France and Italy both need the alliance of this powerful king, else they will not be able to maintain the colonies they have already established.
Most of the African rulers have been won over with presents of beads and gaudy ornaments, but Menelik belongs to a different class. He has studied and tried to fathom the intricacies of European government, and if he gives his friendship to the nations that are suing for it, it will be in exchange for benefits much more substantial than the Europeans have been accustomed to give.
Steady progress has been made with the Tariff Bill, and it is expected that it will be passed within a very few days.
An attempt has been made to put a provision against Trusts in the bill.
The proposed clause would make it unlawful for people to combine together to restrain free competition or to increase the market price of materials. All materials unfairly increased in price are to be forfeited to the United States, and it is to be the duty of the Attorney-General to enforce all laws against Trusts, and to do all in his power to suppress them.
It is thought that it will be difficult to add this clause to the bill, but every effort will be made to accomplish it.
Mr. Sherman expressed himself very strongly on the subject of Trusts the other day.
He said that in his belief the question of Trusts was the most important one before the nation to-day.