LAKE VICTORIA NYANZA.

Globe, Volume V, Issue 526, 24 February 1876, Page 3

LAKE VICTORIA NYANZA.

(Fall Mall Budget.') Lieutenant-Colonel J. A. Grant, C. 8., read a paper lately before the Royal Geographical Society “On Mr H. M. Stanley’s Exploration of Lake Victoria Nyanza.” Colonel Grant said that Mr Stanley’s journey was one of the most important and brilliant that had ever been made in Central Africa, or indeed in any country, and it had confirmed Speke’s discovery that the Victoria Nyanza was one vast inland fresh water sea, To Mr Stanley the merit was due of having sailed on the broad waters of the lake, and sent home a map and descriptions so vivid and truthful that the most sceptical could

not fail to be satisfied. Colonel Grant then gave a detailed account of Mr Stanley’s journey, illustrating it by reference to maps. In the discussion which followed the reading of the paper, Sir Samuel Baker said he had come expressly from the south of England to state his recognition of the immense energy displayed by Mr Stanley. One of his (Sir Samuel Baker’s) pleasant reminiscences was his meeting with Grant and Speke in Africa, and his receipt from Speke of a map, from which he derived infinite advantage, and which, like a last will and testament, for Speke was then dead, he afterwards placed in the hands of Sir Roderick Murchison. It was gratifying to find that that map was not only recognised, but was almost verified to the letter by that of Mr Stanley. That was truly a day of triumph to Speke, and added to what must now be regarded as his undying reputation. Speaking of the criticisms which had been made upon Mr Stanley’s proceedings, Sir Samuel said that ii was unfair for those who had no knowledge of the wild country through which he had to pass to reflect upon him because he had been compelled to resort to force. He had done so simply as a matter of absolute necessity. Captain Burton said he had already taken an opportunity of complimenting Mr Stanley on the great energy and perseverance which he had displayed. Mr Arnold, as a friend of Mr Stanley’s, expressed his belief that Mr Stanley would be gladdened and stimulated by the warm acknowledgment of his exertions and achievements which had been made. The Rev Mr Hutchinson, secretary of the Church Missionary Society, said the society intended to respond to Mr Stanley’s suggestion by sending a mission to Uganda One friend had offered them £500), and another (that morning) £3OOO, in aid of the mission. Sir Henry Rawlinson, the president, then introduced the subject of the Albert Nyanza—which he trusted would yet be successfully explored by Mr Stanley—by reading extracts from Colonel Gordon’s letters, chiefly relating to the circumstances attending the death of M. Linant de Bellefonds. The meeting concluded with the usual vote of thanks.