The Rathdrum tribune. (Rathdrum, Idaho) 1903-1963, 1922-03-24

of nations, intrigue and secret treaties,
even murder and shipwTecking were
then resorted to commonly, and the
powers highest in Egypt and the Con-
go, not to mention Germany, were then
laying the foundations for the great
African possessions Of today; men like
Stanley were inconsequential items in
the vast scheme. Stanley's pathetic
last days can be likened to those of
Columbus and other great discoveries
whose direct methods did not agree
with the policy of statescraft. The
names of the white men in all official
reports are those of the favored ma
tionalities; Shinzels name with those
Of outside nationals is not mentioned.
Yet he was an actor in the great
drama and his answers to questions,
drawn from him, show him to be the
pOssessor OF many of the secrets Of
the days of trial and conquest passed
by the devoted band of explorers, I'M
der Stanley. He speaks of the daily
hardships of the trail, which can be
best explained by the statement that
much of the time the expedition aver
aged but nix miles per day when
marching; wild animals were numer-
Gus; man-eating tigers and lions con-
slant menace, against which guard
was constantly maintained; he was
among other hair-raising adventures,
freed by rhinocerous. Aside from
these perils, there was the ever-pres-
ent uncertainty of hostile natives;
sometimes daily battles; disease was
everywhere, even insects carried
death in an apparently harmless sting.
Volumes might be written about these
experiences, but few of them were
sufficiently pleasant for the narrator
to relate. Among the strange things
seen, mentioned by other African trav-
elers. were the race of so-called pig |
mics; military ants, and the colony of |
monkeys who understood how to make |
fires, and who hunted for food at night |
with lighted torches.
Sinzel has the supreme satisfaction
Of knowing that he was one of the first
white men who travelled 1000 miles of
The Congo river, and thus gave to civ.
lization one of the brightest jewels in
he crown of hidden African myster-
les, which is glory enough for any
nan. He says he has lived in many
places and likes Washington-theS po-
ZANE valley the best; the only spot
compared to it, is at the headwaters
If the Nile and the Congo; he says
hat country is natural paradise.
When the expedition was broken up
md Stanley left for England, Shinzel
eturned to Austria and subsequently
.ame to the United States; the first
hing he did on landing was to pro-
ure citizens papers and he has
'roved himself true to his trust: he
8 one Of the best of Americans, who
as in him the ability to do big things
nd who has done much in his event
ul life to advance the welfare of the II
World in the broader way.
While unassuming, and not at all |
alkative about his active past, Mr..
hinzel has been invited to collaborate !
nth movie managers at Hollywood, j
nth reference to African pictures. He
, something more than an amateur
and had many valuable
ictures of the interior of the CONT
ent, which were unfortunately burned
l fire in North Dakota.
In many ways Mr.. Shinzel is one OF
lie most notable men In Washington.
lie has many friends who wish him
Apply declining years. n