The White Pine news. [volume] (Treasure City, Nev.) 1868-1906, 1899-12-21


OF the numerous instances that
might be recorded In illustration OF the
organized traffic n human beings which
exists. reference may be made to the
conditions which hold In the district
through which the Lulunga River pass
les. This river, which constitutes q con-
siderable affiuent of the Congo, empties
into the latter river, on the south bank,
at point some 800 miles from the At
ilantic coast. Within a short distance
of the confluence is to be found series
of strongly fortified villages represent
Ing the headquarters of the Ng0mbi,
wherein numbers of slaves are impris-
loned, 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-
Igu River reveals a condition OF saw
lagery and suffering beyond all ordinary
power of description. At the period to
(which these remarks bear reference 1t
was no uncommon experience to wit
ness at one time upward OF hundred
Icaptiyes 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
Iattenuated by starvation. and with skin
of that dull gray hue, which among col
ored races is always indicative OF ply
lsical distress.
In cases when suspicion existed OF
ian Individual captiye's intention or
ability to escape, such unfortunate crea-
iture was doomed to lie hobbled with
lone foot forced through hole cut In
1.-THE section of a log, while a spearhead
was driven into the wood close beside
the limb, rendering 1t 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 a braid, which
was 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-
iclusion 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 captiyes
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, 1t 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-
ily, greater number of men than wom-
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
land cooking food. This rule does not,
however, hold good throughout. for in
the vicinity of the Aruimi River our
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 It
may appear, the fact remains justified
by an only too abundant proof; captivcs
are led from place to place In order that
individuals may have the opportunity
lof indicating, by external marks upon
the body. the portion they desire to &C.
iquire. 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 the
bargaining for his limbs. is only equaleG
by the callousness with which he walk.
forward to meet his fate In expIana-
ton of the extraordinary indifference
sfhus dianla yQ6 n oan only laa occun,a6
that death is robbed of all terror. life
under conditions of slavery offering so
little attraction.-Ca ssell's Magazine.
The War Spirit.
Yes. when Willie grows up we In.