He said that Drunami's rebellion against the Queen had been public, and therefore his submission must be public also.
The King of Benin thereupon held a council with his chiefs, who after much arguing decided that it was best to obey the wishes of the Resident, and make public submission.
Word of his intention was accordingly sent to the Resident, who thereupon repaired to the Council House, and, taking his position on its steps, waited the arrival of the penitent King.
Drunami, as he advanced to meet him, presented a very strange appearance. From head to foot his black skin was covered with coral ornaments. On his arms and ankles were numberless bangles, those on his arms being so many and so heavy that he could not raise his arms, but had to have them supported by his followers.
He had by this time added a band of music to his train, and to the mournful music which they made on their reed instruments the King and his chiefs marched in front of the Council House, and in the presence of the soldiers whom the Resident had ordered to assemble, publicly tendered his submission to the Queen of England.
This act was accomplished by bowing very low before the Resident, and then kneeling on the ground and rubbing his forehead three times in the dust.
The ten chiefs repeated the ceremony after their King; and thus having signified their regret for their evil deeds, and their intention to be faithful and obedient in future, the King and his followers were allowed to take their way back to the palace in Benin.
England seems to have taken to heart the conduct of the Irish people during the recent jubilee, and to be endeavoring to make peace with the denizens of the Emerald Isle.