Year: 1872

Bombay inform us that by the latest accounts
the great African explorer was still at Unyan-
yembe on the I'd Of July waiting the
No doubt by this time the second HERALD
expedition, bearing everything necessary for
an extended exploration, has reached
DR.. Livingstone, and he may even now
be on his way to solve the important
problem Of the drainage of the Central Water
Shed Whether the chain of lakes discovered
by Livingstone empty themselves into the
Nile or the Congo is problem full of impor
tance to geographical science, and one that
demands rapid solution. Had those with
whom Dr. Livingstone has been intimately
connected furnished him with the means Of
prosecuting vigorously his researches there
is every reason to believe that the energetic
and intrepid old man would long since have
satisfactorily set the question at rest. But, un-
fortunately for the interests of science, Living
stone has been made to rely too much on his
own resources. All the supplies obtainable at
Zanzibar were freely furnished to him by
Stanley before the latter's departure for
Europe, but there remains much that could be
done to render Livingstone's explorations
more complete and satisfactory if only the
British government could be awakened to the
necessity Of aiding the enterprise.


Private action has demonstrated how much
can be achieved at very slight cost, and it
only remains for the British government to
organize small expedition, furnished with all
necessary supplies-boats, camels and the
most reliable scientific instruments-to enable
Livingstone to carry his explorations to bril-
liant and happy end. Beyond the absolute want
of the means of existence the chief obstacle
to the explorers work has hitherto been met
with in the hostility of petty barbarous chiefs,
in conciliating whom it was necessary to waste
precious time that might have been proftably
employed. On some occasions the hostility Of
the natives compelled the traveller to turn
back and abandon his search. Now, the only
sufficient cure for this evil is to have the
exploring expedition protected by a reliable
force that would be able to prevent exactions
and delays by petty chiefs. The presence of
such force would give dignity and impor-
tance to the undertaking in the eyes Of the
natives, and would have the effect of impress
ing OH their minds the power of civilization.
1t is quite true that Livingstone seems to en-
tertain an objection to the organization of
such an expedition; but this, no doubt, in
the stay-at-home geographers. He conceives
that these gentlemen are quite capable of rob-
bing him Of the honor of his discoveries and
the advantages he hopes to derive from them.
Under this apprehension he is only too anxious
to prevent the approach Of intruders; but, as
the question to be solved has wider impor-
tance than the interests of any individual, the
wishes even Of Livingstone cannot be allowed
to bind the world to inaction: &C.


This difficult question could be easily solved
by the British government entrusting the en-
tire command Of the proposed expedition to the
experienced explorer, and making such ar
rangements with him as would guarantee him
from any prospective loss. The advantages of
such a course are clear. We would be enabled
to derive the greatest possible benefit from
the knowledge and experience gained by Liv-
ingstone in his years Of lonely travel. It is
not possible that q man Of his age should con-
tinue to bear up for many more years against
the effects of an African climate and the con-
tinued privations to which he is exposed. The
time is rapidly coming when that 'ruckle Of
bones" must seek repose among the haunts of
civilization or rest and silence under the
burning sands Of Africa. So precious life
ought not to be allowed to be extinguished by
unceasing struggle against difficulties which
the British government could obviate, or, at
least, greatly lessen, by the judicious expendi-
ture of few thousand pounds. 1t is aston
ishing, and, we're it not for the gravity Of the
interests involved, it would be ridiculous that
such paltry consideration should arrest the
action of the government of o great empire,
whose boast it is that on its flag the sun never
sets. And notwithstanding this magniloquent
description the rulers of this great Empire are
spending few thousand pounds from helpingat
once the cause of science and one of their most
distinguished subjects. Such conduct is GER
tainly unworthy of the great nation that spent
millions in Abyssinia to rescue half dozen
Englishmen from bondage.


twill be lasting disgrace to England if no
steps be taken to afford Livingstone large and
generous help. Already we hear that adven-
turous men in other countries, attracted by
the renown acquired by the leader of the
HERALD expedition, are preparing to venture
into the African jungles. A certain Mons.
Desaul is about to start from France with
well-equpped expeditionary force. England
alone, who is most deeply concerned in the
success and safety of the great traveller, is
content to do nothing except utter plati-
tudec, We know that this indifference is not
caused by want Of funds, and we do not think
that the inhabitants of the British Isles are
,,,,t;,o other in courage or the spirt of en-