, 1885-01-10
MISSION LIFE IN AFRICA.

A Terrible Picture of Cruelty at the
Kings Funeral.
New York World
The Rev. Ferdinand Msshini and the Rev.
William ~Connaughton arrived a day ago
from Africa, where they have been convert
ing the natives along the Gold coast, around
the White Nile, and in the Soudnn- An in
tere sting history OF the perils OF mission life
was graphically related by Father MeshinL
From the reverend father's account human
sacrifice and slave trading are still ek-
tensively carried on.
Among these savages," said the priest,
exists a belief that n man passing into the
future life takes with him all that is placed
In his grave. For this reason, in Dahomey,
as in other savage countries, victims and
risoners are placed in the tomb. Not long
since the king OF Porto Novo died Of poison
administered to him by a rival for tho
throne. The funeral ceremonies lasted nine
lays During the whole of this time num-
bers OF victims, destined for the grand Gus
toms,' were sacrificed every night in tho
fetch forest. The missionaries living in the
n~eighboring huts could hear the cries of the
sufferers, whose mutilated bodies, arranged
In lines, were seen every morning in the pub
lie square Of the town. The heads had been
cut of and nailed along the walls OF tho
palace. At 8 o'clock in the morning of the
ninth day tho new king and his suite, pre-
coded by tho Fetch priests, moved in process
sion to the sacred wood, where the grave Of
the late king had boen dug. The sacrifice
began. Seven slaves were killed and their
blood mixed with earth to form a kind Of
plaster with which the grave was lined. The
heads of the seven victims, with food Of all
kinds, were deposited at the bottom.
"The body of the king was next lowered
into the grave. Then were seen approach
ing nine of his women, draped IN their
brightest colored garments, and ~purposely
intoxicated with British HtaHa," or rum.
Believing thsmsel yes to be the subjects of an
ovation they cast smiles on every side as
they passed through the throng. On reach
ing the edge Of the open grave they were
made to kneel. and before they had any sus-
picion, were stunned by a blow on the head,
and flung, still alive, upon the body of their
royal spouse. Earth was then throw in to
cover both living and dead. A short dis.
tance from the grave a stake was prepared
for the burning Of tho ministers, but these
astute politicians dressed slaves in their
robes Of Office, and while the poor creatures
were perishing mado their escape.
"The saoridces to the gods are marked by
greater and more varied refinements OF
cruelty. The shrines resemble ~dog-houses-
appropriate dwellings for their idols, which
arc hideous-looking monsters. These cere-
monies begin with a dance. In front of the
shrine a circle is formed by the leaders of
the people sitting down, while the rude mul-
titude roman standing. Holding a tuft Of
human hair in his hand, a priest dances in
the center. the circle uttsring a cries,
clapping their hands or playing wild mstru-
ments resembling bells. tambourines, and
cymbais. During the night the fetch priests
provide the god with one or more victims
The most Common form Of sacrifice to Ognn,
the god OF war. Is TO behead the human Of
fender and nail the body upside down to the
tree, the head placed above the feet"