New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-04-08
THE CONGO FREE STATE oUTRAGEs
A Protest to the Christian Nations Of the
World Against Belgian Policy.

To the Editor Of Tho Tribune.
Sir: The atrocities upon the natives OF the
Congo Free State charged against the Belgians
resident in that part Of Africa have aroused con-
siderable indignation in Great Britain, and as
consequences OF the maladministration OF the Congo
Free State by the officials appointed by King Leo
pold there has been recently organized in Liver
pool. England an association composed OF repre-
sentative Englshmen-the Congo Reform Associa-
tion-which is taking active part in ferretlng
out and exposing these crimes against the helpless
blacks In the Congo. monster public meeting
was held in Philharmonic Hail. Liverpool. on
March q. which was presided over by Alfred
Enmott NJ p and at which the following resolu-
ton was submitted by z. d. Morel. the Editor OF
THE West African Mall:
That. in view of the official confirmation Of the
demio condition Of outrageous oppression upon the
native peoples accompanied by baroariues Oh
This meeting desires to express its hearty aP-
prevail of the steps already taken By his majesty
government in approaching the signatory powers
of the Berlin General act, by virtue OF whch the
And further desires TO assure the government
that in the determination to redress those wis
Il may count upon the support OF a united people
The resolution was unanimously adopted
In personal letter to the writer. Just received
from the secretary Of this association. the grounds
on which this resolution was based are stated
TO be as follows: The abominable misrule OF the
Congo State has aroused growing indignation for
considerable time past Evidence has accumulated
perpetrated upon the Congo people by the officials
OF the administration and OF the rubber trust
which the administration efrectually directs Any
doubt which might have been entertained as to the
accuracy Of tho frequent exposure OF Congo State
methods or as to the impartiality OF the reports
at hand from the Congo has now been entirely
dispeued by tho publication Of the official report
the British Consuls Journey in the Upper Congo,
coupled with the scathing remarks OF Lord Cromer.
That report. rightly described as zone OF the most
apr IN mt m
firms up TO tho hilt the charges laid the door OF
the Congo Free State
What are some Of these charges7 First. that
the Forest Guard maintained by tho Belgian gov
eminent. stationed in the various towns. with
arms. compel the natives to bring in the rubber.
Second. these natives compelled to work
days q week at what are called state imposi-
tons: FOR the bulk OF this work they receive a
State government IN the equator district Cypress
Third, one hundred women often compelled to
work IN coffee plantation two days a week with
out compensate don. Fourth, natives shot down
doorsteps. because the taxes. supplies of rations
without food to sustain their bodies they are shot
has been done bv state ofic,eIs ~ the 8anRnio
districts AZ series or towns called Mogondo towns
fusing to submit 70 the arbitrary demands OF tho
traders. and arc otherwise horribly mutllated
crimes at the hands Of these subjects OF King
Leopold. crimes so revolving that they cannot DO
These are only few Of the atrocities committed
against these helpless blacks in the Congo Free
State hy the subjects OF King Leopold.
The Secretary or State for the Congo Free State
aroused by the HcathinE report OF the British Con-
sui Of the shameful and disEracefu conduct OF the
Belgian government in the Congo. has made a Ia
bored attempt 70 deny the accuracy OF Consul
Easements findings and has had the brazen ef-
frontery 20 state that the blacks cut Off their own
hands rs a result OF native custom His answer
to these grave charges ia not by any means con-
vincinR. nor IS II creditable to his Intelligence or
his common sense. The eyes or the world upon
Belgium In the Congo Free State. and 81 cannot
bar IN rift
the righteous Judgment Of Heaven. The negroes
or America SHOULD take CognZance OF these atroci-
ties and joi- in protest to the Christian nations
OF the world against the damuable policy OF Bel
GUM IN the Congo Free State, which permits its
avariciOus and grasping subjects to terrorize and
brutalze a people who have never offended them
JOHN Z. BRUCE.
Yonkers. y. Y, March 30, 1904