The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1891-10-16
A WOMAN In AFRICA.
MRS. FRENCH SHELDoWS STORY OF
HER ARDUOUs JOURNEY.

She Penetrated Countries Where the
Face of a White Woman Had Neve
Been Seen-She Encountered Many Pc
cuIar Difficulties, but Was Successful
One of the most interesting addresses
made before the British association was
Mrs. French Sheldon's on her journey in
! Africa, where she visited Mount Kilima-
| Marc and Lake Tchala. Mrs. Sheldon is
best known as a literary worker, and her
! trip to the African wilderness was much of
a surprise TO all who knew her. Various
motives were ascribed to her which she had
never for a moment entertained She made
no profession of possessing scientific attri-
butes, and had no thought of geographical
exploration. Her plan was to study the
native habits and customs free from the
influence of civilization and in their primi-
tive condition She started on her journey
without conpanionship or the assistance
of lieutenant, and not even with adoctoE
The expedition of $50 men was PERSONAL
ly directed, disciplined and led by herself
Her English stewardess was taken serious
ly i'll, and the expedition had 70 carry her
for three-foErtbs of the distance in a most
dangerous condition. The majority of her
caravan party were unframed and unre-
liable, and until she gained complete mas
terry over them there was disposition to
be rebelieus. The hazard, however, was
taken with eyes open, and the responsible
ty was incurred in order that a portion of
the country should be visited which was
solely inhabited by natives who had never
seen the faces of white men or women
She received before starting many hints
from men like Mr.. Stanley and other trav-
eIers. She mad besides read most of the
books on the subject, and taking warning
from their mishaps, she tried 70 effect the
formation of caravan free from liability
to such dangers; but the time was short
and great haste had to be made
cUELLTEG MUTIEoUs MEX.
The start vas made from Zanzibar. But
there she had great difficulty in securing
suitable men The sultan personally as
sisted her, however, and at length the
quota was made up. The men were after
ward mutinous, and gave her indescriba-
bic trouble
She had expected hardships, but she did
not expect 10 have, day after day, IN the
solitude of the desert, 70 contend with new
difficulties which arose and TO overcome
which almost needed more than human
aid. There was nothing left 20 her but 10
gain absolute control over her men This
could only De done oy an application OF ths
rawhide whip. She efsen lay awake az
night trying 70 decide what would be the
best thing TO DO. Had she consulted her
OWE first impulses she would have shot
more than once every man IN the caravan
she found, however, that certain de-
gree OF patience had 10 be cultivated and
when punishment had 10 be mesed out i
was necessary 70 Taft patiently for the exc
cutioa Of orders This delay was ons Of
the moss dI4Ilcss.i taspgs she lad 20 contend
against. becsEse CT aeT inPREIeDce 20 have
her orders executed The ha7dships en-
tailed By the climate were also very great.
The relas bAd beEan 70 fail. ana when
marching she snd Der party were frequent
ly up 10 the armpits IN water or hail sunk
IN marshes. ~
II was interesting 70 observe that the