Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1884-02-02

posed of men of all civilized nations, and
about that time it developed, through the
explorations of Stanley, that the great
river Livingstone discovered was the upper
Congo, and thus it was ascertained that 1t
was possible to penetrate the interior from
the sea by large steamers. In the work OF
the Association the kingly geographer has
now expended over $500, 900 in the devel-
opment of the valley OF the Congo and the
preservation OF its neutrality. For several
wears this work of exploration, settlement
and development has been sustained by his
purse-indeed there are few, if any, records
Of broader philanthropy and humanitsrl'
anism among sovereigns than that to be
credited to Leopold; for his work has all
been unselfsh, and in the interests of hu.
mainly, commerce and civilization.
The Association referred to, and the blue
flag and golden star which we are now
asked to recognize and aid, has already es-
tablished on the river twenty-five trading
stations, and enjoys broad rights anu priv
ileges granted by the chiefs of Independent
territories Of Central Africa. They are
'the nuclei of States to which President
Arthur referred in his message. They are
governed by the Association and by Amer
lean officers largely, and under temporary
! regul atoms modelled after those of the Re-
public of the United States. These trading
stations occupy positions extending 600
miles up the river, and are in the heart Of
a population of 50, 100000 Of people ac-
oording to StanIey's estimate, all of whom
as he puts it, care thirsting for trade, "
and are the keenest traders" he ever
met or heard Of.
The section tributary to the trade OF the
river. and the business of which its COM
merce will absorb, is a vast region, extend.
ing, says Mr.. Ssar ley, across thirteen de-
grees of longitude and fourteen degrees of
lattude The native tribes are now all
sincerely friendly to European and Ameri-
caningress. The slave trade has been mostly
broken up, much to the disgust Of the
Portuguese, who found the Congo basin
chiefly useful for carrying On this nefa-
rious business. The natives now flock
to the stations OF the Association for
trade and protection, and are constantly
presenting new evidences Of the wealth
and resources of their land. Into this
country vast quantities of American
products should How. Already it lie max
ing upon US a very heavy demand for IN.
! bleached cottons and prints, which the vast
population OF the basin eagerly seeks. 1t is
not improbable that under proper recogni-
ton OF the flag Of the Association, fleets
loaded with American manufactures will
be constantly moving toward the Congo,
The trade of the Dutch has been of pot
teriug kind England has been in advance
Of America in trade thus far, but the in
dependency Of the Congo valley will assure
Us entry into the free field Of commercial
compcti ton, and the result must be cur
trade supremacy.
The work of the International Associa-
tion is represented by nearly all the civil.
lied Powers, and in all the great nations
there are branches, that of the United
States has its headquarters at Baltimore,
and Mr.. Latrobe, of the African Colonial
ton Society, is its President, The aim Of
the Society is, as we have said, not in the
interest of any one nationality. 1t invites
the commerce of the world to enter the
country is extending civilization sup
pressing the remnants Of the slave trade,
and opening up the mineral and other pro.
ductiye wealth of the region, The Gov
ernmeDt OF the United States is invited to
send to the Congo an accredited agent 10
counsel with the Association for The adop-
ton Of measures Tor tree American com.
mercisl intercourse, the security CT the
rights OF Americans who enter the country
ana the free navigation CT the river.
The Chamber OF Commerce Of New York
has unanimously adopted the views Of
President Arthur, and urges Congress to
be prompt in availiug Of the rich oppor-
tunities offered, and which Tie more ardent
believe will stimulate greater activity in
trade than has been known since the dis
covery Of gold in California,
There is still some difficulty regarding
the political control Of the country. Portu.
gal has no5 ceased to press the claim OF
sovereignty, nor have the British failed
until 1852 to resia. it. In that year an
offer to treat was made on the part of
Portugal, and notwithstanding that a
treaty would mean a continuation by
Portugal Of the horrors %; slave trade,
English diplomats gave heed to the sug-
gestion, which last year brought forth so
vigorous q protest from the English people
who Will not countenaDce slavery ard are so
Jealous Of the slightest encroachment upon
their African trade, tina, it is not probable
any compact will be made, or that any in
terfereuca with the independently and Ieu.
trslity OF the country Will be attempted.
However, the belief obtains in several
quarters that England is secretly com.
pounding with Portugal by which the two
expect to obtain control OF the country,
Bat it il not tbinkable that it will be
admitted by other nations TO be tolersble
that any nation shall exercise sovereignty
over the basin OF the Congo.
The latest contribution to the literature
OF the subject is by Sir Travera Twiss
distinguished jurist and student OF inter.
national law. lie points out that while
number Of countries have posts in this rich
and ext usiye region, and the comfy of
nations and common interest have thus
far conserved the peace and prosperity Of
all, there is no law o. sufficient authority
over the country as there must be. There
must be Government. lie advises the
STAGES OF Europe and America to concert
amongst themselves measures to prevent
the great work OF opening tee country
from suffering shipwreck through any
rivalry or discussions among TIE whites
themselves. To merely neutralize the
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