The evening times., 1899-09-20
CANNIBALS OF THE CONGO.
Inhuman Practices of Tribes Who
Eat Their FeIIowmen.

(From CasselPs Magazine.)
OF the numerous instances that might
be recorded in illustration of the organ
lied traffic in human beings which exists
reference may be made to the condition
which the Lulungu River passes. This
river which constitutes a considerable af-
fluent of the Congo. empties into the latter
river, on the south bank, at point some
eight hundred miles from the Atlantic
coast Within a short distance OF the con-
iuence is to be found series OF strongly
fortified villages, representing the head
quarters of the Ngombi, wherein num-
bers OF slaves are Imprisoned pending the
periodical visits Of traders from the
Ubangi country, which is situated on The
opposite side of the Congo. visit TO one
Of these slave depots at the mouth of the
Lulungu River reveals condition OF saw
agry and suffering beyond all ordinary
powers of description. At the period to
which these remarks bear reference, ii
was no uncommon experience TO witness
at one time upward Of hundred captlVes,
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 starya-
ton, and with skin of that dull grey hue
which among colored races is always in
dicative of physical distress.
In cases when a suspicion existed of an
individual captive's intention OF ability
to escape, such unfortunate creature was
doomed to lie hobbled with one foot
forced through a hole cut in the section
of log, while spearhead was driven into
the wood close beside the limb, render
ing il impossible to move except at :he
expense of laceration. Other means TO
insure the prisoners safe custody consisted
in binding both hands above the head to
the kngpost of a hut, or in binding the
arms and plating the hair into a braid.
which was made fast TO a branch over
head At intervals these villages were
visited by the Ubangi, who came in large
dugout war canoes, and the process OF
barter commenced, elephant tusks being
the medium of currency used in the pur-
chase of the slaves. Upon the conclusion
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 des-
tination the captives were, in most cases,
subjected to many further ordeals, being
exchanged into other hands, until event.
ually, after having been deliberately fat
tened, they met their tragic fate and their
bodies were consumed.
There is a prevalent belief among many
OF the riverine tribes of the Upper Congo
that the flavor of human flesh is improved
by submerging the prospective victim up
TO the neck in the water for two or three
days previous to sacrifice. Indeed, upon
two separate occasions it 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 ordi-
nary occurrence for captives to be exposed
for SALE in most cases with the sinister
fate in view Of being killed and eaten.
Proportionately, a greater number OF men
than women fall victims to cannibalism,
the reason being that women who are still
young are esteemed as being of greater
value, by reason OF their utility In growing
and cooking food. This rule does not,
however, hold good throughout, for in the
vicinity of the Aruimi River our observa-
tions reevaled 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 piecemeal
while still alive. Incredible as ii may ap
pear, 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 ex-
ternal marks upon the body, the portion
they desire to acquire. The distinguishing
marks are generally made by means of
colored clay, or stripes of grass tied in a
particular fashion. The astounding stoic-
ism of the victim, who thus witnesses the
bargaining for his limbs, is only equalled
by the callousness with which he walks
forward to meet his fate. In explanation
of the extraordinary indifference thus dis
played il can only be assumed that death
is robbed of all terror, life under condi
tions of slavery Offering SO little attrac-
fian