THE MYSTERIOUS ATTRACTIONS OF CENTERAL AFRICA.

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2423, 21 January 1888, Page 2 (Supplement)

THE MYSTERIOUS ATTRACTIONS OF CENTERAL AFRICA.

Thkbk is something mysteriously attractive about Central Africa. The men who disappear from view within the charmed circles of tho "Dark Continent," and excite tho sympathies of the civilised world by their isolated condition, seems disgusted rather than grateful wheu search parties are despatched to look after them and apparently seek to evade succour, When Stanley was scut to find Livingstone it was credibly reported that Livingstone was doing hi 3 utmost to avoid meeting Stanley, and when the former's perseverance prevailed and the historical salute of "Dr Livingstone, I presume," had been delivered, the perverse recluse over whose supposed misfortunes miukiud was shedding tears, obstinately declined to be conducted back to the bosom of society, and completed his career in the midst of barbarous tribes. Gordon at Khartoum pursisted to the last in affirming that he would not be fetched away, and it is notorious that the road was open for him to reach the British outposts had the current of his humour set in that direction. Another notable sole journeyer in the depths of Africa, EminLiay is now the object of anxiety, ami the indefatigable Stanley is leading an expedition to his lair, Stanley will not rest, we may be sure, till he haslifted his hat to the wanderer, and pronounced the cabalisti"formula, •'Emin Bey, I presume," within his hearing; but the issue is a foregone conclusion. News has been already received that Emiti Bey wants no search parties fter him, and has made up his mind that no power on earth shall move him out of Africa. In the veracious chroniclesof; he l'ick'.vick Club it is recorded that when Wardlo proposed that his boy should carry the too oouvival Pickwick to his couch that gentleman dashed his spectacles on the floor and remarked—"No living boy shall carry me to bed" The rovers who occasionally lose themselves in Central Africa are equally emphatic in their determination not to be conveyed out of it, Stanly appears to be the only traveller who can come and goiu those mystic regions and resist the Circe like attractions of the yeiiUts bid, and it is his mission in life to be perpetually ofFering a return ticket to African castaways who refuse to take advantage of his benefaction.— Leader.