The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1887-12-31 00:00:00

MR, STABLISY.

The news which was recently published from Zan-
zihar concerning Mr. Stanley's expedition is vague
enough. That the ezpedition arrived at Wadelai in
the beginning of September is highly probable.
Before Mr. Stanley left England in the beginning of
the preseent year he expressed himself confident of
being back in time to celebrate Christmas. When,
however, he arrived at Zanzibar and learned clearly
all the difficulties that lay before him he saw that
was impossible, but he himself, and thosewhose know-
ledge of the country entitled them to advise him, con-
cluded that he ought to be at Wadelai in the beginning
of September, and so apparently it has turned out.
We are told that it was on the road between the
Mabodi country and Wadelai that difficulties are
stated to have been encountered, and this is exactly
what was expected. That country is mostly a dense
forest region. The villages embedded in the forest
are difficult to detect and still more difficult to ap-
proach; so that any expedition passing through the
forest is pretty much at the mercy of the people.
The expedition was strong enough to repel any
attack; so strong, indeed, that it is reet likely that any
serious attack had to be encountered. The real dif-
ficulty would be to obtain food, and it would be on
this score that great tact and great firmness would
have to be exercised. That Mr. Stanley was, as might
have been expected, equal to the emergency, seems
clear enough from the telegram; but that he has been
able to overcome the difficulties without some loss is
hardly to be looked for. That Mwanga, King of
Uganda, would seek to stop Mr. Stanley's messenger
to Zanzibar is probable enough; for he must be in a
state of great apprehension. That Mr. Stanley him-
self will be able to overcome his fears and his
fanatical obstinacy there is every reason to believe.
No African traveller was ever better fitted to deal
with natives and native potentates; if he could
get round Mtesa, the father, we may be sure he will
soon obtain the mastery over Mwanga, the weak son.
It is to be hoped he will, and that co he may
be able to return by the eastern route to Zanzi-
bar. For he will have quite as many difficul-
ties to face in coming back as in reaching Wadelai.
It must be remembered that, besides the men who
want to come away, there are 100 Coptic women who
cannot walk, and who will have to be carried in
litters; and in a hosLile country, with an inadequate
force, this would be a serious encumbrance. Still; if
Mr. Stanley should consider it advisable, nftor ho
mn•tera tho eituabion, to come back by Zanzibar, he
will find some means of gaining the goGdwill of the
Uganda potentate. There is ground for believing he
has accomplished the great object for which he went
out to Africa; what further remains to be done
we may be sure he will do. Tippoo Tib has evidently
rendered himself unpopular among his fellow Arabs
by becoming the friend of the anti-slavery and infidel
whites. This may be a little awkward for the Congo
Free State, but is not likely now to affect Mr. Stanley
in any way. Mr. Mackay, who has been so long a
missionary in Africa, is, we believe, now on his way
home, and has by this time probably arrived at Zan-
zibar. He ought to be able to tell us a great deal
concerning the state of affairs in and around
Uganda.