Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1922-11-18
How ToMake
Africa Bright
. Not Dark Continent But Continent
/ OF Misunderstanding Says
h Report Made by Pheips-Stokes
CBy United Prcss.)

pOUSNIldl SJFeNSIu Al raw A4aISi idlS
and in the development of its native
peoples, rather than as the Dark
Continent" with emphasis on the
jungle and savagery, is the theme of a
report published by the Phelps-Stokes
fnnd today as the result of an inten-
sive study of the "hygienic, economic,
social and religious condition of the
Native people by an international
commission.
The idea of-making the study or
iginated with protestant missionary
boards of North America. Publica-
ton of the Commissions findings
comes at a time when the problem Of
manufactures has given Africa sig
nifcant position in international az
fairs, and it's detailed discussion Of
conditions in Liberia becomes availa-
bic for those who are interested in
S., 100000 loan to that republic, which
is scheduled for final consideration
when the Senate meets.
Africa is not the Great Dark Con-
tinent," but the Continent Of Great
MISUNDERSTANDING y, says the com
missions report, which continues;
"The popular presentation of Africa
has been too frequently in the form OF
journalistic accounts Of Darkest Afri
ca
"Of the many misconceptions that
still tend to limit the investment OF
capital in African industry and agri-
culture, to hamper the efforts Of col
onial governments, and discourage the
support of missions, there are four of
such Importance as to require con-
sideration. First Of these misunder-
standings relates to the wealth of re.
second is concerned with the health
fitness o fthe continent and the prom
sing possibilities of sanitary improve
ment; the third has to do with the I'M
PROBABILITY of the African people; the
fourth with European and American
influences"
The immense and varied physical
resuorces OF Africa are practically IN
known to the civilized world, says the
rerort. because the researches so far
made have been for private or govern
mont use and the results hav not been
published; but "there is sufficient evil
dence of potential wealth to convince
the most skeptical that Africa is The
undeveloped treasure house of the
world Every colony has some of the
precious meals in forms and quantities
profitable for commerce and points
out that the possibilities in agriculture,
animal husbandry ard waterpower de
velopment have scarcely been touched.
Africa'S reputation for unhealthGuj-
ness is attributed to the tragic eXper-
fence Of the pioneer who entered the
continent without knowledge of the
conditions. The point is emphasized
that, like every land of continental
proportions, Africa has all types of
climate, due to difference in latitude
and altitude. Practically all of Brit
ish South Africa, which is half the
area of the United States, is for in
stance, in the south temperance zore;
and the great Congo Basin has ar
average altitude of 1000 feet.
"The health experience 0 fthe Edu-
cation Commission" says the report,
"Is most reassuring to travellers IN
Africa. The only precautions reqnlr-
ed are helmets in the tropics, daily
ouinine in malarial regions and boiled
drinking water where the supply IS
not supervised.
a. fair comparison with other parts
ofthe world will undoubtedly STOW
that Africa will respond to modern
methods of sanitation and hygiene in
exacly the same way as continents OF
similar climatic, economic and soclal
conditions.
Stating that "the most unfortunate
and unfair of all the misunderstand-
ings is to the effect that the African
people do not give promise OF deVel-
opmont sufficient to warrant efortS III
their behalf" the report continues:
"The improvability Of the African
people is clearly shown by their re-
sponse to the efforts of missions, gov
crnments and commercial organiZAt-
ions Africans occupy positions OF i'm
portance in every colony visited: !her'
are physicians, lawyers and ministers
who have completed the requirements
Of European universities. While the
number is small, it is sufficient &c
to prove the capacity of the people.
( Admitting that the Africans have
suffered tragically at the hands o.
selfish white exploiters and that cyi
influences originated by white people
still persist in too many parts, the r.
port saws that ut is, however, the en-
phat;c conviction of the Educator
ommlssion that the gains that have
come to Africa through the "hi'e mar
are far greater than the losses.
Among the gains enumerated are dc
crease in sickness and death WITT
their attendant suffering, decrease ant
often elimination of the cruel oppres
sion Of witch-craft, substitution O
friendly relations for intertribal sia
very. and extension Of the economic
benefits of the country to all the trlO"S
The commission then proceeds u
discuss the whole question OF educa
rion. the fundamental importance .
which it sets forth as follows:
IGNORANCE, injustice, unrest II
Africa will always disturb the peace c
mankind elsewhere. The only cur'
for the so-called rising tide OF co'or
and the revolt against civilization.
heraldcd abroad with such al',ieo!