The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1892-04-04
ton, although, needless to say, the natives
were by no means the losers in their trans
actions with the "Bebe bwana."

ton, although, needless to say, the natives
were by no means the losers in their trans
actions with the "Bsbe bwana."
Tho marches Of the caravan were neces-
sarily irregular over q difficult, rugged
country, = long days march leaving the
traveller tired and weary, and perhaps only
Q few miles ahead of the sncampment eff
the previous night. For reasons polite
she stopped using during the day her elab-
crate p%alanquln, preferring to march at the
head of the aravan, lnfuaing confidence
into the hearts of her native followers and
at the same time atfording hsnrelf a better
opportunity of viewing the country and the
natives as she proceeded. and, when oppor-
tunity offered, taking snap shots with one
or the other Of her photographic apparatus.
tribute of praise for tho obedieat. patient,
accomplishing way in which, for a small
pittAnce, they marched day after day
carrying from tifty-Gix to seventy pounds
of baggage on their heads, in addition to
their personal effects. It is her belief,
Africa can never attain to a prosperous
state until such time as railroads or some
other means OF transportation supplant
these human beasts OF burden.
She has at heart the freedom of the
slaves, but not by the presentation of aman-
cipation, which is only an encouragement
to idlsness. She deairss that these. east
African slaves should be freed through
their own sxertions, by which means, While
engaged in the task of emnncipating them
selves, they may at the same time be
learning some useful craft or calling which
will enable them to live honestly and indie
pendently after their freedom is accom-
pliahed andy no means the least impor-
tRnt factor IN the aoheme-have been
practically taught an excellent object les
son in industry.
The exhibition presented to tho audience
Of the gifts received by tbs lecturer from
tho various Tribes was not only interesting
in itself, but was also q palpable proof OF
the estimation in which she was held by tho
natives. Shs had evidently been &ble to
win their confidence, especially that of the
women and children, in a way no male
traveller can ever hope to do. She had thus
succeeded in obtaining information OF great
interest aud novelty and in securing OBJ
jsota MAYER bafore seen out of Africa.
The illustrations shown by aid of the
lantern displayed the good practical work
that had been done, the pictures OF tho ma
tivsa being the most natural and effective.
and evidently taken Mt the most opportune
moments. presenting themselves to the ex-
plorer whom they wers off guard and in
fsmals attire, which had beon worn by
native women, and which they would
ON no account pat With to
men; there wore bells placed by mothers
on the ankles of their little blnck babies to
encourage thcn to walk; wigs, rings, tg-
leaf aprons, bracelets, necklsta, belts, arm
lots and girdlex of beads; hair ornaments,
beautiful sIeara, shielda, poisoned arrows,
fire arrows, pombe cur 8, household utensils.
From Lake Chala their we're birds shot by
the traveller. akin to the wild duok OF large
size water fowl, and a beautiful monkey
skin.
With tho private household life of the
natives Mrs. Sheldon WAS very familiar,
having been TO all intcnts and purpoEeR an
inmate of several native famllzcs. und the
details she had to give of this marriage and
funeral ritas were l~isteneo to eagerly.
Throughout her journey Mrs. Sheldon
made a point of keeping up appearances
and imprsssing the chiefs with the gor-
.geousnsas Of he appa.el. nppearing before
them at all formal paiavsfBin II white silk
ball gown, trimmed with silver.