Evening star., 1886-09-28
A TRIP ACROSS AFRICA.
Another Explorer who Crossed she
Dark Continent in Eight Months.

"A Brussels correspondent of the New York
San writes: Lieut.. Edward Gleerup, the ninth
white man to cross Central Africa from sea TO
sea, has arrived here from Zanzibar. As ne fol-
lowed the route traced by Stanley in his journey
across the continent, his trip is geographically
without important results, but he has collected
much interesting Information with regard TO
the improved facilities for travelling in Africa,
the remarkable growth of the power and in
fuence OF Arab traders, and the value and
prospects of Ciermany's new possessions in East
Africa.
and Ivens. who preceded Gleerup in tine trip
across the continent, all occupied from two TO
two and a half years. Gieerup has now demon
strated that the journey can be made in about
eight months, or only twO-thirds the time that
Burton and Spoke. the first EngIishmen to
visit the great lakes, required 10 travel from
Zanzibar to- Tauganyika- With the aid of the
Congo state steamers the journey from the
Atlantic to Stanley Falls, 1,2OO miles up the
river, can now be made in two months. Lieut.
Gleerup was six months on the road between
Stanley Falls and Zanzibar The Congo State
In the west and the east coast Arab traders
whose many caravans have made a beaten
highway 10 the Indian Ocean, have brou ght
tons OF African travel.
Important changes have occurred in some
regions that have not been visited by whites
since Stanleys trip, nine years ago. Along the
300 miles oi the Congo, between Stanley Falls
and Nyangwe, Gleerup found two large and
several small Arab misunderstanding points
ior slaves and ivory. Nyangwe, the famous
trading town, has largely grown and neigh
boring kasOngo, which Livingstone described
IS u little village, has 5000 inhabitants.
Near these two towns the Arabs large
herds OF cattle. Along the road to Tangany ika
thcy have several stations for the training OF
female slaves Tor labor on the plantations. Ten
caravans now travel the road To- and from Gen.
traI Africa where one formerly seen.
Gleerup often met them, and he says that east
oi Ia:Iganylk ylka II was not uncommon tor two
or three caravans 10 camp together, and that
their combined force was some times over 900
men,
The authorities OF the Congo Free State have
recently asserted that the Arabs seeking
only trade, ANA are willing to concede the polit-
1cal supremacy of the Free State. Gieerup also
says that the Arabs are perfectly friendly. 1t
Is curious fact that he travelled to tine coast
Ss the guest of the Arabs. The supplies with
which ne started, including his tent, were pre-
sented To- him by Iippu lib, and at the request
OF this great slave and ivory dealer, Gleerup
was heartily welcomed at every Arab station
and gratuitousiy supplied with everything he
needed.
He speaks in glowing terms of the beauties
and fertility of Usagara, the mountainous re-
gion, 100 miles from the east coast, which
Iorms part of Germany's possessions. He
says, however, that the Germans will not be
able rapidly To develop the country owing to
The apathy OF the natives, who, though friendly,
refuse to- work lOr the Germans, Who therefore
lack the labor they need To carry on their enter
pr1ses.