New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-01-20
Local Officials Get Commission
on All Rubber Gathered
by Natives.
ny Ralph A. Durand.

1t IS beyond the power of human skill to draft
a perfect constitution. No legislator. however
able however broadminded. profting by the ac-
cumulated experience Of centuries. could con-
struct a legislative policy that would be free
from the germs OF possible abuse. The best con-
situations OF the modern world have been
watered with the blood OF men who fought for
liberty. ripened by the labOrs OF generations
and perfected by the gradual pruning away Of
such elements altering conditions have rem
dered barren yet even they must constantly
modify and adapt their laws 10 meet the needs
Of ever changing conditions. This should be re-
nembered b. those who impeach as we'll as
those who are responsible for. the administration
OF the Congo Free State
When IN the year 1885 representatives OF the
various European states at the Berlin Confer
agreed 10 recognize the Association Inter
national du Congo an independent power
under the name OF the Congo Free State no
fault was found IN It's scheme of government
Its pledges regarded with satisfaction, It's
purpose was hailed with enthusiasm
After twenty years trial the Congo Free state
again occupies the attention of Europe. Grad
ually and reluctantly the civilized world has
awakened to the fact that tho Congo States
administration not only falls lamentaby short
Of it's original intentions. but is absolutely in
consistent with modern ideals. This conviction
found expression at first I'm private representa-
lions TO King Leopold since il was felt that a
sovereign with so high reputation for philan-
thropy could not be aware of what was taking
place IN Africa in his name. These representa-
tons proving Intellectual, were followed by for
NAL protests from the British government To the
high administrators OF the Congo state. \
scheme of reform which has been reluctantly
and tardily devised by King Leopold and those
Immediately responsible 10 nm NOT Dcln& OF
such nature 10 inspire confidence, 1t has
now become necessary to consider what active
measures can be taken to bring about a real re-
a
necessary not merely that existing abuses should
be checked. but that the flaw in the legislature
which makes such abuses possible should be
found and eradcated. From various causes the
Congo Free States objects have become CONNER
cal instead OF benevolent. Its imperialist Ideals
have given way TO greed for gain and from this
seed has sprung the corruption which now pre-
walls.
That the Congo Free State has ceased To de-
serve the good opinion of the world Is largely
due to the natural defects of humanity. Imag-
Inc limited liability company founded with
the dual motive OF proselytiZlng and acquiring
revenue, For the first few years of its exist
encc. while zeal and enthusiasm stiu dominated
it's members, the philanthropic side of It's work
would he prosecuted with IS much energy its
more worldly side Later on. when enthusiasm
had cooled somewhat and some OF its shares had
changed hands more interest would be displayed
in the latter. impatient shareholders would ask
the directors to take read the list of con-
verts and pass on to a declaration of the divi-
dend II this not satisfactory, directors
who would undertake to procure larger profits
would take the place OF their less worldly mind
ed colleagues. and gradually the proselytiZing
objects of the society would become entirely
subordinate to its commercial interests
similar change IS noticeable in the policy of
the Congo Free state. The falling away from
its original high purpose has been gradually
caused by unlocked for difficulties bringing its
ideals and it's material interests into direct OPP
position with the inevitable result that the for
mer were sacrificed to the latter. The latter
have more and more influenced the policy of the
state until the benevOlence of its original
intentions is apparent only in state regulations
for the treatment OF natives. the observance OF
which is utterly at variance with the methods
O. .ldnniuist n tInn ACTUALLY in