The daily morning journal and courier., 1902-09-12
AFRICAN CANNIBALS.
HORRIBLE PRACTICES OF THE HAN EATERS OF THE KONGO.

AAAI 4E<z4 41lltJ OI HE AO&NNOs The Victims Led From Place to Place, So That Prospective Purchasers May Mark Portions They Desire When the Killing Occurs.
 Of the numerous instances that might be recorded in illustration of the organ ized traffic in human beings which ex- ists, reference may be made to the con- ditions which hold in the district which the Lulungu river passes. This river, which constitutes a considerable affluent of th Eongo, empties into the latter river he south bank, at a pont some eigs 4undred miles from the Atlantic coast. Within 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 Kongo.
 A visit to one of these slave depots at the mouth of the Lulungu river reveals condition of savagery and suffering beyond all ordinary powers of descrip- eion. At the period to which these re- marks bear reference, it was no uncom- mon experience to witness at one time upward of hundred captives, of both o,16 Nf oil iy1Hl1lAiTfcr inf tc in their wretched mothers arms, lying in groups; masses of utterly forlorn hu- manity, with eyes downcast in a stony stare, with bodies attenuated by starva- ton, and with skin of that dull gray hue which among colored races is al- ways indicative of physical distress.
 In cases when a suspension existed of an individual captives intention or abil- ity to escape, such unfortunate creature was doomed to lie hobbled with one foot forced through hole cut in the section of a log, while a spearhead was driven into the wood close beside the limb, ren- dering it impossible to move except at the expense of laceration. Other means to insure the prisoners safe custody consisted in binding both hands above the head to the king post of hunt, 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 visi- ted 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 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 te- dious process of bargaining.
 Upon reaching their destination the captives were, in most cases, subjected to many further ordeals, being eX changed into other hands, until eventu- ally, 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 Kongo that the flavor of human flesh is improved by sdbmerging the prospec- tive victim up to the neck in the water for two or three days previous to the 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, nota- bly, in the vicinity of the Ubangi, it is an ordinary occurrence for captives to be exposed for sale, in most eases with the sinister fate in view of being killed and eaten. Proportionately, 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, how ever, hold good throughout, for in the vicinity of the Aftlimi river our obser- vations revealed contrary order of custom.
 Probobly the most inhuman practice of all is to be met with among the tribes who deliberately hawk the vic- tim pieeemeal while still alive. Incred- ible as it may appear, the fact remans justified by an only too abundant proof. Captives are led from place to place in order that individuals may have the op- poTIulllty oL 4HuISatiiS' oS CA'Shii"i marks upon the body, the portion they desire to acquire. The distinguishing marks are generally made by means of colored clay strips of grass tied in a particular fashion
 The astounding stoicism of the victim, who thus witnesses the bargaining for his limbs. is only equaled by the cal- lousness with which he walks forward to meet his fate. In explanation of the ordinary indifference thus displayed it can only be assumed that death is robbed of all terror life under condi- tions of slavery offering so little attrac- tion.-Herbert Ward in Cassell's Maga- zine.