Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1886-12-02
Stanley in Africa.
The EXPLORER TELLS OF Hrs ExPLoIrs In
THE DARK LAND

Henry N. Stanley, the explorer. lectured
in New York Monday evening. We copy
from report of his interesting lecture.
When he heard of Livingstone's death. Mr..
Stanley decided 20 prove to cynical New
Workers that his discovery Of Livingstone in
the hear: of Africa was child's play in com
parison with the completion of Livinestone's
researches Among other matters he had de-
termined to solve was the true name OF the
river that had lured Livingstone to his death.
Livingstone believed il to be the Nile. 9th
ers thought it was the Niger or the Congo,
while not few scientists claimed that it still
awaited name. He gathered his band about
him at Zanzibar and swore to be father,
mother, brother and sister to all OF them.
They were rich in money and goods at the
start, but every bumptious chief they met
decreased their stores of wealth. Ihey en-
tered wilderness with three days provisions
The journey through it lasted nine days and
nine men died Of starvation. Finally, after
many trials, they found themselves upon the
bank of Lake Victoria Nyanz4, upon which
thev launched their cedar boat.
Every man in the band had heard of the
great inland sea, but none except their leader
navigating it. When Stanley called for vol
unteer sailors, his dark-hued companions
stood like many ebony statues. They
were all sons of Adam. enc of them gravely
remarked, that he saw no necessity for taking
to the water until he became fish. None of
them showed any desire to get on board until
peremptorly ordered to do so. Then they
obeyed like lambs
After skirtiDg the shores of the lake for a
couple of days Stanley hired chief named
Saramba to accompany him and act as inter-
prefer. Saramba came high, but 1t was nee
eseary to have him. At the next station on
the route the natives were asked how long it
would take TO follow the shores of the lake
Barring accidents they thought it might be
accomplished in eight years. Sarambs won
dered how his wife would greet him on his
return. The rest of the band fell on their
faces in the bottom of the boat.
The next tribe of natives showed desire
to slug the explorers with stones, which they
carried up their sleeves. They were only
prevented from carrying out their intentions
by the discharge of a revolver. They were
afterward induced to shake hands, or its
equivalent, which with them consisted in
dropping the lover jaw until dislocation
seemed imminent, but it never happened.
The Emperor of Uganda. the most power
full potentate of equatorial Africa, was the
best friend Stanley made on a trip. His
everyday name was Umtessa, or something
that sounded like it. He inquired solicitous-
" about the health of the people of Europe.
and expressed much satisfaction at hearing
that il was fair to middling. Umtessa was a
friend to the white man, and received mis-
sionaries with open arms. He died some
time ago, and the missionaries have since
been murd red by his successor, his son.
Stanley occupied 81 days in skirting the
shores of Victoria Nyanza. Umtessa gave
him guard Of 2 600 men, but they relieved
him of their presence in few days. Ex-
ploring did not agree with them. After dis
covering the old outlet to Lake ranganyika
the exploring party cut across to UjUi, where
Stanley had met Livingstone. From Ujiji
the party started north to discover the outlet
of the river Livingstone had supposed to be
the Nile. Stanley and his single white com
panon discussed the direction which it would
be best to take 1t was all the same to Stan
ley's companion, but Stanley wished to 60
north. They tipped penny and the south
ern course won. they pulled straws and the
southern course won. When Mr.. Stanley
had lost the toss twice he determined to go
north anyhow"
The party be gan its journey down the un-
known river l40 strong. After travelling for
six days they heard the roar of a cataract in
front. They looked at the right bank of the
river; it was crowded with armed natives.
The other bank was occupied by gang who
brsndished spears in most offensive manner
Rather than go over cataract the exploring
party made dash at the left bank and routed
its occupants with neatness and dispatch, to
say nothing of the firearms. After passing
more than 60 cataracts the mouth of the
Congo was reached and the mystery solved.
When Mr.. Stanley's natives reached their
homes they fell upon the sand and kissed 1t.
Like their master they had endured danger
and privation. had seen strange sights, strange
lands, and strange people, and were glad to
be at home.