The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-04-05
King Leopold, of Belgium, Ac
eused by Missionary
OF Having 10000 Armed Man.
Eaters in Congo.
WHOLESALE MURDER.
Natives Are Being Killed Off in
Large Numbers.
Hands Cut Of and Preserved as
Evidence.

Louisville, KY, April 5.-Dr. W. NJ.
Morrison, a southern Presbyterian
minister to the Congo Free State, in
speaking to the Presbyterian ministers
association here gave an impressive
recital of the alleged barbarities prac-
ticed upon the natives of the Congo
state by those holding the power, and
of the obstacles thrown in the way of
their correction by the authorities.
I lived with the people for seven
years.. said DR.. Morrison.
Leopold has there a native cannf-
bal army of 10000 men, Differed by
white Belgians and armed with repeat
ing rifles These men, representing the
worst and most savage type of the ma
ives, were first caught. then carried
Tar away from their homes and forced
into this military service
There, in turn, the caninbal SOL
dlery is used to compel the natives to
bring in enormous tribute of ivory and
India rubber 1t is worth noting that
the king of Belgium is reported to be
the largest dealer in ivory and rubber
in the world.
'As a result of this forced labor and
military service great and unspeak-
able cruelties are practiced on the ma
tive people. nave seen a number of
times at least $4,000 fleeing into the
forests to escape from the cannibal
soldiers of King Leopold; I have seen
these soldiers securing through the
forests, and after catching a number
of men, whom the government wanted
as laborers, going away with the can
tives tied together by ropes around
their necks. Raids upon villages are
being constantly made. some of the
people are killed and eaten. others are
carried away into captivity and sold
others are forced into labor and mill
tary service. can buy all the slaves
you want at Luebo at from SO to 81,
a piece.
when these raids are made the mos
awful cruelties are practiced. Innocen
women and children are killed or cap
tured, hands are cut off to be taken bacl
to the white Belgian officers to SHOW
that the work has been well done am
great sections are being depOpuIated. On
of these raids was made near one of on
mission statiOns-One of our missiOnarie
went to the scene and counted eighty-on
hands cut off and drying over a fire e
be taken back to the Belgian officers.
dead bodies were counted lying near by
The belgian government makes the usua
stereOtyped denial of all these CHARGES
have seen personally the governor Of tn
Congo state. He won't do anything.
have been in the palace of the King o
Belgium and have seen the most pronf
nent officials of the Congo government
They won't do anything. The Englisl
government Is greatly interested in III
situation At the request of Lord I.ans
down preferred statement of such out
walton.
Consul Roger Easement. as English an
acting American representative in tn
Congo state. has Just made tour of in
NesHBaton ana ms report in the hand
OF our government at Washington. pre-
scented most deplorable situation Of At
fairs.
Asa government we do owe sonethir,
to the O,o00el0 of black people in the Con
90 state w nat are we going TO do2"