The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1877-12-20
AFRICA.

To know that Vast continent existed,
stretching from the Mediterranean TO
the southern Ocean, or even that it con-
tanned some one hundred and eighty
millions OF black race scattered over
It's surface, divided by great deserts,
rivers, lakes and primeVal forests,
would not be an adequate motive ioI
strenuous eXertiOns aud great sacrifices
But If this country, with It's teeming
population OF millions, were known to
be the scene OF wrongs which were an
outrage to humanity, and for which, in
part at least, Christian nations and the
whole civilized world were more or less
directly responsible, a desire TO remedy
the evil woulQ naturally arise.
If, in addition, it were ascertained
that the greatest proportion OF these
millions OF the human race were stepped
in barbarism, and given over to the
most hideOus ldolatry, Cannib ,lism, and
devIl-Worship, in turtherance OF which
human victims were annually and dali,
sacrificed by th0usands-are there any
Christians who would not at some time
Of their lives feel that duty was laid
upon them, by the simple knowledge of
OF The fact, to take some steps for the
redemption Of whole race from such
heathenlsm and revolving cruelty by The
influences OF civilization and religion |
Tue missionary feels this, and so de-
votes life and energy TO that end.
The humanltariau and philanlhropis
even OF the most lukeWarm tempera
ment, contributes his money TO such an
object; and the suppress on of slave
dealing ana OF human SACRIFICES to idols,
by the incubation OF purer religion,
becomes the common object OF botn mis-.
O. nh m I n pttF
and N re mundane interests come also
into play. Governments and States
which formed colonies and settlements
to promote slave trade found colonists
and traders remained after the slave
traffic had been abandoned, whom they
were bound TO protect. Colonial and
political interests dictate exploratory
expeditions, and demand geograpaIctl
knowledge OF territories beyond their
limits.
Commerce gradually increases, while
geographical discovery oD ms up new
helus Tor enterprise and legitimate trade
to sep III ana take the place OF the SUD
pressed slave traffic, thus promptly uLll.
Izing the work oil geographical and SCI
entItic explorers. Without the know
ledge which 1t IL the special business Of
these to collect. the merchant is help
less and ignorant, and no exchange OF
goods or trade on a large scale can be-
established. The merchant and the
soon join their interests
III appeals TO the Government for exLeu.
sion and more Information, and
that which began with purely
scientific exploration and geography,
ends in largely promoting religion and
philanthropy, as well as meeting pollti-
cal requirements and the demanus of
commerce. VINO is there that is wholly
without interest in any of these objects,
and what State can afford to despIse or
glect them? To all Of these, African
explorers have rendered incalculable
service during this last twenty five
years, and neither the extent nor the
Importance Of this service can be re-
duced to a money value. For, putting
aside all considerations OF justice anu
humanity, commerce has not had, since
the discovery oil new world, 81 vast a
field ior profitable enterprise opened to
it as Africa will soon present.- Mac
millan's MagaZiue,