Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1899-12-08
TRADE IN HUMANITY.
CANNl BALiSM IN THE congo
COUNTRY OF AFRICA.
Savasery of the Slave Traffic Be-
tween Two cf the Native Tribes-Yic-
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 con-
siderable affiuent of the Congo, empties
into the latter river, on the south bank,
at point some 500 miles from the At.
lantic coast. Within a short distance
Of the confluence is 10 be found series
of strongly fortified villages. represent
ing the headquarters of the Ngombi,
wherein numbers of slaves are impris-
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 condition Of saw
agery and suffering beyond all ordinary
power Of description. At the period to
which these remarks bear reference It
was no uncommon experience to wit.
ness at one time upward of 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 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
sical distress,
In cases when a suspicion existed of
an individual captives intention OF
ability to escape, such unfortunate crea.
ture was doomed to lie hobbled with
one foot forced through a hole cut in
the section of log. while a spearhead
was driven into the wood close beside
the limb, rendering ii impossible to
move except at the expense of lacera-
tion. Other means to insure the prison
er's safe custody consisted in binding
both bands above the head to the king
post Of q 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
the medium of currency used in the
purchase of the slaves. Upon the con-
clusion 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 destinat ton the captives
we've in most cases subjected to many
further ordeals, being exchanged into
other hands, until eventually, after
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 favor 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 10 stakes In
the river. In certain native market
places, notably in the vicinity Of the
Ubangi 1t is an ordinary occurrence for
captives to be exposed for sale, in most
cases with the sinister fate in view Of
being killed and eaten. proportlonate-
ly, greater number of men than wom-
en- fall victims to canniballSm, 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
tile vicinity Of the Aruimi River our
observations revealed n contrary order
of custom.
Probably the most inbTuan 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; captives
are led from place to place In order that
individuals may have the opportunity
of indicating. by external marks upou
the body, the portion they desire to ac-
quire. The distinguishing marks are
generally made by means os colored
clay, or strips of grass tied in q part!c.
ular fashion. The astounding stoicsm
of the victim, who thus witnesses the
bargaining for his limbs, Is only cqualed
by the callousness with which he walks
forward to meet his fate. In explana.
ton Of the extraordinary indifference
thus displayed 1t can only be assumed
that death Is robbed of all terror, life
under conditions of slavery Offering SO
little attractlon.-Cassell's Magazine.