The St. Johns herald., 1899-12-23

Of the numerous instances that might be recorded in illustration of the organized traffic in human beings which exists, reference may be made to the conditions which hold in the district through which the Lulungu River pass les. This river, which constitutes con- siderable aff1uent of the Congo, empties into the latter river, on the south bank, at a point some 800 miles from the At 'lantic coast. Within a short distance of the confluence is to be found series of strongly fortified villages, represent ing the headquarters of the Ngombi, wherein numbers of slaves are impris- oned, pending the periodical visits of traders from the Ubangi country, which lis situated on the opposite side of the Congo. A visit to one of these slave depots at the mouth of the Lulun- gu River reveals a condition of say agery and suffering beyond all ordinary power of description. At the period to which these remarks bear reference 1t Twas no uncommon experience to wit ness at one time upward of hundred Icapdves of both sexes and of all ages, including infants, in their wretched mothers arms, lying in groups; masses of utterly forlorn humanity, with eyes ldowncast in a stony stare, with bodies lattenuated by starvation, and with skin of that dull gray hue, which among col lored races is always indicative of phy- lsical distress.
 In cases when a suspicion existed of ian individual captives intention or ability to escape, such unfortunate crea- !ture was doomed to lie hObbled with one foot forced through hole cut in ithe section of a log, while spearhead WAS driven into the wood close beside the limb, rendering 1t impossible to move except at the expense of lacera- :tion. Other means to insure the prison ier's safe custody consisted in binding both hands above the head to the king post of a hut, or in binding the arms and plating the hair into braid, which vas made fast to a branch overhead. At intervals these villages were visited by the Ubangi, who came in large dug out war canoes, and the process of bar ter commenced, elephant tusks being the medium of currency used In the purchase of the slaves. Upon the con- cluson of this unnatural transaction, the visitors retired, taking with them as many of the individuals as had been transferred to their possession in the tedious process of bargaining. Upon reaching their destination the captives were in most cases subjected to many further Ordeals, being exchanged into other hands, until eventually, after having been deliberately fattened, they met their tragic fate, and their bodies were consumed.
 There is a prevalent belief among many of the riverine tribes of the Up per Congo that the flavor of human flesh is improved by submerging the prospective victim up to the neck in water for two or three days previous to the sacrifice. Indeed, upon two sep arate occasions 1t was my privilege to release several poor creatures who were bound hand and foot to stakes in the river In certain native market places, notably in the vicinity of the Ubangi, it is an ordinary occurrence for captiYes to be exposed for sale, in most cases with the sinister fate In view of being killed and eaten. PrOpOrtionate- ly. a greater number of men than wom- en fall victims to cannibalsm, the req son being that women who are still young are esteemed as being of greater value. by reason of utility in growing and cooking food. This rule does not, however. hold good throughout. for in the vicinity of the Aruimi River our observations revealed contrary order of custom.
 Probably the most inhuman practice of all is 10 be met with among the tribes who deliberately hawk the victim piece meal while still alive. Incredible as it may appear, the fact remains justified by an only too abundant proof; Captives are led from place to place in order that individuals may have the opportunity of indicating. by external marks upon the body, the portion they desire 10 ac- uuire The distinguishing marks are generally made by means of colOred clay. or strips of grass tied in partic- ular fashion. The astounding StOiciSm of the victim, who thus witnesses tho bargaining for his limbs. is only equaleG by the callouSnesS with which he walk forward to meet his fate. In eXplana- ton of the extraordinary indifference +h,S ,liSnlo vad if pan only he a assumed that death is robbed of all terror, life under conditions of slavery offering so little attraction.-CaSselrS Magazine.