A Friendly African King.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume I, Issue 27, 27 November 1879, Page 4

A Friendly African King.

The 'heart of Africa contains a great chief, whose praises have been sounded by Livingston, Stanley, and other travellers who have visited his country. 1 ’ This person is Mtesa, the Kabakah or Emperor of the territory of Uganda,'a vast region to the northward of lake Victoria: -Nyanza, with its capital on the lake. The reader has read how, within the present year, by proclamation of imperial authority, lie liberated half a million of slaves. He is remarkable for the gentleness of" his nature. He had had so much intercourse with white explorers that he has caught the spirit of civilization. Stanley speaks of Mtesa as “the foremost man of Central Africa,” and much inclined' to adopt the Christian faith. Stanley adds: “Mtesa, if aided in time by virtuous philanthropists, will do more for Central Africa than fifty years of Gospel teaching unaided by such authority can do. ” The : example of Mtesa in freeing his slaves and ■in encouraging the visits of white men, it is believed Trill exercise potent influence in breakinghip the slave trade. For this reason, and because his friendship will go toward ■ the opening up of a lucrative trade in Africa, white people are anxious to cultivate his acquaintance, and if possible elevate his condition. It will not be many years-’be-fore the old king -will find himself'surrounded by a white population. All the “ signs of the times ” encourage the belief, and it is fortunate that he invites immigration.