New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-12-05
STANLEY IN THE NIGER.

Mr.. Johnston's theory respecting Stanleys
line of retreat has been speedily confirmed.
Rumors have reached Bonny, at the mouth of
the Niger that the explorers expedition is
marching westward along the upper waters of
the east branch Of the river. This is the
quarter indicated by Mr.. Johnston in his re-
markable article in "The Fortnightly Review
as the one from which the earliest tidings would
be received The route, while long one en-
bracing circuit Of at least $500 miles from
the mouth of the Aruwimi to Wadeai and
thence through Darfur to Lake Tsad and the
Niger, would involve little danger and no great
difficulty for the greater part Of the way. As
soon as Lake Tsad and the Sokoto Empire were
reached the explorers troubles would be at an
end. as the tribes are not warlille and the dis
trct has frequently been traversed by African
travellers during recent years. II he could
succeed in maintaining friendly relations with
the natives of Western Darfur and Wadai he
would have the influence Of the Senusi in his
favor, and could pursue his long and round
about journey in security. Apparently he has
overcome all obstacles and is now safe If the
earliest rumors are fully confirmed, as we con-
fidently believe will be the case, Stanley's
within few weeks.
The last direct communications received from
Stanley were written early in July,
1887. Emin's latest advices were dated
December 2, 1887. At that time
Stanley had not reached Wadelai but
it is probable that before the year closed
the two explorers met. Having entered the
Equatorial Provinces, Stanley would not have
desired to remain there. He would naturally
have turned over to Emin such supplies as he
had been allie TO carry with HIM, and then have
looked about for the safest line Of retreat
Emin undoubtedly would refuse to accept an
offer of an escort, prefcrring to remain at his
post like Gordon at Khartoum, rather than to
abandon the population which had been loyal
to him. Having resolved to retreat, Stanley
would have TO choose between returning to the
Congo and striking across the deserts for the
headwaters Of the Niger. With the powerful
tribes in the basin of Victoria Nyanza hostile
to Emin retreat to Zanzibar would be cut off,
and with Khartoum in the hands of the NIahdi
the Nile could not be descended His terrible
experiences in the Aruwim Valley would warn
Stanley against retracing his steps, and thus
by gradual process Of exclusion the Niger
route would finally be accorded the preference.
1t is reasonable to conclude that early in the
spring he set out from Wadelai for Darfur and
the Sokoto Empire.
This theory fits in with all the inexplicable
rumors about the White Pacha. Stanley prob
ably appeared on the borders Of the Mann
Nam country, not while advancing to relieve
Emin, but while retreating north and west
toward Lake Tsad. The natives Of the Bahr-
el-Ghazal district would not have known his
name, and as the news was carried by traders
from the villages Of Darfur to Khartoum he
would have been represented naturally as an
English or European Pacha. The Mahdi, ap-
parenty alarmed by tho reports, sent out in
pursuit an army, which, according to the latest
accounts, had crossed Darfur and enforced the
submission Of the Sultan of Wada The White
Pacha has disappeared from the rectals re-
ceived from the SOudan, and without doubt for
the sufficient reason that he had Como on ahead
OF the AIahdi's forces and reached the head
waters of the Niger. SANKEY'S temperance
on the west coast will be surprise almost rs
startling as his first arrival at the mouth Of the
Congo after traversing the Dark Continent
1t will be an achievement worthy of his fame,
and will add another chapter to life of MOI
velous adventure.