru, governed by one man. Christian principles, I
said, made us what we are, and feeling a sympathy for him made me
desirous of taking one of his children to learn in the same
school with us, who, on returning to him, could impart what he
knew, and, extending the same by course of instruction, would
doubtless end by elevating his country to a higher position than
it ever knew before, - etc., etc. The policy and government of
the vast possessions of Great Britain were then duly discussed,
and Rumanika acknowledged that the pen was superior to that of
the sword, and the electric telegraph and steam engine the most
wonderful powers he had ever heard of.
Before breaking up, Rumanika wished to give me any number of
ivories I might like to mention, even three or four hundred, as a
lasting remembrance that I had done him the honour of visiting
Karague in his lifetime, for though Dagara had given to coloured
merchants, he would be the first who had given to a white man.
Of course this royal offer was declined with politeness; he must
understand that it was not the custom of big men in my country to
accept presents of value when we made visits of pleasure.
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