BIG SLAVE TRAFFIC.
CONGO ATROCITIES. , GRIM STORY FROM CENTRAL AFRICA. Christchureh, May 17. ■ Many years' work in connection with the Garenganze Mission, which operates ill a big territory in Central Africa (including the Congo Free State) have made the Rev. J. A. Clarke, who is at present in Christchureh, unpleasantly familiar with the slave traffic that goes briskly on there. "In the southern portion of the Congo State where I travelled," he said to a reporter yesterday, "we have seen very little indeed of the atrocities which were perpetrated to such an alarming extent in the Lower Congo. Nevertheless, we have been brought into touch with a good deal of the slave traffic, which, unfortunately, is still being carried oil by the Bambundu, a class of low-typed traders, to supply the ever-increasing demand of the Portuguese on the west coast. In going along the slave highway in my journey into the interior, I came into touch with many large slave caravans. Hundreds of these unfortunate interior people were being driven 'along mercilessly by the slave-dealers, who had purchased the victims from various native chiefs, who in turn had captured them by raiding lesser tribes. These slaves were loaded up with rubber and ivory, which had boen bought with bartered goods, and which was being transported along to the coast. All along this slave highway were to be seen the skeletons of hundreds of these slaves, who, overcome by exhaustion and maltreatment, were left to die. One slave-,' dealer told me they were fortunate if' they arrived at the coast with 50 per cent of the original number; the sight of these grim skeletons proved his words. On the banks of large rivers crossed by slave parties were to be seen hundred's of shackles, which to that point in the' journey had encircled the limbs of the captives. These rivers, which swarmed with aligators, were crossed in canoes. Once over, the slaves could not rccross. The boats belong to the traders, and to attempt to swim across would be to perish miserably. Hence the knocking off of the fetters; there was no chance of the slaves retreating." ■ <■ i What happens to theslaves? "They are bought by the Portuguese traders at various ports. aloHg the west const." Veplied Mr. Clarke. What for? "To be shipped to the cocoa-growing islands. Frv's gave up their plantations when .they found' out what was going on: Cadburv's followed." What is being dorie to put a stop to the traffic? "Nothing. It is for the Portuguese Government to take the matter up Since the Republic w i!s ; formed, a. Com- - mission was sent out to enquire into the affair." Could it be stopped? ) "Quite easily. The ' British officials in Rhodesia could soon end it" ■How? "By breaking nn the caravans. The Portuguese officials, however; • tolerate and encourage the traffic, and that is what keeps it. alive."
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Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 308, 21 May 1913, Page 7
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479BIG SLAVE TRAFFIC. Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 308, 21 May 1913, Page 7
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