Walker Lake bulletin. (Hawthorne, Nev.) 1883-1926, 1899-11-29

Savagery of the Slave Traffic Be
tween Two of the Native Tribes Vic
Tins Led Around, and Choice Cuts
Sold 'on Foot"
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
es. This river, which constitutes a con
siderable atiiuent of the Congo, empties
into the latter river, on the south bank,
at point some 800 miles from the At
lantic coast. Within II 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
is 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 saw
agery and suffering beyond all ordinary
power of description. At the period TO
which these remarks bear reference II
was no uncommon experience to wit
ness at one time upward of a hundred
captives of both sexes and of all ages,
including infants, in their wretched
mothers arms, lying in groups; masses
of utterly forlorn humanity, with eyes
downcast in a stony stare, with bodies
attenuated by starvation, and with skin
of that dull gray hue, which among col
ored races is always indicative Of ply
steal distress.
In cases when a suspicion existed OF
an individual captives intention or
ability to escape, such unfortunate crea-
ture was doomed to lie hobbled with
one foot forced through a hole cut IL
the section of log, while spearhead
was driven into the wood close beside
the limb, rendering it impossible to
move except at the expense of lacera
ton. Other means to insure the prison
er's safe custody consisted In binding
both hands above the head to the king
post of hut, or in binding the arms
and plating the hair into braid, which
was made fast to 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
1F n
purchase of the slaves. Upon the con
cluson of this unnatural transaction
the visitors retired, taking with then
as many of the individuals as had beef
transferred to their possession In thu
tedious process of bargaining. Upoi
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, ana their bodies
were consumed.
There is a prevalent belief among
many Of the riverne tribes of the Up
per Congo that the flavor of human
flesh Is improved by submerglng tbs
prospective victim up to the neck In
water for two or three days previous
to the sacrifice. Indeed, upon two sep
arate occasions it was my privilege Il
release several poor creatures whc
were bound hand and foot to stakes ir
the river In certain native marker
places. notably in the vicinity of the
Ubangi. 1t is an ordinary occurrence fol
captiyes to be exposed for sale, in mos
cases with the sinister fate In view OF
being killed and eaten. Proportionate-
ly. a greater number of men than Won
en- fall victims to cannibalism, the rea
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 oul
observations revealed a contrary order
of custom
Probably the most inhuman practice
of all is to be met with among the tribes
who deliberately hawk the victim piece
meal while still alive. Incredible as Il
may appear, the fact remains justified
by an only too abundant proof; captiye'
are led from place to place in order tha
individuals may have the opportnnit.
of indicating, by external marks upoi
the body, the portion they desire to ac
auire. The distinguishing marks ar'
generally made by means of coloref
clay, or strips of grass tied in a partic
,ular fashion. The astounding stoicisn
of the victim, who thus witnesses tht
bargaining for his limbs, is only equalet
by the callousness with which he walk
forward to meet his fate. In eXpana
tion of the extraordinary Indifference
thus displayed 1t can only be assumed
that death is robbed of all terror, lif'
under conditions Of slavery offering S
little action.-Cassell's Magazine.
The War Spirit.
"Yes. when Willie grows up we In