The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1885-10-14

-Notw4.--.andlng T. verse
reports that have been circulated about the
Sandwich Islands, they seem to be in a pretty
good condition. Captain c. E. Dutton, of the
United States Ordnance Corps, who has been
making scientific examination of the volcanoes
in the Sandwich Islands, says in his official re-.
port a
All natives of suitable age can read and
write their own language, for education is COM
pulsory: They correspond most vigorously, and
the mail facilities are remarkably good, consid
ering the scanty population and resources of the
kingdom Every week the post-boy rides
through from Hllo to Kau, via Puma and
Kllauea, and back again. The saddle bags are
full OF letters and weekly newspapers from
Honolulu, printed in the Hawaiian tongue.
This does not sound very barbaric, and in truth
the Hawaiian is, in all essentials, as well civ
llized as the poor people Of England or America
In no land in the world is property more secure;
indeed have yet to learn of any other where
1T ls equally secure from burglary, rapine. and
thieving, or those subtler devices by which the
cunning and artful succeed in getting possession
OF the property Of the less astute without giving
an equivalent"
ALI this is the result of missionary work.
Fifty years ago the people of these islands were
sunk In the lowest depths of heathenism What
the Gospel has done for them it can do for any
others.-Presbyterian Banner
Almost every mail steamer from Az
RIGA brings news of important geographical dis
coveries in Central Africa. The Congo and IFS
tributaries will soon be bankrupt of mystery if
exploration continues as actively as in the past
two years. Only two or three weeks ago we des-
crlbed the discoveries Of Mr.. Grenfei of the
English Baptist Mission in a iournev from
Stanley Pool to Stanley Rapids. Now comes a
letter from Stanley Pool, from a nnIssionarv
saying that the German explorer. Weissman.
VINO entered the country at It. Paul de Ioanda
twenty months ago, has arrived at Stanley Pool.
lie traversed a large extent of country and
settled most important points. The large rivers
Lulua, Sankuru, Kassai, and Lubilash, instead
OF lowing north and joining the Congo in its
great sweep north of the Equator, all turn west
ward and unite In one great stream, which bears
several names, but which 1t is safe TO term the
hassal. This stream absorbs the great Kwaneo.
and, still tending west, receives the waters how-
ing from Lake Leopold, and then empties itself
into the Congo at place now called Kwamoutb
This, however, writes the missionary. leaves GER.
tain rivers-Iruki, Lulanga, Ikelumba. and
others-tO be accounted for, and the only rea-
sonable supposition is that there must be a LARGE
lake or very extensive swamp in the hollow of
the northern bend Of the Congo few months
will see this point settled. The newly-discover.
cd country Is rich and fertile the people friend
ly, and, what is a matter Of surprise az we'll "a
Of Joy, not without q knowledge of religion
They believe in a God who lives in the sky. who
sees and knows al that they do and they ex-
pect to 60 to him when they de.-Ind pendent.
"A large number Of released slaves in
Zanzibar have printed large portions of the Bible
Ia the Swahls lge, 80 that il nav be read
throughou' Or.