p. 278 | THE CONGO COUNTRY

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Michigan · May 5, 1885

FromThe Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. 62, No. 18

THE CONGO COUNTRY.

WHILE the great nations of Europe seem to be embarked upon a crusade of appropriating to themselves the territory of weaker nations the world over, the following sketch of the Congo country of Africa, over which there has been so much comment, will instruct and interest our readers.

CONGO.—The new Congo State embraces the entire basin of the Congo, except the lower portion, now seized by Portugal—an area of 900,000 square miles, with a population of 40,000, according to Stanley’s estimate. After passing the cataracts on the lower Congo, the stream is navigable for nearly its entire length of 2,700 miles, the Congo being, not the longest, but, next to the Amazon, the mightiest water conduit in the world. The extension of the eastern limit to the shores of the Indian Ocean vastly increases this magnificent domain, making of it a territory such as has never fallen under the control of a single human being, especially one whose practice is peace and not conquest. Of course the actual geographic boundaries, as well as the de facto authority of the Association in this region, depends upon its ability to make peaceful acquisitions and to exercise rule by force and persuasion. The Conference does not attempt to define the form of government, nor the form or measure of authority. It simply says “hands off,” and gives free play to the exercise of the efficient policy inaugurated by the Association.

As the primary motive of the International Association in penetrating the Congo region was geographical discovery, so the motive to which it appeals for further development is largely trade. The territory on the upper Congo is elevated, and the climate is good for a tropical one. Along the coast there is fever, but on the interior lands of the Association there is little need of sickness if the use of alcohol and exertion in the heat of the day are avoided. The thermometer ranges from 80 degrees. Mr. Stanley represents the region as rich in mines of copper and iron, and as containing deposits of gold and silver. It is abundant in gums, palm oil, and precious spices. It is adapted for corn, cotton, and rice. Its agricultural resources seem to be prodigious. The natives are eager for trade. Nearly three millions in value of goods were exported to the Congo region last year from England alone, while over five millions in value were withdrawn from the interior. Perhaps at the outset the benefits of trade, rather than the advantages of settlement, will be the reliance of the Congo State. Certainly it will be long before emigration would naturally turn from our own domain to the banks of the Congo.—Christian Work.