Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1899-11-29

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 afIluent of the Congo, empties
into the latter river, on the south bank.
ut a point some 800 miles from the At
lantic coast. Within q 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 1t
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 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 captive's intention or
ability to escape, such unfortunate crea-
ture was doomed to lie hobbled with
one foot forced through a hole cut in
the section of a log. while a spearhead
was driven into the wood close beside
the limb. rendering it impossible to
.love 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 a hut, or in binding the arms
and plating the hair into 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
purchase Of the slaves. Upon the con-
clusion Of this unnatural transaction,
the visitors retired, taking with them
IS many Of the individuals as had been
transferred to their possession in the
tedious process Of bargaining -
reaching their dnsfiuatiun the e1rtiFes.
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
we're consumed.
There is a prevalent belief among
many Of the riverine tribes Of the Up
per Congo that the flavor Of human
1esh is improved by submerging the
water for two or three days previous
20 the sacrifice. Indeed. upon two sep
arate occasions 1t was my privilege to
release several poor creatures who
we're bound hand and foot to stakes in
he river. In certain native market
places, notably in the vicinity Of the
Jbangi. 1t is an ordinary occurrence for
| .aptives to be exposed for sale, In most
Eases with the sinister fate In view Of
being killed and eaten. Proportionate-
Y, q greater number Of men than wom-
IN 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 our
observations revealed a contrary order
" custom.
Probably the most iEhuman practice
If all is to be met with among the tribes
who deliberately hawk the victim piece
neal while still alive. Incredible as 1t
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
If indicating, by external marks upon
.he body, the portion they desire to ac-
4uire. The distinguishing marks are
generally made by means of colored
,lay, or strips of grass tied in a partic-
liar fashion. The astounding stoicism
If the victim, who thus witnesses the
bargaining for his limbs. is only equaled
oy the callousness with which he walks
forward to meet his fate. In explana-
lion of the extraordinary Indifference
thus displayed it can only be assumed
that death is robbed Of all terror, life