Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-06-01
Gcr. stanIex,s Advice.

/ 1t has been telegraphed all over the
civilized world that Henry NJ. Stanley, the
celebrated explorer, who was recently
! appointed Governor of the Congo country,
! was given breakfast in London Thurs
day by the English Baptist Missionary
Society. OF course the usual speech Of
welcome was made by the chairman, and
GOV. Stanley made very interesting and
instructive reply. AS might have been
| expected, his reply was devoted prlnci-
pally to advice as to how missionary Work
ought to be conducted IN Africa.
Stanley was not induced to visit Africa
by the same motives that prompted Liy-
ingstone to devote his life to exploring and
preparing the way for the eventual saliva
ton of the natives of the Dark Continent.
He was led by love of adventure and
thirst for fame TO seek out the great trav
eler and then to more fully explore the
great unknown region that lies along the
Congo river. Some of his ideas about
missionary work. however, are very good.
lie believes well-trained young men
should be sent to Africa as missionaries,
and he is right; but he might have added
that few elderly and experienced mis-
sionaries to advise and teach the young
and more Jealous is a necessity.
1t is the general impression that Stan
ley has heretofore thought a great deal
more about shooting Africans or making
shrewd trades with them than about
teaching them the great truths of Chris
tianity. 1t is gratifying to know, how
ever, that he stands pledged, both volun-
tarily aud by command Of King Leopold,
to give the missionaries all the aid in his
p wer.
There is one thing that Gov. Stanley did
not pledge himself to do. He did not
promise to use his influence and power
to prevent the introduction into the Congo
country, along with the gospel, of the
cOrrupting influences and agencies of
pioneer civilization. 1t is probable that
rum is one of the most profitable articles
of trade that will be sent to the Congo
country, and nothing counteracts mis-
sionary efforts so much as rum. If he
would keep rum out of the Congo valley
and prevent criminals and vicious men
from Europe and America from joining
his forces or becoming inhabitants of his
posts, he would render the work of the
missionaries comparatively easy.
The missionaries will probably be of as
much service to Gov. Stanley as he will
be to them. They may prepare the way
for the rapid extension of trade and civili-
cation, and do much towards preserving
peace between his dominion and the tribes
which may come under their influence
Stanley can do much for them in giving
them means of entrance into the interior
of Africa, in assuring their safety by ex-
acting treaties with the natives, and in
building up and sustaining schools for
native children and for such adults as may
wish to acquire knowledge.
An immense field of labor is opening to
missionaries in the Congo country, and a
great future seems to be dawning on
Henry NJ. Stanley. He has heretofore
succeeded in the tasks which he has I'M
dertaken. AS the leading spirit in the
developing of the new Congo Kingdom, he
will encounter more difficulties perhaps
than he thinks he will. Let him stick
close to the missionaries and they will
help him in many ways.